Why We Race – Annie Stahl and Will Mondet’s Catalina Experience
From sleepless nights to summit highs
Earlier this year, we introduced you to Annie Stahl and Will Mondet – two fitness enthusiasts from San Diego who aren’t just Swimrun partners, but also instructors at Deep End Fitness, a training community built around water confidence, breath control, and mental toughness. Read the full article here!
After months of breathwork training, underwater challenges, and countless hours of physical preparation, Annie and Will were ready to put their skills to the ultimate test at ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Catalina. For Annie, it was her first-ever Swimrun race. For Will, it marked his second dive into the sport he was instantly hooked on after ÖTILLÖ Austin.
Before the Start: From Rough Nights and excitement
Their race day story, however, didn’t begin with the perfect prep: they chose to camp the night before – a plan that sounded adventurous but turned into a rough night. Uncomfortable cots, noise, and a sore throat meant that Will barely managed three hours of broken sleep. Annie battled pre-race nerves but was buzzing with excitement to explore the wild heart of Catalina Island.
Ready or not, it was time to race.
On the Course: Awe, Struggle, and Pure Beauty
Once the race kicked off, the magic of Swimrun took hold.
“The course was unbelievably beautiful,” Annie recalled. From the tops of steep trails, she could see the ocean stretching out endlessly, with clear glimpses of kelp forests far below the surface. Will agreed: “Easily the most beautiful race I’ve ever participated in. The water visibility was incredible.”
But nature’s beauty didn’t come easily. The trails were tough – endless climbs, relentless elevation, and swims in cold, refreshing waters. Annie pushed through by laughing at the sheer madness of it all and soaking in the incredible scenery. Will’s favorite moment was summiting Catalina’s big peak – thinking (wrongly) that it would all be downhill from there. But even after realizing there was more climbing ahead, their spirits remained high.
It was a day full of wonder, adventure, and pure Swimrun magic.
Teamwork: Pushing Each Other Through
When things got tough, teamwork made the difference.
Early on, Will struggled. The lack of sleep and sore throat slowed him down. Annie kept a steady pace, encouraged him, and patiently waited until he found his rhythm in the second half of the race. “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner,” Will said. Annie, too, found strength knowing someone was beside her, talking through the hard moments, pushing her forward when doubts crept in.
Despite the tough moments, they still had fun along the way: struggling through endless kelp tangles, laughing with kayakers about the underwater chaos, and Annie teasing Will for taking too long at transitions. These small moments of humor made the race unforgettable.
Lessons Learned: Hard Truths and Deep Growth
ÖTILLÖ Catalina taught both Annie and Will lessons they will carry into their next races.
Both realized the need for more hiking and trail running – Catalina’s brutal elevation gains demanded serious hill conditioning. They also learned the critical importance of temperature management, especially after swimming in chilly waters for hours.
But their Deep End Fitness training truly showed its value. When caught in thick kelp underwater, they used their breath control techniques to stay calm – a moment where panic could have cost them precious time and energy. Annie focused on slow, deliberate breathing during grueling climbs to manage her heart rate and to keep moving steadily.
“Deep End Fitness was critical to our success,” Will said. “The mental calm it instills made all the difference when things got tough.”
Final Thoughts: Why Swimrun Captures the Heart
Would they race again? No doubt about it: “1000% yes.”
Annie can’t wait to return to Catalina and dreams of tackling ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island or ÖTILLÖ Whistler. Will is thinking about returning to Austin or maybe trying an international race this year.
Their advice for newcomers?
Get your gear right – The Löw Tide Böyz podcast offers great tips and insights.
Have fun – Take time to stop, soak in the views, and enjoy every moment of the race
Annie summed it up perfectly:
“Swimrun is so unique and unlike any other racing I’ve done. The race, split into different sections, makes the challenge more enjoyable and manageable, while the community is incredibly welcoming, humble, and full of adventurous spirits.”
Ready to experience the magic yourself?
