For those of you wondering how Training Camp was…and for the future racers who are stalking every blog with the words “Training Camp,” I present this blog.
In honor of the hoard of Buzzfeed posts I read, here are…
14 Truths About Training Camp:
1. Training Camp is different for everyone
No two people will experience something the same way and that is especially true of Training Camp. So while I was at the same camp as everyone else, I’m sure I learned different things. Good rule for future racers: don’t freak out because of another person’s experience. Yours will be unique to you.
2. There will be something you hate about Training Camp
Hopefully you don’t hate much…and hopefully it’s not another person, but you probably won’t like everything about camp. Remember the point of #1? Everyone is different and the likelihood of camp being exactly what you want 100% of the time is so slim I can’t even find a Google image for that.
3. There will be tons of things you love about Training Camp
If you get rid of expectations and just be open to what God wants to do, I think you’ll realize most things at camp are pretty awesome and the people are great. Get to know your squad, participate in things intentionally, seek God every day…it will revolutionize your Training Camp.
4. You get to meet your entire squad…at once…and try to remember their names. (Bravo Kami for learning everyone’s names right away.)
(Photo credit: Rebecca Neff)
Seriously, I was surprised by how awesome my squad is. Sure, you get to connect via Facebook, and you’ve probably video chatted every week for the past 6 months, but meeting everyone in person is so much better. What a great week to make 50ish new friends!
5. You won’t know what’s happening until it happens
You want to know what’s going on, I want to know what’s going on. Unfortunately, or fortunately, you have to live in the moment and just be content not knowing. Get used to it, because apparently you cannot plan your entire life. Although part of me thinks that would be awesome!
6. It feels much longer than a week
Maybe this was just my perception, but I lost track of what day it was and by the end it felt like I had been at camp for a month…in a good way. My squad is awesome!
7. Crazy things will happen
Life comes at you pretty fast at camp and sometimes it’s fine…sometimes it’s crazy. Don’t worry. The World Race staff isn’t smoking crack in Lydia’s basement…just learn to go with it and be flexible. On a cool note, sometimes the crazy thing could be God working in you. Crazy can be awesome!
8. God will teach you amazing things if you listen
Here’s the thing…Training Camp isn’t a total escape from “real life.” You still have distractions and you still have to make a decision to set aside time to connect with God or not. Spoiler Alert: it’s always worth it to pray and listen to God.
9. You can dance if you want to…or not. But it’s always more fun to dance.
There will be so many opportunities to dance and have fun. Take them! And this applies to life outside of the World Race as well. Life with God is too good! Dance a little!
10. You will be stretched!
Get used to the “discomfort zone.” It’s amazing and God is there. You will be pulled out of your happy place and have to rely on God throughout the week, your race, and in life. Just remember stretching is good. Don’t want to get a cramp!
11. You may even question why you ever signed up for the World Race.
I mean, who would sign up to be uncomfortable for 11 months. Do you really want to be with these people, all day…every day? Is this really how the World Race will look? What did I get into? –All of these things may run through your mind, but then you’ll remember why you signed up, and you’ll be glad you listened to that whisper from God.
12. Your experience will depend on you alone.
It’s true that everyone’s experience is different, but it’s completely up to you. No you can’t always choose what you may be doing…or eating, but you can choose how you approach each day and what you do with what you’re given. It will be great if you make it great. But you can also make it one of the worst weeks as well. Good or bad, it’s all on you. Choose the right ending.
13. You will find out who is on your team!
Meet Team Bellator! (Photo credit: Rachel Curtis)
It can be an anxious time waiting to see who’s on your team. No doubt you’ve put together your “dream team” in your head. Chances are, you won’t get it, but in the end it will be great. You may even love your team right away. But even if you aren’t stoked at first, look for the awesome things in each other and see just how similar you all are. And don’t worry! It will be great!
14. You will be prepared, motivated and excited to start on this crazy World Race thing.
The ups, downs, craziness, and awesomeness are all designed to set you up for greatness on the World Race. So stop worrying and have fun!
It’s happening! I’ve been to Training Camp and in just over three weeks I will be traveling to Atlanta for launch. I’m scheduled to leave the country on July 3rd, but in order to go, I need to meet my second deadline of $7500 by the end of this month.
If you’d like to donate to my account, and help send me where God is leading, please click the “Support Me” button on the left side. Special thanks to everyone who has donated so far. You guys are amazing!
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I’m going on an adventure!!!
