So, back in the UK now having been cycling in Switzerland. I have 14 days isolation and the question is “Was it worth it?” The answer is not so simple because it depends who’s perspective you are looking from!
From my perspective, I think it was fantastic. We did some challenging cycling, not quite like the Marmotte challenge, but enjoyable tough rides. I spent time relaxing, taking in the local culture and catching up with my mate.
From my wife’s perspective, probably not! She now has 2 weeks off and we can’t do anything or go anywhere. Sandra now has to do all the running about, because I’m not allowed out. It’s Sandra’s and Cloe’s (My Daughter) Birthday at the weekend so we are restricted to doing something at home instead of going out. To say the least, I’m not that popular at home.
From my (wider) family’s perspective, probably not! My Sister now has to arrange more things for my Mum, as I can’t go over to see her, and, last week my Mum had a fall so, with my restrictions, I was as much use as a chocolate fireguard, which meant Sandra and Trudi had to pick up the trip to A&E etc. (Mum is fine, just shaken and bruised a bit!)
So, was it worth it?
I must admit, when the rules changed for Switzerland, I only really thought about my diary and if the restrictions would impact my ability to earn. As I only have virtual stuff booked in at the moment it didn’t affect that at all so I thought “Okay, let’s do it”
I had, in my mind, already got the go ahead for this trip but I failed to adapt as the restrictions changed, time frames moved and the actual event got cancelled. I stuck with the plan “We are going cycling” and the goal was to cycle big mountains, no matter what.
In hind sight, what would I do differently? Well, I would have asked a few more questions and enlisted the help of my family instead of forcing some issues on them! I needed to think about the wider impact of my ‘boys holiday’ (As Sandra described it!) instead of using just one perspective – mine!
Fortunately, I have no symptoms and have stuff to get on with as well as some, additional, house chores that seem to be my penance for the decision I made.
No harm, no foul – what do you think?
I will make it up to the family and have promised that I am not doing anymore extreme events that require endless hours of training – no matter what I do next. I think that is more about me being fed up with endurance cycling now, but, it’s a promise.
With the world changing so fast, the rules of CV-19 constantly moving and our environment being constantly forced to morph into something new, I think excellent, clear communication is one of the most important skills to develop. It removes ambiguity and increases understanding, it can improve performance and achieve great things.
If we don’t communicate well, don’t understand differing perspectives, we can end up with a catastrophic mess, for no real reason.
What have you got going on that needs clear and concise communication, but also needs some clarification, understanding and a view of other perspectives, before you steam ahead with your plans?