You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on October 10th, things have started to pick up a bit. Training is getting more intense. They’ve been punched in the face. Most have had a bloody nose here or there, their diets have changed, and boxing is becoming an everyday part of their lives. So we figured it was about time to check back in and see how things have been going. Danielle Lamy has been putting in work at YMCA Cambridge and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about her experience with Haymakers thus far.

We’re halfway to fight night, how is your training coming along?
It's going well! I have come a lot farther then I thought I would so far....and have handled being punched a lot better than I thought.

What is your weekly routine?
On Monday Mornings - I go surfing before work (as long as the surf is up) in New Hampshire. On Monday Evenings - After work I head to the gym where I warm up for an hour before boxing class. After boxing class we spar On Tuesday Mornings - I go to cycling at Handle Bar and then head to the gym to complete drills for foot work On Tuesday Evenings - I run around at a restaurant (slow cardio, am I right?) On Wednesday Mornings - I go to cycling at Handle Bar and then head to Pilates at Down Under Yoga On Wednesday Evenings - After work I head to the gym where I warm up for an hour before boxing class. After boxing class we spar Thursday Morning - I I go to cycling at Handle Bar and then take on the guys at Toast for a morning basketball game Thursday Evening's - After work I head to the gym where I warm up for an hour before boxing class. After boxing class we spar Friday Morning - I head to the gym for a morning boxing class (its interesting have gloves thrown at you before coffee) Friday Lunch - I go to the yoga studio to take a class the focuses on healing the back Friday Evenings - I once again run around a restaurant to complete the weeks cardio haha On the weekends I surf whenever possible!

How has your diet changed since training began?
I started out just eating really healthy (no burger, fries, or sweets :( ) but still had trouble loosing weight. With the help of Julie I switched to 4 meals a day. This was the biggest change since I am a HUGE snacker. Weirdly enough I have found myself to not be hungry all the time.

Tell us about your first-time sparring, different than expected?
Yes, I came out of the ring just thinking, what the hell did I just get myself into.

What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far?
When I get tired, I also have hard a hard time listening to what my body needs, even if that means diverging from the daily routine.

What does your family think of your participation?
My mom was not happy when I first started, she said there is no way I can watch my daughter getting punched in the face. (I have been told a lot of mom's feel the same way) She has slowly come around and is one of my biggest supporters. I wouldn't be here without my family. My parents, brother, aunts, uncles, and cousins have been beyond supportive.

It’s amazing how many people’s lives have been touched by cancer in some way - has there been anyone that has surprised you by their story?
Once of the biggest reasons why I am fighting is for myself and my future kids. I have had a lot of people come up to be, surprised about what they read on my fighter page. I was pretty quiet about what was happening in my life in the spring and didn't let to many people know how I was feeling on a daily basis.

Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training?
Yes, I originally came into this to bring awareness to cancer and if you feel like something is off in your body, find out why. Since the start, I have come to the realization of how strong I am. My confidence has raised and I finally feel like I can stand my ground with anything.

Donate to Danielle or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl V on October 10th here!