Inspiration!

Well, it's done. I officially want to become a sprinter.

(Did Jen just spill her tea?)

After watching Mark Cavendish's inspiring 4th Tour de France Sprint Stage win today, it's official. For once, I want to feel what it's like to accelrate towards the end of a bike race, others sprinting as fast as they can next to me, falling back as I surge forward, cross the line, and raise my fists up in triumph as I finish first.

Yes, the 23-year-old sensation for Team Columbia makes it look almost too easy. His timing instinct, his ability to find the gap in the hectic moments before race end, the ridership ability of him and his team, and his God-given talent to sprint the legs off his compeditors is incredible. (Among many other things).

What we don't see are the hours upon hours spent practicing, visualizing, preparing, fretting, second-guessing, training, lifting, riding, treating saddle "issues", support from friends, family, teammates, coaches, and others, and any number of things he does to be the best sprinter in the world.

Either way you look at it, it's incredible.

Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go get ready for my long ride tomorrow. And I may have to throw in a sprint or two, just for the fun of it. Rest assured, you know who has inspired me.

And no, I will not raise my arms over my bike in triumph, as I cross an imaginary finish line. With my luck, I would probably crash.

But I will be doing everything in MY power to make myself the best that I can be. And that's a great start.