Well, I’m back! Training Camp was incredible. It was challenging JUST like I prayed for… I grew a lot in a short amount of time and I am so thankful for my new family. I have never met such encouraging, hilarious, authentic people in my life. I felt like I was exactly where I was suppose to be.
With all of that being said, it was challenging at times: physically, mentally and spiritually.
MY ADVICE TO YOU FUTURE WORLD RACERS!!!!
Physically: I knew my two day elliptical use wouldn’t do a justice… however I made it! It felt good for my body to be pushed. We had a one hour timed hike up and down hills with our hiking backpacks and I passed with 7 minutes to spare. Half way through I wasn’t sure if I would make it because I started to hyperventilate up a hill and at that point it became a mind over matter deal. Once I took deep breaths and told myself I could do it, I did. In short, if you train for it you will complete the hike just fine.
Mentally: You will be challenged if you aren’t open and staying positive. Be open for different scenarios and always be grateful for what you DO have because a bad attitude will make you exhausted. Surround yourself with those who encourage you and believe in you AKA your amazing leaders and new family. If you are struggling, confide in your family and ask them to pray for you. God gave us community because we need eachother!
Spiritually: Personally, I felt very spiritually attacked the first few days I was there. I was getting headaches at every session and felt like I wasn’t suppose to be there. I didn’t want to worship. I had so many negative thoughts and cried a lot out of frustration. I felt like I was literally battling Satan and to be honest, I was. When we make strides in our relationship with God, we tend to get slapped in the face by that negative energy and it’s tough. With that being said, I reached out to God pretty hard and cried out, asking him to take away the pain and bad thoughts. He did. It was so relieving and incredible to see how God fought for me. Again, confide in your family and leaders with these struggles too because prayer is powerful!
Overall, best 10 days of my life… I learned how to push through pain with God and feel His love for me. I have also never laughed so much with people I just met nor have I felt so connected. I didn’t just feel at home, I WAS home. I was right where God wanted me to be and soon I will be in all the counties He also called me to be.
