– Why do you want to participate in One Water Race?
I got into Swimrun in 2019. I have heard about this mysterious race since then and have thought it was always out of reach for me because I didn’t know 3 other people being crazy enough to try it. I want to push my body and my mind past what I think its currently capable of. The thought of being out in nature with friends for days on end and unplugging from reality really gets me fired up and more excited to train for this.
– Have you taken a similar challenge before?
I have done long swimruns before. I have done 24 hour races but I don’t think much compares to this type of race with navigation and planning with your team. I know to expect some really fun moments and some moments where all you want to do is cry and wonder why you chose to do this.
– What are your strengths?
I love long workouts. For me the longer the better so the fitness aspect I am totally set on. I also tend to be a pretty happy person and can go with the flow. Does someone need me to sing them a song? Or just to shut up and not talk? I can do it all.
– What are your weaknesses?
Besides being deathly allergic to nuts and peanuts, I would say navigation. I don’t have a lot of experience with that. I am used to marked courses. But it will be something to learn prior to the race and make sure I know how to read a compass right just in case.
– What would be your biggest challenges in this race?
Biggest challenge for me will be sleep deprivation. I have done it only a few times and know it can make your judgment fuzzy. When thinking of the race and the mileage covered on land and water it sounds so mentally daunting. But for the first time in a long time it's something that scares me and excites me.
– Have you been to the Stockholm archipelago and what do you know/think about the terrain?
I spent three weeks there last year in preparation for the world championships. The terrain was very similar to my home in Bend, but frankly I did not want to go home. It is extremely technical and feels so remote yet so close to the cities. The cold water and slippery rocks make you be 100% present in the moment when trying to navigate your body through the archipelago.
– What are you most looking forward to, if you would participate in One Water Race?
I am excited knowing in this race I would never be alone. Getting to share some very low lows and some incredible highs with people is something that bonds people for years to come. I want to go beyond what I think is possible.
