→ Thru Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, 2,663 miles (4285km) from Mexico to Canada
→ Bicycled 6,000 miles (9,650km) down the continent of South America
→ Bicycled 2,100 miles (3,380km) from Seattle to Alaska
→ Paddled the Arctic fjords of Norway
→ 3rd place age group finisher American River 50 mile endurance run
→ Lake Tahoe 2013 Full Ironman
Merits
→ Thru Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, 2,663 miles (4285km) from Mexico to Canada
→ Bicycled 6,000 miles (9,650km) down the continent of South America
→ Bicycled 2,100 miles (3,380km) from Seattle to Alaska
→ Paddled the Arctic fjords of Norway
→ 3rd place age group finisher American River 50 mile endurance run
→ Lake Tahoe 2013 Full Ironman
Q&A
– Why do you want to participate in One Water Race?
My husband (Justin Smith) and I have competed in endurance challenges for over ten years together before having our child, Meru. After a five-day labor that ended in an abrupt emergency c-section, where both my life and my daughter's life were at risk, I deeply struggled with postpartum depression and an overwhelming sense of failure.
In 2019, I was left to solo parent our daughter in Fiji while my husband competed in EcoChallenge World's Toughest Race, a race I was supposed to be a part of but had to step down from the team due to pregnancy.
Without seeing it at the time, this was the biggest endurance challenge of my career yet, overcoming the physical hardships and mental battles of postpartum life while reconnecting with myself in the midst of being a mother. I watched my husband continue to live the life we shared prior to a child while I battled to just get through day to day life.
When my husband let me know about One Water Race, he said that the team needed a navigator & captain and he didn't know anyone more perfect for the job than me. Orienteering is a strong passion of mine - If anything I know I'm not ever physically lost with a keen sense of direction. I took the leap and decided to re-enter into the endurance world and I am so excited to be back.
This role also intrigues me from the technical side of it. In many endurance races, I have just had to ignore the mind, and go into a state of rhythmic movement, constantly expanding what I know to be possible physically. In this case, I will be pushing myself to stay present even on the brink of exhaustion while also constantly being proactive to support this epic team of individuals to get to that lighthouse.
– Have you taken a similar challenge before?
I have been in many endurance challenges before but none like this one where water is constantly entered/exited & I am the support crew position.
– What are your strengths?
My mental toughness is my greatest strength. Quitting is never an option.
I can exit the monkey mind and just get.it.done. when it's go-time.
– What are your weaknesses?
My greatest weakness is second guessing my strength and abilities. I call them gremlins in your mind that tell you that you are not enough.
– What will be your biggest challenge?
I have concerns about sea sickness on the boat - especially when I lose the horizon at night. The other challenge will be keeping my teammates warm and fueled in this challenging colder environment.
– Have you been to the Stockholm archipelago?
I only explored a little bit of Stockholm as we prepared to sea kayak in Norway.
– What do you know/think about the terrain?
I love it! A playground for adults.
– What are you most looking forward to?
Watching Team 7 hug that lighthouse as well as kissing my incredible husband at the finish line. He is such an inspiration that anything is possible.
