When was the last time you strapped your overflowing pack on your back and walked down the street?
For me, it was just a year ago. I’ll never forget that blistering hot day at the border between Thailand and Cambodia. Our whole squad had to walk 2 miles from one country to the next with ALL of our stuff. It was hot. I was hungry and regretting all the souvenirs I bought the month before.
The World Race is as much a physically challenging journey as it is a spiritually challenging journey. To best set you up for success, we are adding a physical fitness component to Training Camp. Every participant will be required to hike 3 miles WITH his/her pack in 50 minutes. Don’t freak out just yet; you won’t be hiking Mt. Everest. But do be aware that GA has some beautiful rolling hills that you will get to experience first-hand.
Men, in addition, be prepared to hike 15-20 miles over a 2-day period with a modified pack.*
Ok, how does this make you feel?
A. Three mile hike? Piece of cake!
B. Well, that doesn’t sound too bad.
C. Crap, maybe I should put down the bag of chips!
If you answered A, keep doing what you’re doing!
If you answered B, maybe an extra day at the gym wouldn’t hurt!
If you answered C, you should start taking small steps to prepare for this challenge like parking at the furthest space away in the parking lot, taking the stairs instead of the escalator, or joining a gym!
By completing this challenge at Training Camp, you will know you are prepared to face the physical rigors of life on the Race. If you are unable to complete the hike, you may be asked to defer to a later route until you are physically fit enough to participate.
If you are physically unable to complete the hike due to a new injury or other physical limitation, please notify your World Race Mobilizer.
*MEN: At training camp, you will have the opportunity to spend time with some of the World Race leadership. You will seek the Lord together, go hiking and camping in the North Georgia Mountains, and dive into what it means to be a man of God. We will provide you with any additional items that you will need to pack closer to Training Camp. If you are not physically prepared for such an experience, you should begin preparing now*
