As our time of waiting for Easter came to an end, I started thinking about the different ways that we prepare ourselves for important things. Lent is a time of spiritual and emotional readiness, particularly this last week. (I love love love Maundy Thursday services for their emotional impact and it’s been so fun to fully participate this year after spending last year’s Holy Week traveling.)
In contrast, I’m already feeling emotionally ready for the Race. Maybe it’s because I’ve traveled a lot already, or maybe because I’ve been anticipating embarking on this journey for well over a year. I had a small panic over not feeling capable, certainly, but those doubts have melted away.
So I’m focusing on the physical preparations necessary for the Race. I am notorious for leaving things to the last minute, especially when it comes to packing. I even had a dream the other day that I was shoving things into my biggest suitcase as my mom called up the stairs that we were going to miss our flights if we didn’t leave RIGHT NOW.
Thankfully, that scenario will never become a reality.
And despite this weird message from my subconscious, so far I’m doing good on the trip prep. I looked up the vaccines I will need (yuck). I mailed a ton of fundraising letters. I told my coworkers I would be leaving. I bought a ton of camping gear – so no big yellow suitcase for me.
Finally, on Saturday, I tested myself on my literal physical readiness for the journey. At training, we’ll be required to walk 2 miles with our backpacks on. In 40 minutes. Which for someone whose exercise is usually limited to chasing 2 year olds around sounded a little daunting.
What a relief to make the 2 miles in 35 minutes!
And sure, my backpack wasn’t fully loaded down, and there are no hills to speak of in my neighborhood, but that’s not a bad start! I’m feeling ready!
(Now how long can I put off hiking somewhere hilly….)
