My name is Dave Fravel. I’m a husband, father, runner, son, brother and web developer living on Cape Cod, MA.

I’ve been running off an on for 10 years. I’ve been a runner for 2 3 years (yes, there’s a difference between running and calling yourself a runner – running is something that you do … a runner is who you are)

My father, also named Dave, is my running inspiration. Many of my clearest memories of my father are him returning from a run:

  • in the summer, sitting on our backyard patio, drinking water, sweat dripping from his nose
  • in the winter, walking in the back door with ice crystals on his hat
  • training for, and nearly completing, the East Lyme Marathon but having to stop @ mile 18 with blisters

I remember the feeling of awe, wishing that I could be like him. I’d be so proud overhearing other people talk about seeing my Dad out for a run around East Hartford. I supposed that if you were going to be known for something, “that running guy” would be about the coolest thing.

Dad stopped running about 20 years ago – bad back and knees. He tells me it’s because he never stretched. It’s advice that I know I should heed, but like most runners I stretch only before a race to burn off nervous energy.

I run about 40 miles a week in and around Cotuit, MA (pronounced Keh-2-It). Most of my runs end up taking me through dirt trails and along Nantucket Bay. After moving to the Cape in 1999, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Even when I travel for work, I always search out a shoreline to run along (Lake Michigan in Chicago, Waterfront in San Francisco).  Update:  I no longer travel for work unless you consider driving 2 exits up the highway “traveling.”

Some other running facts about me:

  • My current shoe of choice is the Mizuno Wave Rider Asics Gel-Landreth.
  • All my shoes are purchased at Hanlons Shoe Store in Hyannis.
  • My usual training pace is about 8:15 – 8:30.
  • I hate to race, but I’ll enter about 4 a year … just because
  • I’ll wear gloves for 9 months – my hands are always cold when I run
  • I listen to music when I run on the treadmill, but not on the road and occasionally on the road since I bought a new iPod Shuffle.
  • I wear a watch when I run, but more for total time run, not split times Garmin 305 when I run and I’m completely addicted to it.
  • I’ve run one marathon and am signed up to run two more between now and January 15, 2008.