Running the DMV Since 1961
Running the DMV Since 1961
Richard Frame
Q: When did you begin running and why?
I started running in 2015. Before that, I was an avid hiker, spending lots of time in the VA, MD, and CO mountains. However, long distance hikes took too long and I wanted to dabble with going a little faster and less time commitment. The answer for me was trail running—I could get in more miles in a lot less time. My other main driver for getting into running was my son, Matt, who was excelling in high school cross country and track & field as a distance runner during the same time period. He was having so much fun and doing well and it was very inspiring to me.
Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I joined DCRR in September 2016. I was looking for a local event to expand into road racing and complement my trail running.
Q: What are you training for right now?
I’m starting a new training cycle in June to prepare for a few fall events—the Taos New Mexico “Bull of the Woods” trail marathon in September, a local 10 mile trail running series across October-November, and maybe a trail 50K in October/November.
Q: What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
Probably the Rocky Gap, MD trail 50K race last October. I started out too fast (runners never do that . . .), the weather got warmer than expected (salt rings anyone?), and the trail was very rocky and root-filled (is it a ‘trail’ race . . . I wiped out multiple times). It was a pain-filled morning, but I finished!
Q: What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Every runner has different ways to approach the sport. For me, running has taught me that I have to work hard and be very disciplined and consistent to approach or reach my goals.
Q: What is your favorite route in the area?
I really enjoy running along the Mt. Vernon Trail along the Potomac River in Virginia. I’m fortunate that I can run straight from my door and quickly reach the trail and go either north or south for equally amazing views.
Richard Frame hitting the trails
Q: What race day traditions do you have?
My morning pre-race routine is set in stone: wake up three hours before start time, breakfast (oatmeal, bagel with peanut butter, and banana), followed by foam rolling and stretching while watching music videos or running clips on YouTube.
Q: What is your favorite post-race meal?
Pizza, pizza, pizza
Q: What is your proudest running moment?
The 2019 DC Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, when I was able to break 3 hours for the race (2:58:20). I had a really good training cycle leading up to the event and thought I had a chance to break that barrier. I felt prepared and strong and the supportive cheers from family members, spectators, live bands, and aid stations along the way really gave me a mental boost.
Q: What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
Hard to pick one. Born to Run (McDougall) is very good, but I also very much like Running With the Buffaloes (Lear, Colorado XC team), Once A Runner (Parker, fiction), and Running with Sherman (McDougall again). If you haven’t read Running with Sherman, consider giving it a look. It’s not your standard running novel (Sherman is a donkey).
Q: What is your life like outside of running?
I live in Alexandria with my wife Liz. I work as a senior analyst for the Department of Defense in the District. I still like hiking on vacations out west or in the northeast, reading non-fiction adventure and exploration books, and watching horror movies and Mystery Science Theater 3000!