THROWBACK TO NEPAL.
Even before I was accepted on the World Race, I thought about what clothes I was going to bring with me on the race. It might seem silly but this is how my brain works. I started to read over alumni racers blogs to get an idea of what to bring. But I knew that I was by no means going to be packing anything ‘dry-fit’ or pants that zipped off. I want to state that I have nothing against these things, they just are not for me.
I knew that I wanted to bring clothes that reflected me. That stayed true to who I am. Especially because I would be living in situations that were so abnormal to me. I didn’t want to feel even more uncomfortable than situations on the race can make you. Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t bring clothes that were unpractical or outside of dress-code. But I did bring a pair of jeans and things that were made of cotton. And I’m happy I did. Maybe I’ll find the time to write a packing blog one day…
I also tried to get a little creative while on the race too. I love to sew and re-fashion clothes at home. And I knew a part of me would miss that the year. So, it was my plan along to “re-fashion” the pair of jeans that I brought once I reached the half way point of my race. True statement, your clothes go thru the ringer on the race. By month 8, my jeans were looking pretty rough. They were no longer the color that they were when I launched. But I wasn’t going to drop them yet. I wanted to distress them and cut some whole in them before I tossed them on the ‘free table’. Also, thankfully, at this point in my race, I was past all the countries where it would have been scandalous to show your knees.
It was a small little change to the jeans I have been wearing for the past eight months that made me feel like I had new pants. Which is a big deal when your wardrobe was shrunk as much as mine did. Your clothes on the race don’t have to be boring or ugly. However, one thing that the race has taught me is how not to care so much. Sure re-fashioning my jeans was fun and they looked cute after. But a lot of days on the race you just wear what you’ve got, over and over. Or really what is clean. I learned that it’s ok to not look put together all the time. I learned that in regards to what I was wearing and also in regards to my life. I don’t have to look like I’ve got it all together. It’s ok to not be ok!
So that is my re-fashion blog that I have been wanting to post for a while now. And some other thoughts to go along with it.
-hw
