The event itself is daunting – physically and mentally it will be a huge challenge so preparation, mindset and optimum health will be key to completing the challenge. But I’m also anxious about the six months leading up to the event and whether I’ll be able to achieve the goals I have in mind in order to be ready. I know that my fitness level is ok, I need to improve my strength and technique but am fairly happy in most areas of Crossfit and I have also discovered over the years that I have quite a gritty determination that has got me through difficult times in my life as well as challenging workouts. The thing I struggle with (in many areas of my life if I’m honest) is self-doubt and low self-esteem and this will probably be my biggest hurdle. There are many days when I think “who do I think I am? I can’t do this! Everyone must think I’m an idiot for thinking I can get through this challenge! There’s no way I’ll ever be good enough!” My lack of faith in myself is something my husband despairs over but he is also my absolute rock and will be a massive support. I just have to find my own strength on the days I doubt myself so I can keep pushing to achieve my goals.

There has been a lot of talk around impostor syndrome, lack of self-belief and fear of failure in the media recently and how common it is, particularly among women. I can relate to a lot of what is discussed so I’m keen to find out how others overcome these feelings and begin to have faith in themselves. Dr Tara Swart (interviewed in Women’s Health magazine) explains that confident feelings come when “the bonding hormone oxytocin, which allows you to take healthy risks that are more likely to lead to success, is activated in the brain.” She goes on to explain that you can create a habit of believing in yourself – it will take time and practice to establish the habit but by making a decision to change, focusing on achieving that change and holding yourself accountable, it can happen. she also suggests focusing on your past successes, in any part of your life, and drawing on the positive feelings from those moments. When I think about those times in my life that I’m proud of and felt confident, it’s an awesome feeling so I can see how this theory will work – I just need to recall that feeling when the self-doubt starts creeping in and get into the habit of channelling that emotion into this challenge and my training. I’m never afraid to ask for help (another piece of advice from Dr Swart) and I’m always keen to learn from others or try new ideas which will definitely help with my confidence. I’ll certainly be taking on any advice and words of wisdom from the coaches and other members on those first nerve-wracking sessions as ‘the newbie’ at the gym and throughout the months leading up to my challenge.

It’s frustrating that my mind can have such a negative effect on my actions and emotions. However, I also appreciate how powerful that mind is and have every intention of doing what I can to focus on the positive things that it can do – mental strength is going to be just as important and physical strength for this challenge, if not, more so.