David R. Richardson, MD, Runner

HOMETOWN: Memphis

I f RUNNING: I love that it only requires a pair of shoes. I love the repetitive, rhythmic quality of running that allows me to relax.

BUCKET LIST: Tokyo is on the bucket list.

UP NEXT: Orion 5K and Zoom Through the Zoo 4mi.

FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Completing the St. Jude Iron Man 70.3

SPEED BUMPS: I hurt my knee about ten years ago, overtraining for an upcoming race. It took me almost a year to recover. It was very stressful but allowed me to rethink my exercise and begin cross-training with weights, swimming, and biking. I believe this is how I have been able to stay relatively injury free for several years.

RECENT RACES: I participated in the Campbell Clinic race series, including the Wolf River 5K and Crosstown 10k.

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Running the San Diego Marathon with my father in 2001 and running the Paris Marathon with my friend Marc Mihalko, in 2021

BINGE-WATCHING: Despite my beloved Grizzlies getting bounced, I’m binging the NBA Playoffs.

BEST EATS: My favorite restaurant is Pantà. I love everything there, but my favorite would be the mussels stewed with saffron. To drink, I love the Barcelona G&T made with rosemary.

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: I would love to have dinner with my grandmother, Ellen McCall. She passed away when I was seven. I thought she was the coolest person, but I never had a chance really know her.

GO-TO GEAR: I alternate shoes every other run − Brooks Glycerin and Ghost. My wonderful wife makes me run with my Apple watch as I often run pretty early, and she can keep tabs. I always run with a couple of dollars to grab coffee (usually at French Truck or City&State) at the end.

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I believe exercise makes me a better dad, husband, and friend. I’m in a better place mentally when I feel good and am healthy. And I want my children to see that fitness is important. It can provide an inner stillness and sense of accomplishment that is difficult to find elsewhere. I learned this from my dad and would like to pass that on.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” by Haruki Murakami.

PET PEEVE: Inconsiderate motorists. Runners are vulnerable and sometimes distracted, and as a driver, you should be aware of runners, cyclists, skaters, etc.

QUOTE: “Dave was always a top runner, but never the top. Maybe that explained his kindness.” − Scott Jurek from “Eat and Run”