“…the first training camp of my entire life…is in the books!”

Tell us a little about yourself

The first training camp of my entire life…is in the books! I’ve been a triathlete for nine years, but I have not gone to a training camp since middle school swimming, and this was definitely a leap outside of my comfort zone.

How did you first discover swimrun, and how long have you been in the sport?

I first discovered swimrun through a GTN video a few years back, and was immediately hooked by the idea of this “fringe” sport that felt more like an adventure than a race. In 2025, I finally talked my friend into trying it with me, and we completed the Casco Bay sprint race. By that time, I’d become fully hooked into the community by WILD Swimrun, and I decided to also participate in the Colorado sprint race. What a crazy, challenging sport I’d found myself involved in!

What made you sign up for ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Camp Austin?

When I first learned about this camp in Austin, I was both excited and scared to consider going. Because the swimrun community had felt so truly welcoming for my first season, I wanted to believe that it would truly live up to the “all abilities welcome” line…and it really, really did.

What were you hoping to get out of the weekend?

I came into the weekend knowing I’d likely be one of the slower athletes, but the organizers set everything up in such a way that it could truly be a “choose your own adventure” weekend.

What was your favorite part of the camp?

One of the absolute highlights of the weekend for me was the Deep End Fitness session. I didn’t expect to be playing “Underwater Torpedo League” at a swimrun camp, but it was exactly what I needed at the end of the weekend. After all the focus sessions and long days, being in the pool picking up goggles with our teeth and laughing through underwater games reminded me what I enjoy most: trying something totally new and different with a group of people who don’t take themselves too seriously.

Was there a moment that really stood out to you?

Race simulation day was really hard for me. It was one of the longer workout days I’ve ever had, and I honestly wasn’t sure I would be able to complete the afternoon session. Luckily, I ended up spending a significant part of the race simulation walking and jogging with a fellow camper, Dave. We talked about life, we noticed wildlife, and we pushed ourselves just enough to not overdo it.

What surprised you most about the experience?

The whole weekend was adaptable: the swimrun course could be completed in multiple loops for the people who wanted more mileage, or could be shortened for those of us who were slower; there were optional early-morning workouts to choose between; evenings were set up so you could learn, socialize, or recover. And everyone there was willing to loan each other gear. Want to try a different sized pull buoy? A thicker wetsuit? Carbon paddles? A shorter tether? New goggles? Everyone there had something for you to borrow or swap to discover what you like best.

How would you describe the atmosphere and community at camp?

To actually be in the water with her on the swimrun course just further reinforced how much of a community this sport is: coaches and athletes, elites and beginners, all working together and supporting each other.

What did it mean to train alongside other swimrunners?

They were willing to share their knowledge everywhere… on pool deck, in the car, at meals, during focus sessions… all the time!

Did anything click for you this weekend that hadn’t before?

Easily one of the most valuable parts of the weekend for me was having an expert like Gemma Hollis at camp. Between her “hot take” on ditching the catch-up drill that I’ve been doing for 30 years and challenging me to nearly double my stroke rate, I walked away with the kind of immediate, actionable tips that you just can’t get training solo.

What’s something you learned that you’ll carry into your training or racing?

This was the moment that was the most eye-opening for me: I love doing hard things with good people, but I don’t need to be chasing a podium to find value in the effort. Whether I am taking a leap of faith off a cliff (which was way scarier than I expected it to be!) or scaling down the rocks to comfortably step into the water, I was out there doing the thing, and that felt really, really good.

What’s next for you this season, where will we see you racing?

For 2026, my two big pillars were this camp and the Colorado race.

How has this camp shaped your goals for the year?

For me, camp was just as much physical effort as a race, but with so much more social connection. I pushed my limits, tested my gear, and came away feeling a deep sense of belonging in this community. I’m continuing the rest of this season with a fresh perspective. My training this year isn’t going to be about the “grind”; it will be about the joy of being outside and the fun of adventure — whether that’s training for my next race or just checking out a new hiking trail with my husband and my dog.