Happy FriYAY Team!
I am writing this as the sun sets on my final evening here in Italy, and found myself reflecting on the past eight weeks of High Performance coaching and the Project M Cycling Camp through France. It's hard to believe the journey is almost over.
Last week I wrote about how quickly time flies, and this trip has been the perfect reminder of just how true that is. Looking back through the photos from when we first arrived in Frankfurt feels like another lifetime. At different stages of the trip, time seemed to stand still, allowing me to truly soak in every moment. More recently, however, the days have flown by, and suddenly I'm packing my bags to head home.
What an incredible experience it has been. I've created memories that will stay with me forever, met some truly wonderful people, and experienced places and moments I could only have dreamed about. Every day has brought something new to appreciate.
Of everything I've done, I think I'm most proud of completing the cycling camp. Every single day was a challenge, and I even managed to squeeze in a bonus day of 121km LOL. There were moments where the climbs seemed endless, the legs were screaming, and the mind was constantly negotiating with itself. But every summit brought a sense of achievement that made every pedal stroke worthwhile.
To ride through the towns preparing to host the Tour de France has been something incredibly special. Our little town will even have a stage pass straight through it in the coming days. I was fortunate enough to ride nearly all of the Hors Catégorie climbs the professionals will tackle, and I can honestly say they are every bit as brutal as they look on television! When I watch the Tour over the next week, I'll have a whole new appreciation for what those riders are enduring. I'll know exactly how much they're suffering on those climbs, and I'll also understand the immense sense of pride they'll feel when they cross the finish line.
Travel has reminded me that life is meant to be lived, not simply watched from the sidelines. The greatest memories rarely come from staying comfortable. They come from having the courage to say yes to something that feels just a little intimidating, from embracing the unknown, and from doing things that genuinely challenge you.
As I head home, I'm grateful—not just for the places I've seen, but for the lessons they've taught me. The biggest one? Life is always worth living boldly.
Live Boldly,
Coach Alli |
