Future Racers: Things you need to know
In just a few days, July routes will be heading to training
camp. And if any of those racers were like me, they’re reading tons of blogs to
figure out what the heck is going on and what they should expect in the coming
weeks and months. So, while I’ve only just finished month 4 on the race, and
still don’t feel quite adequate to be answering these questions, I’ve put
together a few things that will hopefully help new racers, and all of my
friends and family, get a better grasp on what the race is and what we
experience on the field.
Things you need to
know about training camp:
–
Pack what you think you want to take on the
race. It’s the best time to test your stuff out.
–
Come prepared to be changed. It’s an intense
week.
–
Other than that, there’s nothing more you need
to know. Have fun!
Things you need to
know about packing:
–
Bring superglue, a small sewing kit, earplugs, sunscreen,
a sleeping pad repair kit, extra plastic bags, and a small “chico” bag for
carrying things like snacks. (Grocery bags around the world cost money).
–
Pack and repack your bag multiple times before
leaving home. Each time, remove a few things that you can probably live
without.
–
Packing cubes/compression sacks are always a
great idea. So is laundry bag.
–
If you bring a pillow, bring a pillowcase. Trust
me. You might be sleeping in the dirt and pillows are more difficult to wash.
–
Even if your bag is only 40 pounds, you will be
bringing more with you than a lot of people in the world have owned in their
lifetime.
–
Write your name on EVERYTHING. So many people
have things that look alike, and when you’re hanging your laundry on a line
with 40 other people, you will want your name on everything.
Things you need to
know about launch:
–
Getting on the plane is the most difficult part.
–
Launch is all about getting a few days with your
team to get to know each other better, check off a few logistical items, and
speak life into one another before being thrown head first into ministry.
Things you need to
know about food on the race:
–
You often have little control over what, when,
where, and how much you eat.
–
Your diet will not be the healthiest, but there
are lots of healthy choices you can make each and every day. (Do you really need extra tortillas at every
meal? Do you really need to drink
Pepsi instead of water?)
–
You can always buy snacks to supplement meals
with your own money, and sometimes team money. There generally isn’t a WalMart,
but there is always somewhere to go to buy some snack items
–
Remember to leave room in your bag, or bring an
extra bag to carry snacks
Things you need to
know about toiletries/bathrooms on the race:
–
Tampons are much more expensive around the world
than they are in the US
–
Toiletries are available everywhere in the
world. You honestly, truthfully, only need to pack one or two months worth of
everything. The only things I recommend bringing more of are: tampons, and
possibly deodorant.
–
Bring small refillable bottles. That way, you
can save space and share larger bottles with your team.
–
Despite anything you have heard, it is entirely possible to shower everyday on the race. People who go 7-10 days without showering CHOOSE to do that.
–
Things you need to
know about clothing on the race:
–
Pack the things you wear at home. If you dress
up everyday, you will wear nicer clothes on the race. If you’re like me and
wear t-shirt and shorts everyday, then that is what you will wear everyday on
the race.
–
Wear everything at home to break it in before
you leave on the race. Particularly your shoes! Lots of squad-mates ended up
with blisters the first few months from new shoes.
–
Shoes are about comfort. I love my chacos and
wear them everyday. Others wear Toms everyday. Others wear flip-flops everyday.
Wear what you like and what you will wear.
–
Bring a pair of warm socks.
Things you need to
know about the race in general:
–
Always be prepared for anything. You might not
know what you are doing each day until after you actually start doing it.
–
Invest your heart each month, even though you’re
leaving soon.
–
Anything, and everything is possible.
There’s lots more that I could share with you, but these are
some of the highlights. If you want to know more, send me a message or an
email!
