SELF: Of all of the folks I’ve talked to, you’re among the many most alert and energetic nonetheless, so I’m so impressed.
Graves: Yeah, I don’t know the way I’m really functioning nonetheless [laughs]. That is my fifth marathon. I’ve quantity six on December 1 in Seattle, after which seven is Eugene in April, and eight is San Francisco.
I did my fourth one two weeks in the past, and that was robust. I spent a whole lot of time on the course on my own, and that was in all probability the primary time I actually needed to push myself as a result of I misplaced course help round mile 17.
What led you to start out operating within the first place, or entering into the marathons?
Graves: My spouse. Anyone had talked about to her that they didn’t assume she may do a half [marathon], and it acquired her into it, and I’m like, “Yeah, I’ll do one half with you.” After which we completed and I noticed it was half-price for the subsequent yr, so I did it once more. Our first marathon was in 2022. And she or he was so excited to do that one this yr.
What do you discover rewarding about marathoning typically, as a bodily feat or an emotional one, or each?
Graves: Each. It exhibits me I don’t surrender. It’s actually arduous to do a few of these runs, and after I’m on the market at mile 20 and I simply wish to cease and say, “No, I’m carried out,” I’m displaying myself what I can do. And on the finish, that simply makes it completely price it. When you end, you may have such a sense of accomplishment, a rush of endorphins. It’s unbelievable.
