Plan B

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Tonight I read a race report that mentioned the need for having a “Plan B” in future races.

This got me thinking. Yes, it’s critical to have a back-up plan for when things don’t go according to plan. That’s not just for racing, but in our careers, or just throughout life really.

But when is it time to abandon Plan A?

How do we know when it’s time to switch from one plan to another?

When can Plan A be salvaged still? Is Plan A so pure in its preparation that if the slightest thing goes astray, we need to consider a Plan B?

Ideally, we can Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act (OODA Loop) after a quick situational triage.

Things I might ask myself as an athlete in the heat of a race OODA Loop prior to switching from Plan A to Plan B:

  • Am I sick?

  • Am I injured?

  • Have weather conditions changed drastically? (Will they improve soon?)

  • Am I cramping or bonking?

  • How far into the race am I?

Then, the second-most important question:

  • What can I do to return to Plan A in its original form? (The quintessential “What can I control?” question) This might include using a special needs bag in an Ironman, walking aid stations to consume more nutrition, remembering a mantra to help you through a tough moment, or something else.

But here’s the most important question:

  • Do I want to return to Plan A?

You might expect me to write that you MUST get back to Plan A.

Not so.

It’s OK not to want to do that! For example, maybe your plan was too conservative and you decide to go for it, come what may. That’s OK.

Whatever you decide though, commit to the plan!

If you commit, you will focus on controlling the controllables. And when you stick to that plan, you might just surprise yourself.

Soon you see that Plan A nor Plan B really matter…it’s what you choose to commit to that does.