Editor’s note: this entry was written before yesterday’s entry, “What 40 Miles Looks Like”.

How much of getting into shape is psychological rather than physical? My guess is that it’s about 75% psychological and only 25% physical–if not closer to 100% psychological.

Yes, you have to physically exercise to get into shape, so it’s not possible it’s 100% mental. But on the other hand, the mind plays lots of tricks on us to try to derail our plan. Change is hard.

What are some common excuses for not working out? “I’m tired.” “It’s too early.” “It’s too late.” “I just ate.” “I forgot my equipment.” “It’s raining.”

Some of these are more valid than others, but no matter what, they’re excuses.

I won’t pretend I’m not as guilty as the next guy; rain days litter my training calendar like cigarette butts on a sandy beach. So many times I wake up late when I need to be on the bike at 5 am that I blow it off that morning and try to play catch up in the afternoon. And every so often, I just write off a workout as a “flake day”.

There’s all kinds of tricks to play on ourselves to try to get out of these traps we get ourselves into. I’m spending tonight–nine hours before I want to do a three hour ride–getting rid of excuses. Water bottles are frozen. Clothes are laid out. Bike maintenance done. Lights checked. I’m even packing my camera so I can show you all what a 40 mile bike ride might look like. And to hold myself more accountable, I have this blog.

Realistically, though, it’s easier to turn over when the alarm’s going at 4:45 am and say, “Forget it,” than it is to drag myself out of bed, brush my teeth when it’s dark and everyone’s still sleeping, and get my gear on.

In the end, all of these tricks help, but the only thing that’ll get me on my ride tomorrow is me, and the only thing–weather permitting–that’ll stop me from getting on my ride tomorrow is me. And I’m determined not to let me stop, well, me. Not this day. And hopefully, not any other.