Frank was born in Mexico City and spent his childhood in Houston, Texas. He joined the Track and Cross Country team at Furman University, graduating in 2019. Following graduation, Frank moved to Boulder and joined the Roots Running Project. Since joining Roots, he has improved his 5k and 10k marks by 29 seconds and 63 seconds, respectively, and has discovered a deep love for racing.
Accomplishments:
Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
Solved a Rubik's cube in 43 seconds once
Second most notable track athlete to come out of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
2020 USATF 15k National Champion
Running faster than I previously thought possible, in my hometown at the Houston Half, 61:48 (chip time)
How fast do you think you could run a backwards mile?
What is one of your most memorable non-competition runs?
I often reminisce on my long runs at Furman when we would drive up to Dupont State forest and crush some hilly miles. Being surrounded by my teammates on those runs always reminded me that I was working for something bigger than myself.
If you had to pick one race or event this year that you anticipate will be your most proud achievement or moment, which one would it be and why? Do you have a special connection?
Since the 2021 Olympic Track Trials, I've been focusing all my energy on getting ready to run a fast Half Marathon. The Valencia Half Marathon is just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. Sky's the limit.
What is your favorite event to watch that you don’t participate in?
The 3000m steeplechase. I know how heavy my legs feel at the end of a 5k and it's baffling that those athletes can still find the strength to kick at the end of those races... while jumping over stuff!
Do you have any quirky running habits?
I talk A LOT while waiting on the starting line before a race. I hope it doesn't bother my competitors/friends.
WOULD YOU RATHER:
Eat a slice of pizza mid-race or drink a milkshake?
Milkshake. Milk is great.
Run on an empty stomach or a full bladder?
Only one of these can be fixed immediately.
Do a beer mile or a milk mile?
Milk mile. Heck I'd run a milk marathon. I just really like milk.
Run in the freezing cold or the sweltering heat?
Heat, please. It reminds me of 3pm high school track practice in Houston.
Be met at the finish line with your favorite beverage or favorite meal?
Beverage, I'll need a second before I can eat anything...
Come across a snake or a rat on your run?
I don't think I can decide between these two... I'd rather see a dog. A nice dog.
Run with a blister on your foot or a cramp in your side?
Cramp. The cramp and I haven't gotten to know each other pretty well in some of my longer races. We're friends now.
Give up core work or stretching and still stay injury-free?
Stretching. Haven't really stretched in a while...
Run uphill in the first half of your run or the second?
Second. It's more fun to work hard on the way home.