Training for athletic events–or just trying to get in or maintain shape, period–is full of opportunities to doubt yourself and quit.

Every. Single. Day.

What’s helpful–to a point–is the support of others. In fact, that’s not just what a training partner is for, that’s what Twitter is for. Since I often Tweet while running(!) and read responses at the same time, I call it my always on conscience and support.

The folks I Tweet with have two responsibilities: to make sure I do what I say I’m going to do–hold me accountable for riding, running, and entering events–and to encourage me when times are tough. And they do that–incredibly well, in fact–every single time.

What’s interesting with all of that is that it often seems that there are people out there who believe in my ability much more than I do. They are the ones who tell me that just finishing a marathon was an accomplishment and it’s beyond their wildest imagination to run a 10K or ride 62 miles, let alone do the really big events.

But what it comes down to is this–there’s only one person who absolutely needs to believe in me. And that person… is me.

I have a choice every day, many times a day, to give up my training, and really, despite all the love and support from my buddies out there both in real life and the ether, the only person who can ultimately make those choices is the one in the mirror.

If anyone needs to believe in me, it’s me.
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