The other day I was in the car with Marc and I said, “I’m feeling very confident about the Ventoux ride. I know I’ll be able to do it.”

Marc followed this with, “What is making you feel this way?” A fair question since I haven’t been exuding confidence about my fitness lately.

“I’m feeling good. I can feel myself getting fitter. And I know I have the mental strength and capability to do this ride. I’m a very strong cyclist, so I know I can do this.”

Something has finally clicked for me. I am finally willing to admit that I’m a very talented athlete and person.

For too long I’ve discounted my abilities and accomplishments—chalking them up to hard work and not recognizing what I’ve achieved.

So, yeah—I’m proud of me. I believe in me. I’m excited for August and what the future holds.

Time to hold my head high, stand tall and be a believer.

(You have to know this was not an easy post for me to write. My biggest fear is that people will think I have a big ego. If you’re a long time reader of this blog, you’ll know this isn’t true—but if this is the first post you’re reading—you may think otherwise.)

Onwards and upwards.

A big shout out to Brad Stulberg and his latest book The Way of Excellence—this book has been fundamental in reshaping my mindset.