self: I am very impressed because you are still the most alert and energetic person I have ever talked to.
Grave: Yeah, I still don’t know how it actually works [laughs]. This is my 5th marathon. Seattle is No. 6 on December 1st, Eugene is No. 7 in April, and San Francisco is No. 8.
I did it for the fourth time two weeks ago and it was tough. I spent a lot of time alone on the course, but this was probably the first time I really had to push myself as I lost the support of the course around mile 17.
What made you start running and running marathons in the first place?
Grave: my wife. Someone told her they didn’t think she could even do half of it. [marathon]So she was interested in it, and I was like, “Yeah, I’ll do half of it with you.” And then it was over, and the next year it was half price, so I did it again. Our first marathon was in 2022. And she was so excited to do this this year.
What do you find rewarding about marathons in general, as a physical feat, emotionally, or both?
Grave: both. It shows me that I am not giving up. It can be really difficult to do these runs. When I want to stop at mile 20 or so and say, “No, I’m done,” I’m showing what I’m capable of. And in the end, it’s all worth it. When you finish, you feel a great sense of accomplishment and get a rush of endorphins. That’s amazing.
