Charlie Fanning

Q: When did you begin running and why?
I started running my freshman year of high school to get in shape for tennis and soccer. I got cut from the JV soccer team, so I stuck with the running thing. I eventually ran for a small DII school—Florida Southern College (go Mocs!)—and have been at it more or less since making some great friends along the way.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
After nearly giving up on running due to injuries and grad school demands, I decided I needed to address my expanding mid section. I started running again, found my way into some of the low-key races, and jumped in the occasional SLR. I joined last year after finding the club to be an inclusive, encouraging, and casually competitive space in the DC running community.

Q: What are you training for right now?
I’m currently training for the Richmond Marathon and hoping to chip away at my marathon PR.

Q: What is the toughest run or race you’ve ever participated in?
I had to be carted off a hot, swampy Florida cross country course during the regional championships my senior year of high school. I passed out about 400m from the finish. That was pretty unpleasant.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a DCRR member?
There is always someone to run with when I can get out of bed, and getting to know other local runners has definitely made me more accountable. Love the camaraderie at races too.

Q: What’s the most important lesson running has taught you?
To paraphrase something I heard Carlos Santana say at a concert one time: the universe rewards the intensity of your intentionality.

Q: What’s your favorite route in the area?
I’m a big Rock Creek Park fan. I regularly run the bike path by the zoo into Dumbarton or through Georgetown, but when I have time to kill I love to get on the trails and cruise in the woods for a while.

Q: What race day traditions do you have?
Banana, P.B. toast, coffee, and some energetic tunes. Shout out to my wonderful girlfriend Adrienne who usually is there to cheer me along/hold my backpack!

Q: What’s your proudest running moment?
I’m proud to have gotten to know so many accomplished and driven people through the different phases of my running life—running on a college team in particular brought with it a ton of great memories. Nowadays, I think each marathon cycle leaves a lasting imprint. I also set a state record in the beer mile long ago!

Q: What’s your life like outside of running?
I have an office job downtown, working for working people. I enjoy hiking, lawn games, and my couch. I play on a work soccer team with a losing record but a lot of heart. I can usually be found kicking around with friends in Adams Morgan or Columbia Heights on weekends.

Q: What is one thing you wouldn’t run without?
Usually just need the essentials, with some footwear considerations based on terrain and effort.