Challenge
I’ve never really liked that word—it’s too loaded with connotations of performance, hardship, discomfort, and overexertion. I prefer its French equivalent—défi. It means the same thing, but to me it sounds less spectacular, more intimate, and more adaptable. It’s easy to say “a little défi”—whereas a “little challenge” is almost an oxymoron. I don’t know who said it—a friend, a wise person, a teacher?—“Do things that scare you once a day.” Do something that scares you once a day. I wouldn’t go that far, but I think that exploring with curiosity the experiences that scare us a little opens up possibilities and invites us to live our lives with the intuition that limits are meant to be transcended.
Fear
Often, the things that scare us are also things we don’t understand; and fear, if we don’t gently explore it, will keep us from having wonderful experiences. Fear takes many forms, of course; there’s phobic fear—the kind we don’t even want to come close to—but there are also all those fears that are really just doubts about our own abilities: “I really want to do this, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to.” It’s this particular fear that interests me, and the one I invite you to face. Not to destroy it, but to move through it and realize that on the other side lies a whole world of possibilities.
Creating gentle, challenging situations
That’s kind of my job. In any case, it’s the challenge—the mission—I’ve set for myself with Explore Training: to create situations that invite us to go beyond our doubts and see what we’re capable of. Because, when it comes down to it, I have no doubt about anyone’s abilities. I know how to identify and support them. With the right attitude, hard work, and discipline—along with a spirit of adventure and self-respect—a great deal is indeed possible.
The challenge is to try
I was on my bike on the south face of Mont Ventoux last week when my latest challenge idea struck me. Sure, it’s amazing to climb this legendary mountain with Jojo as my adventure partner. But I thought to myself, what if we opened this opportunity up to others? To all those people who say to themselves, “Wow, Ventoux—that’s impossible for me.” That is, to all those who are in awe but immediately deny themselves the chance to try it for themselves.
Because taking on a challenge isn’t about succeeding—it’s about trying. It’s telling yourself, “I’ll give it a shot,” without assuming the outcome of the attempt. Trying is already a success. I truly believe that.
Trying is succeeding
If we look at success this way, then we take the pressure off. There’s no need to prove anything to ourselves in terms of physical performance; frankly, it doesn’t matter if we make it to the top on our bike. The true act of courage lies in the very act of trying—the courage to tell that limiting inner voice, “OK, you’re there, but today I choose not to believe you and to see what happens when I try.”
The Ascent of Mont Ventoux
So, Mont Ventoux. I propose we climb it together in May 2024—one year from now. On the trails, far from the busy road. What does that entail?
- the desire to try
- being willing to stop and push your bike
- accepting that it will be a long ride, and sometimes difficult
- Believing it’s possible—for yourself and for others
- a commitment to train as best you can, with my advice if needed (in a year, there’s plenty of time to get ready—even if you don’t ride much right now)
This will be a group effort; the group will be our shared strength: we’ll maintain unwavering solidarity. There will be no stopwatch or time clock—it’ll be long, slow, tiring, exciting, and incredible.
As for limiting beliefs:
I’m too old, not athletic enough, too heavy, not strong enough… I don’t have a bike… I’m afraid of the rocks on the trails… I’m afraid of the downhills… I’ll be the last one, etc…
I hear you. Those thoughts cross my mind, too. But my experience shows me time and again that taking a chance is such a breath of fresh air, such a renewal, that it’s worth setting those thoughts aside for a moment and letting yourself be surprised by what you’re capable of.
Let’s take a chance
Let’s dare together to take on this climb up Mont Ventoux—it’ll be the Pentecost weekend in 2024. And I invite you to sign up right now and start making this part of your vision of what’s possible.
Other Challenges
Along the same lines, I’ve planned a great, challenging hike for December 2023. We’ll cross Sainte-Victoire along the ridges and return via Vauvenargues. It’s a difficult hike, but not impossible.
And the 2024 edition of the 12-hour walking challenge will be announced soon—in the spring.
Until then, if you doubt your abilities, count on me—I’ll show you the way to your true potential. You can count on me.