Stop doubting yourself. The ONLY doubt that ever matters is the doubt that comes from your own head. You are capable of much more than you think.
Frankie Dades
New York City
Frankie was born and raised in New York City. After working construction jobs on some of the city's most high profile properties, he now serves a first responder. His goal is to use his platform to inspire confidence and share his journey. Though he's worn many hats in the fitness world, pursuing everything from boxing, jiu jitsu and football to basketball, CrossFit, and bodybuilding, the accomplished hybrid athlete has turned his focus towards endurance training and competition.
- Marathon PR: 3:37
- Goal: Sub-3:00
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10 MINUTES WITH FRANKIE
Q: WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TWENTY-YEAR OLD SELF?
Q: WHAT IDEA, PERSON OR BOOK HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL IN YOUR LIFE? WHY?
My father. From a young age my father taught me the importance of having confidence in myself and to never give up. He taught me life lessons that I will forever take with me in any challenge or venture I encounter.
Q: WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM FITNESS THAT HAVE SERVED YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
Your body will give out way before your mind. By strengthening your body, you are strengthening your mind. Microdosing adversity into your life on a daily basis will help you become not only physically tough, but mentally tough and ready to take on any challenges life throws at you.
Q: WITH ANY NEW MODALITY YOU GET INTO, HOW DO YOU APPROACH IT IN ORDER TO MASTER?
I am an open book. I am open to learning, criticism, and most importantly failure. You learn the most from failure. A smooth sea never built a skilled sailor.
Q: WHY DO YOU PRIORITIZE FITNESS IN YOUR LIFE?
Fitness is more than a good physique. Fitness helps me in many ways. It helps instill discipline in my life as well as helps me mentally. Lifting is my fire and running is my ice. Running helps me clear my head and sort out my thoughts. Lifting helps me release any emotions I may be feeling whether that’s anger or sadness. Because of fitness I am a better person over all.
Q: WO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE FAILURE? HOW HAS THAT SET YOU UP FOR LATER SUCCESS?
My favorite failure was my first marathon. I was underprepared and 26.2 made me pay for it. I suffered for 4 hours and 19 minutes. It set me up for success in my running career because I learned so much from that race especially the last 6 miles. I learned the proper ways to prepare and I also learned how far I could push myself when every fiber in me told me to stop.
Q: WHAT'S ON YOUR FITNESS BUCKET LIST?
100 mile race. I feel that the 100 mile races really take you to a place in your mind that you can never really reach until your 80 miles into 100 mile race. I want to meet that part of me.
Q: WHAT'S THE ONE WORKOUT YOU ALWAYS DREAD? WHAT'S THE ONE WORKOUT YOU ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO? WHY?
Long runs. I LOVE running, but it was always something I dreaded because for a long time I didn’t want to be with my thoughts. That weak voice in your head comes in and tell you to quit. On that long run you spend a lot of time with the voice in your head.
I look forward to speed workouts. Nothing feels better than pushing your limits and getting your legs spinning. It’s a great way to see your hard work pay off.
