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.

I tend to plan my training sessions for the upcoming week on a Sunday. The planning is partly because I don’t have time to dawdle about trying to decide what to do on the day but it also ensures I schedule a variety of workout types to avoid the same focus every day. The debate over cardio v. strength for optimum fitness have been a constant in magazines, podcasts and social media but I’m definitely in agreement with those who advocate a balance of both. Certainly, Crossfit encompasses both so I’ll need to make sure I’ve covered all the bases for my 24hr Challenge!

Although I schedule all my workouts for the week, I do stay flexible. We all have days when our energy is low, things don’t go to plan or, particularly as a woman, hormones can totally throw our day off. I think it’s really important to listen to our bodies (even though I can sometimes be guilty of pushing through regardless) so if I’ve planned a strength session and wake up feeling low, I might swap that workout for a feel-good Body Combat blast instead. Other days, I might have zero energy and can only face a yoga session. By doing what I fancy on the days where I have less drive, I’m more likely to give the workout my best and, therefore, get more out of it.

That said, keeping my workouts varied not only means I work different muscles and include a mix of fitness elements each day but it also stops me getting mentally bored with my training and stops my body getting complacent too. I’m always up for trying new workouts because it keeps things interesting and it feels good to challenge myself to see what I can achieve.

Yoga is another regular in my schedule – mainly for active rest days but also for a post-workout stretch or an evening chill. My morning sun salutation is a non-negotiable. Yoga leaves me feeling mentally and physically strong, flexible and calm and is really good for muscle recovery. What’s not to love!

The Crossfit Open launched this week so today’s challenge is Workout 21.1 – lots of jumping and wall walks. Wish me luck… I think my shoulders may be complaining tomorrow! I haven’t scheduled my Saturday and Sunday training this week – I’ll get through the Open workout first and figure it out from there, based on my ability to move in the morning. I’m looking forward to the challenge though and it’s giving me a real buzz of excitement to get planning and preparing for my own Crossfit challenge later this year!!!