We advocate Plus-Delta sessions after meetings as a helpful way to learn because it is a type of reflection designed to improve future meetings. But Plus-Deltas are also helpful for events other than meetings. Doing something out of the ordinary is always a good opportunity for reflection. Thanks to some generous sponsors I had the privilege of riding in the Cleveland Clinic’s VeloSano cancer research fundraiser this past Saturday. Here’s what I observed.
First, a Delta. Check the arrogance. This was my bad. The first quarter of the ride we were largely going uphill. It wasn’t difficult, compared to the hills I ride northwest of Boston. Internally I mimicked Crocodile Dundee, thinking, “you call those hills,” and then mentally unfolding an elevation profile of the roads I normally ride thought, “these are hills.”
It was the hills to come in the middle part of the course that about did me in. They weren’t necessarily as steep as the hills at home, but they were much longer. I would have paced and nourished myself differently if I understood and respected the hills to come.
The point: New ventures bring new experiences, and we cannot pretend we have seen it all before. Wait for evidence before making judgements. It’s worth remembering because most of us have times when we charge ahead with great confidence, when a little more humility and information would serve both us and our teams better. (Sure, I’ll make this same mistake again, but probably less often since I see it’s a tendency.)
Now, a Plus. This was a really well run event. The organizers took care of the riders as well as can be imagined, which must be a result of terrific planning and execution. This is especially impressive since the organizers are all volunteers.
Everyone reading this likely already donates to a number of causes. If you have a small amount to give to the VeloSano fundraiser please consider doing so. Every dollar goes directly to research, which no doubt is conducted with an even greater level of excellence as this weekend’s event. The link below will take you to my fundraising page.
http://ccf.convio.net/goto/tomrichert
The VeloSano event was a terrific end to what has been a very good July. Thank you.
