Mara Tynan

– Race experience

The experience that best prepares me to take on One Water Race is my completion of Rim2Rim2Rim in the Grand Canyon, a 50-mile adventure that began before sunrise and ended after sunset. That day taught me what it feels like to move for hours in the dark, to navigate stretches where the outcome is uncertain, and to stay composed when the miles start to blur. It deepened my understanding of fueling, gear, pacing, and supporting fellow athletes when fatigue sets in. Most importantly, it sparked a curiosity about what it would be like to keep going, a musing that directly translated into my desire to experience the demands of One Water Race.

– Why do you want to participate in One Water Race?

I want to compete in One Water Race because I’m drawn to experiences that reveal who I am when everything else is stripped down. I’m curious about my true limits, the ones you can’t access in normal racing, and I want to push them with a team I trust completely. I want to show up fully, contribute everything I have to our team, and discover what we’re capable of together in a race that demands absolute honesty of effort and that cannot be completed alone, all while moving through the raw, unforgiving beauty of the archipelago.

– Have you taken a similar challenge before?

While I haven’t yet attempted a multi-day adventure race, I’ve taken on challenges that felt equally daunting at the moment I committed to them. When I was accepted to the ÖtillÖ World Championships, I was a swimrun newcomer with only two marathons and one swimrun under my belt, but I never doubted my ability to train for and complete the race. I prepared for months, trusted the process, and ultimately finished my first ÖtillÖ faster and with more joy than I imagined possible. I carry that same mindset, dedication, and willingness to grow into everything I do, and I’m confident that my race and training experience will shape my preparation and execution for One Water Race.

– What are your strengths?

My doctoral training in clinical psychology, combined with a lifetime of being part of athletic teams, gives me a unique set of strengths. I’m highly analytical, thoughtful, and detail-oriented, with strong interpersonal awareness and a calm, steady presence under stress. These qualities equip me to handle the preparation, decision-making, and problem-solving One Water Race requires, while also helping me motivate teammates, support cohesion, navigate conflict, build resilience, and maintain open communication and trust, all of which will be essential to our team’s success.

– What are your weaknesses?

My biggest weakness is that I haven’t yet raced a true multi-day event without rest. I know that navigating deep fatigue, sleep deprivation, and sustained decision-making under stress is a different level of challenge. I’m preparing by structuring my training to simulate long efforts and by building systems with my team that protect us when we’re exhausted. Additionally, I tend to internalize pressure and hold myself to very high expectations. I’m approaching this race with a clear awareness of these vulnerabilities and a commitment to preparing intentionally so I can stay steady and effective when the race is at its hardest.

– What would be your biggest challenges in this race?

I anticipate that some of the biggest challenges will be navigating technical terrain and variable conditions, including off-trail running, uneven footing, and cold water temperatures, without a predetermined route. Sleep deprivation and accumulated fatigue, the intensity of which I have not yet experienced, will test my focus, pacing, and decision-making, while my body will need careful monitoring to maintain fueling, gastrointestinal comfort, and temperature regulation over long hours of continuous effort.

– Have you been to the Stockholm archipelago and what do you know/think about the terrain?

I have been to the Stockholm archipelago twice for the ÖtillÖ World Championships and also flew over the course by helicopter in 2024 to scope it out. I was immediately captivated by its intense beauty and unique character. The terrain offers incredible excitement and real challenges, including dense forest growth, slick rocks, and temperamental water conditions. After my first ÖtillÖ, I understood how I needed to adapt to the archipelago, and I returned to improve our team’s time by over 30 minutes. I enjoy every opportunity to test myself and refine my skills in these distinctive race conditions.

– What are you most looking forward to, if you would participate in One Water Race?

I am enamored with the idea of moving across the archipelago, charting our own path from island to island, and tackling iconic stretches like navigating “Hell Island” and swimming the Danziger Gatt. I can’t wait to share the start line with this incredible team, pushing our limits together, refining our strategy, and deepening the bonds we’ve built through training. And yes, I’m hungry to reach the Landsort Lighthouse, an accomplishment that will make all the effort worth it.