Headwind

No one likes a headwind, here’s my story….

I’ve recently gotten into kayaking and I’m loving the freedom and different views of my environment. I also cycle and tend to avoid days where there is a wind, cycling against a headwind isn’t pleasant. But there’s worse, paddling against a headwind!

So, I decided to take the kayak to a nearby river as the sea was a bit too choppy for my liking. I decided to head one way, which happened to have the wind at my back (it didn’t seem that strong) and I happily crusied 4km with very little effort (around 11min/km). It was at turnaround point that reality hit!! Return kms were aroun 15-18min.

To get through the challenge of getting back to the starting point I had to draw parallels to life, so here they are:

Appreciate the tailwinds when you have them, there’s no resistance and life is plain sailing.

Accept that some things you can’t change.

Accept and take responsibility for decisions you make

Enjoy the challenge, it’s the headwinds that make you stronger

It’s OK to rest, but only when it’s safe to (i.e. by the bank/sheltered and not being blown backwards).

To move forward you have to work harder than the wind that’s blowing. Going into victim mode and saying ‘this is too hard’ helps not one bit.

When things are tough technique matters, when I’m cruising there’s no great strain on either arm. When working hard, using both arms (push/pull) is essential so to not tire both arms by just pulling.

Sometimes you have to go further than the optimum/shortest path. On the outward trip I took the ‘racing line’ between bends. On the way back I had to cut across the river to use the banks for some shelter. So, whilst it was harder as I was going directly against the wind, it gave me respite when I reached the sheltered bank and could paddle towards the next bend.

Sometimes you have to stop to empty the boat. Paddling hard against the waves/wind means waves break and water gets in, this makes it more uncomfortable if you’re having to sit in cold water. Stop, take time to reset.

Be grateful for the challenge, knowing that when it’s done you will be stronger.

Know that it’s temporary pain.

Don’t worry about 4km of headwind, it’s overwhelming. Even each bend was too far to focus on. Know that by each stroke you’re moving forward, it doesn’t matter how slowly.

Accept that effort doesn’t always equal reward. At times it was like running on a treadmill, lots of effort and no progress.

Smile

Wow, that was a powerful exercise!!