Stay the course in a changing climate

The fell runner in me is at high alert. It is blowing a gale. It’s windier at certain times than others, and the higher we get to the top the more blowy it gets. It’s also difficult to tell where the next gust is coming from. What is certain is that something new would come along soon to make you brace yourself differently, to challenge your ability to stand, or even to keep going.

It’s exhausting, reacting to every new gust that comes along. I also know that if I don’t react the right way just once I could lose ground, at best, or at worst, well...

I can’t predict anything in this and can’t keep investing energy with shifting conditions either. What I’ll need to do to have any chance is to figure out the main issues, and what are my basic needs and come up with a workable plan.

I quickly recognize that my basic needs are for all of us to safety navigate the steep rocky slopes ahead even with the very strong gusting winds with the expectations of us all arriving without incident. At the same time, I expect us to look out for, and take advantage of, and potential openings or easier routes that the conditions provide, and which could lead us more favourably. I do have a good team with me, good kit, and aside from the gusts the climate is reasonable.

Having worked out the plan with those around, everyone is comfortable with it. The plan is to brace ourselves for the windy conditions, always being prepared to slow to a stop if it becomes too much, but largely not changing course as that could take me on a route I don’t want to go down, unless a clear and obvious advantage is to be had. If this turns out to be the case, a clear decision would be taken to go along this route, to make sure everyone was in agreement.

With this in mind the whole time, and quick feet to avoid rocks, we set off, sticking to the plan and ultimately achieving the goal of a safe descent.

Identifying and planning to deal with any of your issues, towards delivering on your organization’s expectations, could also help you achieve your goals. And help you deal with any weather that tries to knock you off course.