Women Who Win: Alexa DePasquale
June 14, 2018
The D10's Women Who Win series, brought you in collaboration with ADAY, spotlights some of the incredible female athletes who take to The D10's playing field each year.
Meet Alexa DePasquale of Grey Group New York.
"When’s the last time you were proud of yourself?"
We don’t ask ourselves that question enough and I’ve found my new answer - the minute I crossed the finish line of the 800m at The D10 NYC.
Reflecting on my first D10 experience fills me with great pride and joy, and I’d like to share some lessons I’ve learned.
Fitness brings people together.
I got involved with The D10 because I met a girl at a wedding with some shredded shoulders ('sup, DAGS!), and she encouraged me to compete. After meeting a handful of the men and women involved in The D10, I knew immediately this was a group of people that I wanted to forge friendships with. There’s something about waking up at 5am to train that draws people together. The cheers and screams for each other on game day was a testament to how supportive, welcoming and fun this community is. All The D10 ladies are Women Who Win because we empower each other to be our best selves and reach our highest potential in both work and life.
Our minds are powerful AF.
The D10 helped me shut off the "I can’t" in my head. Many times, particularly as women, we are told we can’t do something, which creates a narrative where we think we’re not enough, and ultimately holds us back. My brain became a new muscle I trained throughout The D10 experience. Every sprint, every row, and every rep was a time I got to remind myself that I am stronger than I think I am. Pushing through the discomfort built a level of unparalleled resiliency that has positively impacted my personal and professional life.
Be open to new things.
Six months ago, I had never set foot on a track. I come from a lifting background, so bench press and pull-ups, I can handle. Running, though? That was usually a hard no from me. However, through trying new types of training, different exercises and doing things I’m not used to doing, my perspective changed. I now find myself, more than before, actively seeking ways to take on new projects at work, having more open conversations with other people, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. We’ve all been told that growth happens outside of your comfort zone - I can certainly confirm that the D10 journey has made me physically and mentally stronger.
Connect to something greater than yourself.
The D10’s mission to support pediatric cancer research creates an opportunity to impact the world at large, and that made this experience even more rewarding. I had a family friend pass away from osteosarcoma the morning I signed up for The D10. She was a constant reminder of who we are fundraising and fighting for. Training #withpurpose gives deeper meaning to fitness, and I’m grateful to have had this experience.