Danielle O’Neil Chose Running Out Of Convenience And Never Quit
My guest today is someone that I’ve interacted with a bit on Twitter over the last few years.
I’m not entirely sure where today’s chat is going to end up, but that’s all part of the fun!
I am looking forward to going a few easy miles with Danielle O’Neil today.
Danielle O’Neil
A Sport Of Convenience
Danielle O’Neill first tried running when she joined the track team in high school.
Her first foray into the sport was short-lived when she decided that she hated running.
As an adult, Danielle ran occasionally, but never more than 3 to 4 miles.
In 2011, she had a daughter and decided she wanted to resume running again.
After once again running occasionally for two years, Danielle decided to begin putting in more effort.
Danielle completed her first half-marathon in 2014 and has been running non-stop ever since.
Looking back, Danielle realized that she gravitated toward running because of how convenient the sport was.
Running allowed Danielle to work around her daughter’s schedule.
14 in 14 Challenge
After completing her first race, Danielle had the realization that if she did something she thought was impossible what else could she do?
Danielle made a goal to complete 14 races in 2014.
She started the year with 5ks and 10ks and ended with a half-marathon.
Halfway through the year, Danielle began working with a running coach.
She met her coach in a group run that she frequently attended whom others in the group used as well.
Danielle recognized the value of hiring a coach as a way to improve and remain injury-free.
After successfully completing the 14 in 14 challenge, Danielle decided to do fewer races and focus on speed and endurance.
It was during that time that she began to realize the importance of easy running.
Strong Not Skinny
Making the decision to run fewer races took some pressure off of Danielle.
She found that when she took the pressure off, her times began to improve.
Danielle shaved 11 minutes off her half-marathon time that year.
She also attributes her improvement to putting more emphasis on strength training.
Working to be strong rather than skinny has reminded Danielle of what her body is capable of.
For the past few years, Danielle has struggled with injuries that have kept her away from running.
Fortunately, her Peloton bike has been a decent substitute for running allowing her to get the cardio without all the pounding from running.
She Runs This Town
Danielle is a naturally social person and gravitated towards a local women’s running group.
She Runs This Town (SRTT) is an all-inclusive group of women of all paces and ages.
When Danielle is able to return to running, she has a plan to run with the group 3 days a week and cycle 2 days.
She hopes that the balance of running, cycling, and resting will allow her to avoid any future injuries.
Even though she is currently unable to run, the group has still been a large part of her life.
Danielle is signed up to run a race in November and is hopeful that will give her plenty of time to get healthy.
Danielle O’Neil
Mentioned In This Episode:
Stay connected with Danielle O’Neil by following her on Twitter and/or Instagram.
Danielle O'Neil was drawn to running because of convenience. She kept at it to see what else she was capable of. Click To Tweet
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