So you wanna go on The World Race?
I remember being in your shoes- blog stalking, watching every video I could find, and constantly day dreaming about the day I was a world racer. Trust me when I say it will be here before you know it! But in the meantime I want to provide you with my thoughts on a few topics as my race comes to a close. Hope it helps!
Health
Ladies. I want to be upfront with you. You will probably gain weight on the race. Most of the women on my squad have gained weight this year, myself included. Comfort food is real. Even if you don't eat McDonald's or drink Coke in America, you just might on the race when you want a taste of home. Also, most of the world seems to eat a whole lot of carbs- which stick ever so nicely around the waist. Regretfully, I didn't start working out super regularly until I could tell I was gaining weight. Since I decided to be proactive about it though, some of the pounds have come off and I can actually see some of my muscles again. Insanity got real old, real fast for me personally. I have become an avid pinterest visitor for new workouts. But in the end, don't stress it. Your identity is not in your weight. While it's no excuse to pick up unhealthy habits, trust that this is a year for God to really work on your inner beauty.
Men. You will probably lose weight. The kind of workouts you get at home aren't always possible on the race. Also, once again, most of the world seems to eat a whole lot of carbs. Meat is often lacking, especially in Asia. But just like I said to the ladies, your identity is not in your appearance. Trust that God will be growing you in different ways this year.
Packing
Packing was my biggest stresser before the race, which is funny to me now. It is actually true that you will end up with a small percentage of the things you originally bring with you on the field. This world has some sweet clothes to offer- Thai pants, African wrap skirts, Chinglish shirts, and so much more. Do yourself a favor and pack light in the beginning. I recommend clothes that aren't super loud, because chances are you're going to be re-wearing clothes like it's your job. It's less obvious with neutrals 🙂
I also recommend bringing lots of underwear/boxers/whatever. Bring what you wear at home, even if it seems silly. You're going to want to be comfortable. I brought maybe seven pairs and ended up buying more a few months in. Honestly, I'd say to bring at least ten pairs. You won't regret it.
As far as fitness goes, I would also recommend leaving prepared. I brought a pedometer, a jump rope, a resistance band, and had a few workout videos saved to my computer. I would definitely recommend all of these things. They are small and easy to pack and will be worth it in the end.
DO NOT bring large amounts of toiletries! Everywhere you go they WILL have shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, etc. The only two items I would recommend stocking up on are deodorant if you're picky about it, and tampons. They are often hard to come by (especially in Asia and Africa), but when they do have them in stock they are usually the OB tampons without an applicator. This is what I used most of the year and they do the job. I don't plan on using them at home, but they pack well and are inexpensive.
I would also recommend bringing some warm and cool clothes. Chances are your route will change. Unfortunately, ours changed drastically while we were at launch. We went from an all summer route to a route with only three summer months. Needless to say, we had to stock up on warm clothes before we left hot Malaysia for freezing Japan.
other items to bring:
-sharpies
-nice pens if you're a journaler
-duct tape
-blank cards to use for thank you notes to contacts, teammates birthdays, etc.
-student ID
-crystal light packets
-pocket sized sewing kit
-dryer sheets (to hang in your tent, stuff in your shoes, or rub on your clothes)
-small mirror
-small rope/clothesline
-spork
-travel mug/little french press if you're picky about coffee
-ziploc bags
-anti-itch cream
-pepto pills (lifesavers)
-vitamins and probiotics
-Dramamine (even if you don't get carsick pre-race it's a good thing to have juuust in case)
-headphone splitter
-external hard drive
-battery pack/charging sticks (I got two for $20 from amazon)
-extra headphones
Equipment
If you've read other packing blogs you've probably noticed a theme when it comes to sleeping pads- GET A GOOD ONE! I learned this lesson the hard way. I bought one from the REI Outlet; it was a Big Agnes on sale from a previous season. I used it at training camp and then a couple of other times before launch. By the time I went to use it in China it deflated every night. Thankfully, my dad brought me a new one during PVT. I replaced my old sleeping pad with another one from Big Agnes through REI. It's the orange insulated one with a built in hand pump- all four of the girls on my team have it. It's great. I would definitely recommend it.
When it comes to choosing a tent, make sure it's lightweight. My tent is wonderful but somewhat obnoxious to carry.
For packs, really try to find one that is a front loader. This makes packing so much easier, and provides for you to really make the most of every inch of space in your pack.
Preparation
One of the things I would change about my World Race experience is the way I prepared spiritually- or lack there of. Soak up your time at home with your loved ones. Enjoy the Lord's presence where you're at; God has you there for a reason. You'll leave when the time is right. I also want to encourage you to soak up your time with the Lord. Acknowledge any footholds in your life and nail them to the cross. The enemy will use any foothold he can find in your life to try to take your focus off of Christ and ministry, to bring fear or anger. Deal with your junk and expect to deal with more throughout the next year. Digging up deep strongholds in our lives is hard but so good. Let it happen, and not just when you're on the field, but now.
My race:
September- China (fall)
October- Thailand (summer)
November- Cambodia (summer)
December- Malaysia (summer)
January- Japan (winter)
February- Albania (winter/spring)
March- Serbia (spring)
April- Romania (spring)
May- Ukraine (spring)
June- Swaziland (African winter)
July- South Africa (African winter)
