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One
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Race

  • Back to the team

Melissa Smith

37 YO
Captain
Santa Cruz, CA
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
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.

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🏃🏊‍♀️ About the race – The distance 🏃🏊‍♀️ About the race – The distance

The race distance is about 250 km, a distance of 6 marathons, split up into approximately 200 km running and 50 km swimming. Running takes place on all types of terrain, rocks, cliffs, gravel roads, paths but mostly unpaved and difficult terrain. Swimming is in open sea and can often feature strong winds, currents and waves.

#ultimateproofofhumancapacity #onewater #onewaterrace #onewaterfoundation #running #swimming #fortheoceans #stockholmarchipelago #endurance #race2023 #extremesports #extremeatlethes
👋 Meet Team 3 - USA Two returning athletes fro 👋 Meet Team 3 - USA

Two returning athletes from 2022, Jarrod Shoemaker and Kristen Smith, have used their experience to put together a new dream team. Now joined by the adventure racer and pro triathlete Alyssa Godesky and ultraman athlete Steve Keller. Needless to say, they're eager to finish...

“We made it 2/3 of the way in 2022 and now we need to get it done. Alyssa and Steve love big challenges and are excited to help push the pace. Our biggest challenge will be overcoming the demons of 2022. We need to stay positive and learn from our mistakes. What we thought would be the problems were not, so learning, adapting and moving forward are our goals.”

Read more about the team on https://onewaterrace.com/2023-team-launch-team-3-usa/

#ultimateproofofhumancapacity #onewater #onewaterrace #onewaterfoundation #fortheoceans #stockholmarchipelago #endurance #race2023 #extremesports #extremeatlethes
🎽 About the race The OWR concept is straight f 🎽 About the race

The OWR concept is straight forward; starting at Arholma in the north, the first to reach Landsort in the south is crowned the winner. Running and swimming, the only method of movement. No track and free choice of path but with some unknown checkpoints needed to pass along the way. A new route each year making it impossible to plan in advanced.

#ultimateproofofhumancapacity #onewater #onewaterrace #onewaterfoundation #running #swimming #fortheoceans #stockholmarchipelago #endurance #race2023 #extremesports #extremeatlethes
📢 Stay tuned for the launch of Team 3 next week 📢 Stay tuned for the launch of Team 3 next week...

#ultimateproofofhumancapacity #onewater #onewaterrace #onewaterfoundation #fortheoceans #stockholmarchipelago #endurance #race2023 #extremesports #extremeatlethes
Push past your limits with One Water Race 2023. A Push past your limits with One Water Race 2023.

Apply now - a few openings left
www.onewaterrace.com

#ultimateproofofhumancapacity #onewater #onewaterrace #onewaterfoundation #fortheoceans #stockholmarchipelago #endurance #race2023 #extremesports #extremeatlethes
Thanks for a great season 2022! Now we’re lookin Thanks for a great season 2022! Now we’re looking forward to the next exciting season 2023 💫
👋 Meet Team 2 - Australia The team will includ 👋 Meet Team 2 - Australia

The team will include Rob Preston, Elizabeth Dornom, Glenn Wilkinson and Julian Dent. Coming from a strong adventure racing and endurance background they have put in the hard work to transform their skills for OWR and finished second, when competed as Team 8 Australia in 2022.

“Now we have unfinished business in the Archipelago – we want to be on top of the podium!”

They will use their experience in ultra endurance events to balance speed and navigation to ensure to keep on course and keep mistakes to a minimum. Rob’s exceptional navigation skills will be complimented by Elizabeth’s all-round physical strengths and Glenn’s swimming prowess will allow them to keep moving fast, and in the right direction. Combine this with Julian’s exceptional organizational and tactical knowledge and now an extra year of experience, their goal is to be unbeatable.

Read more about the Team on https://onewaterrace.com/2023-team-launch-team-2-australia/

#ultimateproofofhumancapacity #onewater #onewaterrace #onewaterfoundation #fortheoceans #stockholmarchipelago #endurance #race2023 #extremesports #extremeatlethes
ONE WATER RACE 2023 The chance for the biggest ch ONE WATER RACE 2023

The chance for the biggest challenge of the year is still open.

All information how to apply on 
www.onewaterrace.com

#ultimateproofofhumancapacity #onewater #onewaterrace #onewaterfoundation #fortheoceans #stockholmarchipelago #endurance #race2023 #extremesports #extremeatlethes
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