So Thursday night's are my Civil Air Patrol night. Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The biggest part of my evening comes from working with the cadet program (kids ages 12-21). Tonight was PT (physical training) and emergency services (specifically learning how to put someone on a backboard, strap them down, and cart them out of any situation). Some of the cadets have started to struggle at their PT tests and, thanks to Allan, I had this thought in my head about a local triathlon this summer and suggested everyone enter. This will give us a goal to reach when training each week.
So I had just listened to one of the cadets talk about leadership and followership. You have to first be a good follower to then be a good leader. In one of my weak moments, thinking I should inspire these kids, I told them I'd do the triathlon with them if anyone was interested. Hands shot straight up, of course. And now I'm in trouble. I'm pretty sure the first ten laps in the pool will be fine. It's just the other 20 that worry me. Biking is fine. I will blow by those that left me to sink in the pool. But the run? I don't run unless being chased.
Maybe this is my call for a chaser.
In any case, being a leader isn't easy. It is meant to be a challenge. But challenging yourself isn't all there is. Challenging others to improve is what make us better. So yes, I may be worried that I'm going to start to sink in the pool. But I know the back stroke and have determined that it is a solid back-up plan. I'll be a follower. The bike, love. I will lead. The run, my challenge. Their challenge. Our challenge. We will learn together.
So I had just listened to one of the cadets talk about leadership and followership. You have to first be a good follower to then be a good leader. In one of my weak moments, thinking I should inspire these kids, I told them I'd do the triathlon with them if anyone was interested. Hands shot straight up, of course. And now I'm in trouble. I'm pretty sure the first ten laps in the pool will be fine. It's just the other 20 that worry me. Biking is fine. I will blow by those that left me to sink in the pool. But the run? I don't run unless being chased.
Maybe this is my call for a chaser.
In any case, being a leader isn't easy. It is meant to be a challenge. But challenging yourself isn't all there is. Challenging others to improve is what make us better. So yes, I may be worried that I'm going to start to sink in the pool. But I know the back stroke and have determined that it is a solid back-up plan. I'll be a follower. The bike, love. I will lead. The run, my challenge. Their challenge. Our challenge. We will learn together.
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