Danielle

This time last year, I was struggling. After eight years in the NHL, where my schedule was meticulously structured from September through (sometimes) May or June, I suddenly found myself with the opposite. I was dejected, lost, and unmotivated. As someone who usually enjoys & needs exercise, especially when things get stressful, it was a strange feeling when even that didn’t help. I remember thinking, “maybe signing up for a race would be helpful.” Could’ve done a 10K 😂 but my sisters were running the Chicago Marathon, so I figured, why not? I signed up too. I ran 3-4 times a week, mixed in strength & mobility work, and for the first time in a long time, felt dedicated to a goal.

Yes, training for this race gave me the structure & accountability I was looking for, but really it gave me so much more. I found a strength in myself I didn’t know I had. This past year+ has challenged me in countless ways, but through training for & running this race, I discovered physical & mental resiliency, perseverance, and courage, qualities I’m trying to parallel in my life as I continue to navigate what’s next. I’m so grateful for this experience and really proud of finishing yesterday!

I’m especially thankful I got to run with @hayleysara15 by my side the whole way. I thought of quitting so many times, but she kept me going. @laurelanncoup crushed it ahead of us! I love that I got to tackle this with my sisters & so proud of you both!

And I wouldn’t have made it without the love & support of so many. @faust_alex saw me at every high and low & lifted me up when I needed it (and ate a lot of carbs 😂)! Friends who cheered me on, made mocktails (@lizzz_marshall) or pasta (@kknungesser) when I had a run the next day, @msully07 who joined me at the end of my longest runs, @steph_pro and Misty who came to Chicago to cheer, @inspiredbymovement for weekly FaceTime mobility sessions, and my mom, who is always my biggest cheerleader, even though she thought this was crazy (she’s right btw). And so many more! Everyone who helped us raise money for the @organizationforautismresearch and everyone who sent encouragement, advice, or love along the way… thank you!! ❤️