To push ones boundaries is exhilarating, venturing into the unknown demonstrates your inner strength as much as your physical stamina, and that is what I love about it. Endurance rides are as mental as they are physical, those that quit will almost always give up mentally before their body does, to have that inner focus and determination to see things through takes time, and more than a pinch of life experience, to develop - it is what makes you who you are, and shows you what you are capable of.
There were several times on my journey from Lands End to John O'Groats when the scale of the venture was overwhelming, and my mind did go to those dark places. Being a solo explorer didn't help those occasions as there was no one to talk too (apart from yourself - which I did frequently, and out loud, which did confuse and amuse some residents in the odd small village as I pedaled through), but you need to remember that for every low there is a high (emotionally and geographically), so you are not too far away from that mood change (or downhill). It could be anything, from a turn in the road that opens up an incredible view, a sodden and bedraggled cow wondering across the road, a sign or place name that you find childishly amusing...literally anything could swing that mood, you just need keep spinning until it does.
I refuse to let anything beat me, whether down to the historic challenges I have faced, or my inner Taurean, I will find that focus and grind through regardless of the elements or the pain. I don't have anything to prove to anyone, and I will always challenge myself more than anyone else would, but it is lovely to have feedback and comments around motivating and inspiring people - little strange, but lovely.
Inspiration comes in many forms, whether you are aware of it or not, people may find you inspiring for a plethora of reasons. It doesn't have to be a physical challenge, although historically this is where the most amount of inspiration is linked to and comes from, it could be anything. People may find you inspiring for your resilience in the face of adversity, for your determination and drive, or even to just getting up and facing the day - you are an inspiration in someone's eyes. I am lucky enough to have had, and currently have, inspiration in my life, and what I love about it is that these people don't realise - they are just being themselves. Uniquely, this inspiration is entirely made up of woman, although growing up in a house full of them, that is not a surprise (to me anyway).
So be the best human you can be, and someone will see you as super.
Sleep now, for tomorrow I rest.