DCC Training camp is defined by unforgettable moments. Knowing that each moment could be my last, I tried to snap as many photos as possible to capture the experience. However, to avoid unnecessary embarrassment, I left my camera at home for the uniform fitting. Can you imagine? "Kelli, sorry to interrupt the fitting, but can you please take a picture of me in the uniform?" What I would have given though to have had a picture as I stood there alone in the locker room, uniform on, waiting to begin. I was actually wearing it! It certainly wasn't mine and perhaps never would be, but in that moment, I could almost hear it: the joy of children delighted to meet you, the voices of our troops, the blaring music, the roaring fans, the "Often imitated, never equaled, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders!"

Kelli walked in and I took a deep breath. This was the first time I would get to be this close to her. The veterans had carefully coached us the night before, "Be sure to arrive with good hair, pretty makeup, and a cute outfit with heels...always heels. No bright toe nail polish. No runs in your tights. No excessive bronzer. No gum. No jewelry. And for the love of all that is good, no tattoos!" The fitting went well and I was kindly asked to change out of the uniform, much sooner than I was ready to.

Later that evening, we suited up for the Power Squad fitness test. Throughout the push ups and sit ups, I kept repeating Jay's words in my head, "You can do anything for two minutes!" Who cares if the two minutes seemed like two days? Regardless of how diligently I had been training on the road to auditions, I knew I still wouldn't be able to hang with the lean and mean running machines on the team. These girls were incredibly athletic...and fast! Toward the end of the second mile, I motivated myself by motivating my running partners. If I could keep them going, I could certainly push myself to make it in good time. It also helped that Jay, his staff, Kelli, and Judy were standing at the finish line encouraging us, but also taking careful note of when we finished. If that doesn't make you run fast, I don't know what does!

I walked away from the evening feeling accomplished, exhausted, and most of all, blessed to have completed one more day of training camp. It didn't matter that running had always been my nemesis, especially in 100 degree heat. If I got to do it alongside these girls with the opportunity to be part of this organization...show me the track!