Kristina Graff

Q: When did you begin running and why?
I ran sporadically from my tween years through my late 20s, and in my 30s I became a distance runner. I started running because I didn’t feel good at any other sports, and I favored distance because my best skill was to just keep going. Eventually I realized how much running eased my mind, and I was hooked.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
When I moved to the area in 2019 I searched online for local run groups and tried out a couple of them. DCRR was the best fit for me, and I joined the club that fall.

Q: What are you training for right now?
Cherry Blossom 10-Miler and the Alexandria Half Marathon

Kristina Graff finishing in style with smiles

Q: What is the toughest run or race in which you have participated?
My second marathon was the toughest one for me. I went out too fast, didn’t hydrate enough, and felt nauseous and tired before I even hit the halfway point. I’ve struggled with those same issues in other marathons since then, but that was the most depleted and demoralized I’ve ever felt at the finish—and it inspired me to train better in the future.

Q: What is your favorite post-race meal?
Usually pizza

Q: What is your favorite running book and/or movie?
I loved the movie Brittany Runs a Marathon and The Incomplete Book of Running by Peter Sagal.