Running with the Wind at Your Back or Against the Wind?

Here’s a question which could be as indicative of personality as boxers or briefs – do you prefer to run into the wind, or with the wind at your back?

If you’d prefer a nice latte and a scone instead, that’s fine. Think about the wind you’d like to stroll with, or imagine the kind of wind you’d appreciate if you did like running.

I think this question reveals one’s relationship to challenge.

Of course, it could also reveal how much you sweat, and if you live in the kind of place where a stiff breeze could cool you off or freeze your butt.

But let’s leave aside such meteorological – or athletic – questions for the moment.

Personally, I’m much more comfortable running against the wind, even if it’s difficult. There’s the pleasure of the wind in your face, for one thing, and it also helps keep the hair out of your eyes.

I also like it because I feel I know what the problems are. The struggle is me on this run, against this additional force. I can see what the issues are, and I can go at them.

I figure I’m pretty much like that with career and workplace issues. Even if things are tough, I feel better when everything is out on the table. And I take a certain amount of pleasure in seeing the challenges and going after them.

But with the wind at my back it’s a little more murky. Maybe that’s because the wind keeps blowing my hair into my eyes. You’d think that it would seem a lot easier to run when the wind’s behind you, but I’ve rarely noticed that sort of benefit.

In fact, I basically think the wind is never really with you, it’s just sometimes less against you.

I don’t know what that says about me. Does it mean I’m cynical? Self-pitying? Realistic? Indeed, in these times, it’s probably a good idea not to expect any assists from outside forces, even if they are acts of nature.

Perhaps the important thing to keep in mind is that, whether you’re running, trying to climb the ladder, or succeed at your job, you need to pay attention to the conditions you’re working with.

Is your field growing? Are there 6 applicants for every job? The answers to these questions might not change your plans, but they will help you prepare yourself and pace your efforts.

Just the way noting which way the wind is blowing can help you pace your run. Of course, a runner always has the option of running in a different direction, and I haven’t figured out how to translate that into a career move.

What do you think?

by Danielle Dresden