On July 18th at the USATF New England Road Mile Championship, Danny won the Men's Open Race in a time of 4:15.
On July 12th at the Loon Mountain Race, Danny was the top New England male finisher and 3rd overall male in a time of 55:04 over the 6.03 mile/ 3,066 elevation gain course.
Q1) How did you get into Track and Field? And how long have you lived in New England?
A) I got into Track and Field primarily because of my family. My parents were both very successful high school, college, and post-collegiate runners. My sister also started running in high school before me, and seeing her succeed as one of the top runners in the state excited me to try it myself. My parents encouraged me to hold off on running until middle school. In the meantime, I played soccer for many years. Although it was fun, soccer never felt like the right fit. When the middle school track program came around, my mom took me for my first trail run. Since that day, I was hooked!
I have lived in New England my whole life, and I am extremely grateful for it. I am lucky to live in an area with hundreds of beautiful trails to train on, access to high-caliber races in Boston, and, as I am recently discovering, easy access to mountains! New England running has shaped me into the athlete I am today in the best way.
Q2) You finished third overall and first for New England athletes at the Loon Mountain Race. How did that meet go? Did everything go according to plan?
A)The Loon Mountain Race was a pleasant surprise for me! Being so new to the mountain running scene, I am still trying to figure out where I rank in the community. Knowing that there were professionals in the race, and making a 6-hour car ride from Syracuse, NY to Lincoln, NH the night before, I wouldn't say I was even thinking about the podium. Despite that, I found myself on the backs of two professionals at the start of the race. Looking behind and noticing that no one was coming with us the first half mile, I immediately convinced myself I would be top 3. I stayed with the pros for about half of the race, but I knew I couldn't compete at their level yet. The race got very tough the last mile, having gone out so fast, especially with the infamous finish up a 40% grade incline! But at the top, it was all smiles as I came in 3rd place. The Loon Mountain Race definitely gave me the confidence I needed to keep pursuing mountain running.
Q3) You finished first at the USATF-NE Road Mile. How did that meet go? What were your goals and expectations going into this race? Were you expecting to perform as well as you did?
A) The USATF-NE Road Mile was another low-expectation race. Because I switched focus to mountain racing, my training was completely different than how I would usually train this time of year. I incorporated more elevation days and fewer track workouts, which greatly improved my uphill running strength but at the same time hurt my speed. Knowing I would be running my first mile since the winter, I had no idea how I would perform. My plan was to sit in second or third place for as long as possible and see if I had the strength to kick with 200m to go. The plan went perfectly, and I knew the race was mine with 1/4 mile left. It wasn't my smoothest race, but I was more than happy with the realization that I can still compete in the mile despite my shift to mountain training.
Q4) You also won the High Street Mile on August 2nd in a very impressive time of 4:11. Do you have any other races coming up this year? And if so, what is next on your race schedule? Do you have any remaining goals for this year?
A)After the winter season, I took a much-needed break from the mile. I was beginning to feel fatigued with track racing altogether; however, the High Street Mile reignited my passion and excitement. Racing some sub-4:00 milers and coming out on top reminded me that I am capable of breaking 4:00 myself. I will be making a return to racing the mile on the track this winter to see if I can break 4:00 for the first time at one of the many competitive BU track meets. In the meantime, I still plan to focus on trail/mountain racing this fall. Some of the potential events on my calendar are Mt. Greylock 8 Miler, Kismet Cliff Run, Waterville Valley 10k, and Cranmore 10k.
Q5) You have now won the USATF-NE Road Mile in back-to-back years; will you be returning next year for the three-peat? What do you enjoy the most about this new event that you have dominated at?
A)I will definitely return to attempt the three-peat! It's a great event with an awesome crowd and environment. Out of the entire USATF-NE Road Series, it feels like the most hyped and anticipated race, even when it's moved to a school parking lot! It's awesome helping out my club, Notch RC, and seeing the team climb the leaderboards. Everyone on Notch is so supportive and excited for me when I race the mile. The entire team brings their best to the road mile, so it's always good vibes after the race, celebrating everyone's performances. Because of Notch, this event will be a recurring event on my racing calendar! Photo: Liam Healy