I’m 2 months into the WR and I know if I was a future world racer I would love to know some of these things! Note some are funny ones, but very true!!
1. At training camp don’t blow off the market day. Let me tell you, those markets exist and people do pick pocket. Week 6 into the race. Im just chilling with my team, getting ice-cream and a friendly lady came up to me saying hola, hola! Then all of a sudden, BAM Her hand goes straight into my pocket. Next thing I know Margaret is saying,”no no get out of there.” Seriously God is good because the day before I had 60 q’s in there! Lesson learned, never keep money in your pockets, sweet old ladies will go after It.
2. If you have squad mates that post on your group wall about the weather in the countries your going to prior to leaving on the WR…Take note! I didn’t #firstmistake. Believe it or not there are some countries that will be kind of cold, especially when sleeping in a tent. Aka Guatemala in February! You might need to bring some warm clothes.
3. Bring your make-up, a pair of jeans and a few pairs of clothes that you feel “pretty in.” Same with you boys, bring some dressy clothes! Yes you need work clothes but I have had so many opportunities to dress up and look nice (and I’m only in month 2) and I didn’t bring a lot of that stuff! Ps. Makeup is one of the most expensive things I have seen over seas so stock up!
4. B12 shots for everyone. You already know 😉 also bring an pro biotic if you ever need to take anti biotics! This is just to be safe! I’m claiming health for you during your whole race!
5. If you go the doctors in a only Spanish speaking country… Bring a Spanish speaking person. Two very English speaking girls did not cut it. But God totally came through, and helped me understand every 10th word. It’s just better if you have some Spanish when your trying to explain your symptoms.
6. Water bottles are essential. Sometimes cheap isn’t always better. I spent 10 dollars on mine and it broke month 1! I suggest a nalgene if you can find one! Hydrate up! Also my sleeping bag is already ripped! Def spend money on a good quality one. It will save from buying things over again.
7. Enjoy your squad mates. It’s so easy to get distracted and want to be back at home with your friends. A lot of people on the squad will feel the same way, so encourage each other! Love each other! In 11 months you prob won’t see a lot of them again in person, so pour into them now and let them pour into you. I promise you in 11 months your gonna wish that person was with you in person!
8. You can pretty much find anything you need over seas. Deodorant, shampoo, ECt. For pretty cheap. Pack light to start, it really does make a big difference! Keep it under 45 pounds. That’s a good target.
9. Push through the awkward, get to know you stage! You will never experience so much love from people, then your squad family. I have been sick pretty much this whole month. The way my squad loved me and cared for me… There are no words! Jesus’ love shined right through them. #Ilovecsquad
10. Don’t have expectations coming on the race! Just know God is going to take you exactly where he wants you. Sometimes you get asked to switch squads a week before training camp. Sometimes you get switched treams 2 weeks before you leave on the race! That happened to me, and I wouldn’t change it for the world! God is faithful!
So yes I’m sure ill have a lot more advice and tips, but 2 months in and these are the ones that stick out to me! So if your about to head out, or your just thinking about applying, be ENCOURAGED! It’s gonna be the time of your life!
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)
