Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Next Wednesday 6th Oct, I start out on my next challenge which is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and I thought I would share my thoughts with you as they may resonate with some of the fears and worries that everyone experiences when they are faced with a daunting challenge.
Will I be able to do it?
Have I trained enough?
What if I fail?
Have I got all the equipment and gear I need?
What is it going to be like?
What are the people going to be like?

Do any of the above thoughts sound familiar?
When I face a challenge, and I set myself one a year - something to stretch me, to take me out of my comfort zone, that will take effort and determination to achieve (last year's challenge was the London marathon, and next year's challenge is to climb Machu Picchu)
This is the process I follow:
I visualise the end goal, by that I mean I really feel, see, hear everything that its going to be like, and anchor the image in my mind.
I plan my training factoring in mini goals............this year I have climbed Snowdon 3 times, consistently run 3 times a week, pilates etc.
I check off my kit list against the official kit list to ensure I have everything necessary.
I research the challenge by reading about it, and talking to people who have already done it (knowledge and information is power)

And then, I logically rationalise all my fears and doubts, dispelling each and every one out of my subconscious.

Then the fun starts............the excitement, the anticipation, the buzz!!

It works, it really does! When you reach your goal, the sense of achievement is amazing!
What's your challenge? Whats going to test you and push your boundaries?
We can all think of hundreds of reasons why NOT to do things, and the reality is that you just have to take the first step and go for it!!!
Lance Armstrong once said "Pain is temporary, Quitting is forever!"

I will keep you posted with how I get on over the next few weeks...............I'm soooooo excited!