Prior to launch I read multiple packing blogs, what to pack and what not to pack. I even watched a YouTube video on how to pack my bag!
I wanted to be completely prepared for the race. Being part of WR Fusion meant I didn’t get the added benefit of first packing for Training Camp. When I was packing I was packing for the real deal!
Seven months on the biggest lesson I have learnt is: When it comes to what to pack don’t try something new on the race!!
Here are 11 (because hey, they WR is all about the number 11) ‘lies’ I read and my actual race experience:
They said I would need a belt – because I would lose weight on the race
I have gained weight, I have absolutely no need for a belt and it has remained in my pack since Month One!
They said a skipping rope was a great way of exercising
Even someone who was in the gym every day prior to the race, I lack the motivation to exercise on the race.
They said I would want a mirror
Actually I would rather not know how awful I look – I mean seriously, when I have been unable to wash my hair for six days or not had time to tweeze my eyebrows. I’d rather just live in blissful ignorance!
They said I should buy Tevas, Chacos or Keens
Just NO! Instinct told me I would only wear my flip flops as that is all I wear at home. I carried my Tevas for six months and wore them twice!
They said packing would get easier and my pack would get lighter
It hasn’t, I still get stressed out packing for travel day and I swear my pack is heavier.
They said make sure you invest in a good sleeping pad because it will be your mattress for 11 months, oh and that your home would be your tent
Six of my seven months so far I have had a bed inside a building – making me glad my sleeping pad packs nice and small! Oh and I only have used my tent in Cambodia in Month Two.
They said you’d really want to have a hammock
I’ve rarely had to opportunity to use mine – it went up once in Cambodia and although feels like a nice to have, it is probably a luxury too far.
They said bring a few fave items of clothing to make you feel like you
Nope, they will never see the light of day for fear of being ruined. You tend to just wear the clothes you don’t really care about.
They said you’d learn to play an instrument if you didn’t already
Well I bought a guitar in Month One and ditched it Month Four. There is no free time to learn (or re-learn in my case) to play the guitar! Free time = team time, feedback, eating, sleeping, journalling, blogging.
They said a GoPro was a great investment for the race
Having a GoPro doesn’t automatically make you an amazing photographer, in fact my iPhone is just easier and quicker when it comes to taking photos.
They said you’ll have serious diarrhoea every month and be on the verge of leaving the 10% club*
I’m still in the club and my Immodium is untouched. Yes you will have a dodgy stomach, but lets not be dramatic!
*The 10% club is the percentage of a squad which hasn’t pooped their pants on the race!
