Amanda Melillo on SwimRun

How did you get into SwimRun?

I love swimming and used to do a lot of trail running when I lived in upstate NY. SwimRun gave me a great opportunity to combine these 2 activities I love, while getting to enjoy it with a friend (SwimRun is a team sport).

Do you have any advice on the gear?

I started off buying a $30 surfing wet suit for my first SwimRun b/c I didn’t know if I would like it or not and didn’t want to spend a lot of money. It worked out fine for that race, and was a good place to start in my opinion. However, if you know the SwimRun you pick will be cold weather and water, this will not be enough! I’ve since upgraded 🙂

Do you have any favorite races?

Orcas Island SwimRun was incredible. Although the course was long and challenging (there is a short course option too), it was absolutely beautiful. It looked like we were running through a movie set of an enchanted forest and a unicorn might run in front of us at any second.

Do you have any advice for someone that would like to try?

Find a friend with a similar attitude as you have and just go for it! It is a fun experience, but it is important that you and your partner get along.

Any memorable races or experience?

Running rim to rim at the Grand Canyon was by far the coolest running experience of my life. Although it takes a lot of planning, it is totally worth doing it!