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Meet January's Athlete Highlight, Danielle Moore! Whether she is crossing the finish line at USA Nationals, or running around Philadelphia at the Women's Philly Tri in an iconic banana suit- Danielle is surely making a positive impact in the triathlon world and is an inspiration to aspiring triathletes!
Q: Tell us 3 things we should know about you.
A: 1.) I am turning 30 the week, and 'm excited to fill my 30s with adventure and endurance!
2.) I fell is love with marathon swimming last year and am currently training for an 18.6 mile open water swim. grateful to be able to do what I do as I'm old...lol
3.) Finally, I have two party tricks- I know every single lyric to "American Pie" by Don McLean, and I can do the worm!
Q: When did you begin your triathlon journey?
A: I started my triathlon journey in 2019, when I was a bit lost in life and lifeguarding at a Lifetime Fitness before I began my Masters. One of the water aerobics class instructors had gathered her class to do the Philly Women's Tri, and I said to myself, "Oh, I could do that!" I did my first tri that June, but ended up not doing Philly Women's because I was unfortunately hit by a distracted driver the day before the race. That said, I've been back every year since- virtual in 2020, volunteering in 2021, relaying in 2022 and 2023, and finally completing the race on my own in 2024.
Q: What do you love most about triathlon? What motivates you?
A: I love that with triathlon, things are subject to change! When I started the sport, I was convinced I would end up in the Ironman distance, but have found I prefer short course triathlon and long course running and swimming. I also have such a deep love for the community, where I have made incredible friendships, training partners, and memories. I am personally motivated by the fact I like the person I am when I am training, whether it's for a race or as myself and others say, "training for life".
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for anyone looking to get involved in triathlon?
A: As a lifelong swimmer, I will always say please train in open water before you race a triathlon with an open water swim! But for general advice, I really encourage people to ask questions, make a Google search, find your local community whether it's at an in-person training session or a Facebook group. I showed up to my first triathlon with a mountain bike that I'm not sure actually fit me, a bathing suit, a pair of lifeguard shorts, and sneakers that in hindsight were definitely not made for running. Don't ask me about nutrition or anti-chafe, it wasn't there! I've learned so much in five and a half years in triathlon, and still feel like a beginner. There's a lot to learn doing three sports in the same event, and you don't know what you don't know!
Q: What is your race mantra?
A: My mantra comes from a letter that author John Steinbeck wrote to his son in 1958- the quote was intended to be about his son's school crush, but I think it applies to every part of life: "Nothing good gets away". My goal race for 2025 will take me around ten hours, and a lot can go wrong in that time; that doesn't mean it's not possible or not worth pursuing.
Q: Favorite song on your 2025 training playlist? Currently, it’s “Bulletproof” by La Roux!
A: Currently, it's "Bulletproof" by La Roux!
Follow along on Danielle's journey, IG: @danielle.endures
