How do you stay healthy on the world race? It's not easy to avoid colds or other sicknesses on the race. Sometimes in life we get into a slump everything seems to be going wrong, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. By no means was I perfect at these things but these are some things that helped me a lot during the race (and that I hope to diligently continue to incorporate into life as I return to America) :
The Spiritual:
PRAYER: "The squad that prays together, stays together"
At the end of our first month The Lord impressed it on my heart to have prayer for the squad. One person from each of our teams would take down prayer requests and send them to the rest of the squad, coaches, squad leaders, and our mentor. ". Prayer has been a blessing in my own race experience, for my team, and for the rest of the squad. Pray diligently NOW for and with your squad, for your team, for your family and friends. And enlist others maybe three or four personal prayer warriors who you will keep in the loop along the way who can join with you in prayer for personal needs, and for those on your team.
Bible Study: During the race I've had a lot of time to study God's word and to be refreshed. In the those times when it's quiet, when you have a lull in ministry, you can't sleep, take time in the word. Making the time to become engrossed in the word of God is a gift and is beneficial as you move throughout your day on or off the mission field this time with God is precious.
The Mental: It had been a long time since I hadn't taken classes before the race. Just because you're not enrolled in school doesn't mean that you can't continue learning and challenging yourself. I encourage you to read books that will challenge you while on race, some people have read theological essays, other's have download lectures from iTunes U (It's free). learn the local language, keep your mind active and don't become to engrossed in watching TV or Movies.
The Physical:
Coming into the race I to be honest had not been keeping very good eating or workout habits. My excuse: I was working a lot of hours and as a nanny I pretty much eat what the kids eat. So here I came to the world race not at my healthiest. I've returning to America a lot healthier with the hopes of continuing my healthier habits.
My recommendations:
Don't over indulge: coffee shops, ice cream, chocolate these things are every where. That ice cream that was really delicious and could be your last one until America won't be the last one they have the same ice cream bars in the next country. (Okay Not the exact same but beware of getting to attached to those "treats")
Make healthier choices: Fruits and Vegetables aren't always the cheapest option; so enjoy what you have (if you're the person that eats them). It'll keep you healthier a long the way as you choose to eat right. AND drink WATER!!! Soda, Coffee, and Tea do not count; especially in the hotter countries. If you're preparing for the race and you don't drink water pack some type of crystal light packets or other types of flavoring. Hydration is super important.
Stay active: Whether its choosing the walk over the ride, biking for the month, going on the harder hikes or getting up extra early to work out. It's worth it! The last two months I have worked out more intentionally than I have the rest of the race. There have been months when I worked out a little and months when I didn't out at all. The last two months of diligent 5 to 6 workouts per week have helped me in many ways. I feel more focused and over all healthy. I recommend putting apps on your ipod, ipad, or getting programs that you can use on your computer. Some of the popular ones my team has used are: Workouts, Nike training club, Tabata workouts, and Insanity. I have also been doing couch to 5k this past month. (Running can be difficult if you don't have a buddy).
What healthy habits do you need to keep up? Whatever you may be currently doing in life I encourage you to keep up or start your healthy habits, TODAY!!!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God?s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God?this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God?s will is?his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)
