It is my 47th birthday, and I am on a run that is 4.7 miles long and includes a route up Mayflower Hill to Colby College in Waterville.

Mayflower Hill elevates from 50 feet to 250 feet above sea level in just one-quarter mile. I had yet to run up this hill continuously without taking a walking break.

On this day, my birthday, I begin the ascent up the hill. An older gentleman runner wearing a bright orange running shirt passes me at the bottom of the hill and proceeds to run ahead of me.

I keep my eyes focused on his back, and I keep running. The hill gets steep.

I feel that my heart and lungs will explode, so I try to think about other things.

I am halfway up the hill, and I can see the “Colby College, Established in 1813” sign.

The older gentleman is still running, and I guess I can, too. I focus on his orange shirt; it’s easy to see.

More of the hill is behind me, and I am slowing my pace, but I am still running.

He reaches the top without stopping, and I am almost there … almost there … I’m there!

I take a short break, and I am triumphant.

As I catch my breath, I take pictures of that hill with my iPhone. It is beautiful from the top, but the pictures do not do it justice.

I look around at people driving by in their cars, going about their lives, oblivious to my herculean feat.

I want to share this accomplishment with somebody.

The older gentleman runner has gotten into his car, but he has not yet backed out of his parking spot.

I run up to his car and motion him to roll his window down with the universal sign — a hand-cranking motion, what we used to have to do before buttons.

In between breaths, I explain, “This was my first time running up that hill without taking a walking break. I followed you. I want you to know you inspired me to do it. Thank you.”

I am hoping that in this brief exchange with a stranger I will not find out that he is crazy, mean or at the very worst, apathetic.

He is none of the above. He smiles big and replies, “That is awesome. Congratulations!”

Mary Alice Laiho is a resident of Fairfield.