This one is for the future racers.
I’m currently in Japan on month 3 of my race. Before I launched, I searched every blog and video I could find so I could get an idea of what I wanted to pack. There’s some things that are like, you REALLY need to pack. Some of those things are deodorant, a comfy sleeping pad, and a warm sleeping bag (especially if you’re going to colder countries. Our heater went out in Mongolia one night last month, and was COOOOOOLD!!!!). And for the girls reading this that are freaking out about what clothes you’re going to bring, don’t worry about it. Trust me, the clothes in Asia are super cute! I’ve already dropped some of the clothes I brought from the states.
So I’m going to talk about some things that I’m SUPER glad I brought with me on the race, and some things that I didn’t bring but wish I did.
What I’m glad I brought:
1. Waterproof portable speaker
I’ve used this thing SO MUCH!! I use it for when everyone wants to watch a movie, or for dance parties, and this month I’m attaching it to the basket on my bike and listening to music whenever I’m riding the bike. It’s basically like listening to the radio in the car (or at least the next best thing).
2. Travel size hair straightener
I don’t use this like everyday, but it is really nice to have for whenever I want to look nice.. which so far in Asia, everybody is dressed super nice all the time, literally. We definitely stand out as world racers over here.
3. Benadryl
SUPER USEFUL!! Especially for when you’re jet lagged or haven’t gotten much sleep. It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re sleeping on the floor, even with a sleeping pad. It also helps for long travel days and you want to sleep on the plane. And of course, it helps for if you’re having some allergies.
4. External Hard drive with movies
At home, I love watching movies. So on days when I need some rest or not feeling well, I have a ton of movies to choose from.
5. Makeup
I wear makeup at home, and I almost thought about not bringing it, but I’m so glad that I did. It helps me to feel more like myself. Ladies, if you wear it at home, bring it. Trust me, there will be days when you just want a little mascara and blush.
Things I wish I packed
1. A coffee mug
I drink coffee ALL THE TIME at home. Usually like 2-3 cups per day (I know, that’s so terrible). I actually bought one specifically for the race, but when I was packing, I thought, “Oh, I won’t use this, I’ll be fine without it”. Nope! I was wrong. Definitely could’ve been using it like everyday.
2. Body spray
This is another I originally planned to pack for the race but when it came time to pack, I dismissed the idea. I’m like really weird about body spray. At home, I have 1 in my purse, 2 in my car, and they’re randomly spread throughout my house. I HATE feeling like I smell, and I should’ve definitely packed some for the race. I actually just went to the mall in Osaka the other day and bought some.
3. Tony Chachere’s
If you don’t know what this is, you should look it up. Order it. Then eat it with just about everything. It’s a creole seasoning that I eat with just about anything. Mashed potatoes, chicken, ramen noodles, salmon, rice… it’s just good. I eat it on so many things so it would’ve been nice to have a taste of home while away on the race.
4. A good first aid kit
Again, I planned to bring one. I even stocked up and made it super compact with anything I could’ve needed.. gauze, tegaderm, bactroban ointment, CHG swabs, ABD pads, and more. As a nurse, I need to be prepared, right? Well, I didn’t pack it. But it could’ve been put to good use already. Thankfully, there have been clinics close to where we’ve stayed.
5. A watch
I don’t wear a watch at home so I didn’t even think twice about it. But it would be really nice to just look down at my watch to tell the time instead of needing to pull out my phone everytime. Plus, pulling out your iPhone draws unwanted attention sometimes.
But in all seriousness, pray about what you’re packing before you pack it. Let me say that again, pray about what you’re packing before you pack it. God will definitely provide every need. Use prayer and discernment to know if you’re being ridiculous or practical. Sometimes I tend to be a little ridiculous, so I completely understand if some of ya’ll are freaking out about packing. Trust me, it will be okay. Take a deep breath. You can do this!! Message me if you have any questions about packing or about my experience so far on the race 🙂
#AlexsAsianInvasion
