SELF:

A Conversation with Josh Graves, a Marathon Runner Extraordinaire

Of all the people I’ve talked to, you’re among the most alert and energetic still, so I’m so impressed.

Josh Graves: Yeah, I don’t know how I’m actually functioning still. [] This is my fifth marathon. I have number six on December 1 in Seattle, and then seven is Eugene in April, and eight is San Francisco.

What Led Him to Start Running

I did my fourth one two weeks ago, and that was tough. I spent a lot of time on the course by myself, and that was probably the first time I really had to push myself because I lost course support around mile 17.

My wife. Somebody had mentioned to her that they didn’t think she could do a half, and it got her into it, and I’m like, “Yeah, I’ll do one half with you.” And then we finished and I saw it was half-price for the next year, so I did it again. Our first marathon was in 2022. And she was so excited to do this one this year.

What He Finds Rewarding About Marathoning

What do you find rewarding about marathoning in general, as a physical feat or an emotional one, or both?

Graves: Both. It shows me I don’t give up. It’s really hard to do some of these runs, and when I’m out there at mile 20 and I just want to stop and say, “No, I’m done,” I’m showing myself what I can do. And at the end, that just makes it absolutely worth it. Once you finish, you have such a feeling of accomplishment, a rush of endorphins. It’s incredible.

Conclusion

Josh Graves’ dedication to running marathons is truly inspiring. With five marathons under his belt and three more planned, he continues to push himself to new heights. His motivation stems from his wife, who encouraged him to start running in the first place. What’s most remarkable is his ability to find both physical and emotional rewards in his marathoning journey. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the incredible feeling of accomplishment that comes with completing a marathon.

FAQs

* How many marathons has Josh Graves completed so far?
+ Five marathons
* What is his next marathon date?
+ December 1 in Seattle
* How many marathons does he have planned in total?
+ Eight