Danielle was nominated by good friend and teammate Michael Downey, one of our Ambassadors!
Danielle Mitchell’s Nomination
Why are you nominating them?
In part doing OCR helped her realize she is a much better person when sober.
What about them inspires you?
The fact no obstacle stops her and she dosent fail, she finds a way
What quote would you use to describe them?
Anyone who has Danielle as a friend is a VERY lucky person. She is loyal to all her friends and will always go above and beyond for a friend at a moments notice. She is one of the most fun people to battle buddy with at races and event when it gets challenging her spirit never changes
Danielle’s Responses
What was your first reaction when you found out you were nominated?
Surprised!
When did you start obstacle course racing? Tell us about your first race and/or what got you into OCR.
My first OCR was Fenway Park 2012. I had no idea what I was getting into but because it was at Fenway
and no mud I said lets try. It took me and my friend Mike over 2 and a half hours to complete it. I was huffing and puffing the whole time, wondering what I had gotten myself into and vowing to never do this again. It pointed out every flaw and how out of shape I really was
What was your biggest accomplishment at an 
obstacle course race? What made it your biggest accomplishment (overcame a fear, injury, disability etc?)
My biggest accomplishment, oh boy. I think my biggest accomplishment was finally getting up the rope at a Spartan race, not only once but three times out of the four laps I ran at Fenway in 2015. Heights are one of my biggest fears and I tend to scare myself once I am half way up the rope about how high I am and how the heck am I going to get down.
What attracts you to obstacle course races? Why do you keep coming back?
I keep coming back to OCRs because I want to continue to improve physically and it is a mental escape. You don’t think about anything other then the what is in front of you. I also like to see how far I have come and how much strength I have gained.
What are your goals? Next race, next season … what’s in your future?
After finishing my double trifecta last season, I don’t know what is in my future. I want to continue to have fun, push myself and see how many more obstacles I can over come.
Is there anything else you think we should know?
One year ago 3/10/15 I decided it was time to change my life. I become sober. The friends that I have made in this group have stood behind me 100% and I know I can always count on them. Whether its some one checking in on me or reminding me that they are on the same boat if I never need it, is one of the many reasons I love the family that has been built within this group. I have come so far since deciding this both in my racing and regular life that I can not wait to see what the next year has in store. Always remember there is someone that understands what you are going through, whether it is sobriety, or things like weight gain, low self esteem, lack of confidence or just needing that push to get your butt going again. There is someone there to talk to. Reach out you will be presently surprised 🙂
How has your racing changed because of the Spahtens?
Racing with the Spahtens has made me try things I would never think were possible. They push you to be someone better physically and mentally. The peer pressure to do new races or races that you have done and said “never again” is sometimes needed and a healthy reminder to keep pushing and never give up on yourself. It can be done and the finish line will be crossed.
