What would you pack, and how would you train?
I’m sort of addicted to this show now, and it’s an amusing fantasy to picture how I would train if I were to audition for it. The two biggies I would focus on are learning how to drive stick and swim better than dog paddle. I speak passable Spanish, but would try to learn basic phrases in as many languages as possible, including “train station,” “bus station,” “airport,” and basic directional terms like left and right. I’d also probably start training for a 5K, because that’s about as far as I’ve ever seen them make someone run, and certainly the endurance would help.
As far as packing, you want lightweight but potentially useful. I’d definitely pack a small first-aid kit for the inevitable bumps, scrapes, and blisters, as well as kaopectate and other digestive aids to help the inevitable food Roadblock. A handful of Larabars for when I’m stuck without food for a while. I think people end up buying maps at every destination and throwing them away when they move on, so I wouldn’t bother packing anything like that, especially because you don’t know where you’re going to be next. I’d imagine the show gives advice as far as clothing, but I’d pack lots of lightweight layers–Under Armour and Smartwool stuff. Swim goggles for sure–a lot of clues seem to be underwater. Fanny packs seem to be the way to go for useful documents and cash–keep those in a ziploc bag in the pack and they won’t get wet even if I do.
What else do you think would be useful to learn how to do or to bring along?
A small notebook and pen, a calculator, bandaids, lip balm, very comfortable clothing for plane rides (I have several pairs of thin workout pants that I got from Target that have become my defacto pajamas), my ipod with several audiobooks loaded, aquashoes, swimsuit, headband for keeping my hair out of my eyes during tasks, extra pair of glasses, and I’m sure there is lots of other things I’m forgetting.
I think some of those things, pens, paper, maps, books, are not allowed. I do remember on the first season the lawyers did try and take some of that stuff and they had it all taken from them. Though I think if it were allowed I would either pick the stuff up at the airport, or take it with me.
I think I would concentrate on the clothes more then any thing. I would be looking at a type of motorcycle underwear that I have, it’s made for riding for long periods of time, can get cleaned in the sink, dies fast, pulls sweat away from the body, and is snug. I’d take 3-4 pairs and be done with that. I’d look for the same types of socks if they are made, and shirts. I’d also look for 2-3 pair of pants that convert to shorts.
While I think I’d like to try and get in shape a bit, I don’t think you get that much time. Maybe get in better running shape at least. I’d probably try and learn at least a few phrases, but I’m really bad at that so I’m sure it wouldn’t stick. I already drive stick and swim anyway so that’s not a big problem. I think though that I might try and learn a bit more about some of the larger airports around the world and learn some of the better routes, though I can’t imagine that helping too much.
Leather gloves. When you have to pull ropes, shovel or many other tasks, gloves really help reduce the pain.
A small chamois/sham-wow cloth. Because sometimes when you’re grungy from traveling, just being able to clean up a little makes you feel much better.
A bandana. You need to be able to cover your mouth sometimes and a bandana is more versatile than a mask.
A laminated card with 5-10 phrases in about 5 languages.
A calculator with a stopwatch. Or a stopwatch with a calculator. Or a calculator and a stopwatch.
One of those stupid-looking chest pouches to hold travel documents and money.
Possibly, depending on the weight, on of those cheap handheld personal fans. And a small LED flashlight on a headband.
I’d be able to dive a stick (can already do that), ride a horse (can already do that), run at least 1-2 miles, and do pre-race trial bungee jump, rappel, and zip-line.
StG
StG