MAKE ME A THRIVER

Thriving is a way of life for the Graff Family

By LISA COWNIE

She is a mom to three kids, wife to an educator and ultra-marathoner, as well as being a dietitian and entrepreneur.

He is a dad to three kids, husband to a dynamo, high energy go-getter, as well as being a junior high school principal.

Together, Jon and April Graff are thriving and teaching their children to thrive along the way. They truly set the example of living a full life.

“I hope they learn the value in living a healthy, active lifestyle,” says Jon. “Most of all, I hope that they know how powerful they are, and that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.”

Not just lip service, as April echoes those sentiments.

“I hope they learn self-confidence and compassion for others,” says April. “I hope they put themselves in new and uncomfortable adventures and continue to not be afraid to try something new.”

Indeed, Jon, who is Principal at Saint Peter Middle School, and April, a registered dietitian with Hy-Vee, set the example by tackling new things in their own lives.

Jon says, “I ran my first ultra-marathon in 2010. I’ve always enjoyed pushing my physical limits. In high school, I participated in multiple sports. In college, I quickly realized how much I missed being active/competitive,” explains Jon. “I tried a club sport, but didn’t like how it impacted my study and work schedules. Running became my outlet. It kept me healthy, satisfied my need to push myself physically, and awarded me an opportunity to turn off the stressors of the real world.

“In 2009, three years after college graduation, I ran my first marathon to prove to myself that I could do it. I crossed the finish line and immediately thought, ’What’s next?’ A

year later I ran my first ultra and was hooked. Overall, trail running brings me peace, closer to nature, and provides me with a sense of accomplishment. It’s a bit counterintuitive but for an introvert like myself, getting lost in the woods for a few hours at a time has a definite recharging effect.”

April too, finds ways to recharge. She knows that self-care is the best way to ensure she can care for others.

“I prioritize the things and people that are most important to me, realizing that something will always have to give. To thrive, it’s important to make time for things that fill your cup. For me that includes DIY projects, friends and travel. I’m a much better wife, mom, employee, and friend when I’m coming from a place of energy. Also, erasable, colorcoded pens are a life saver,” she smiles.

As a registered dietitian, April knows all too well the importance of nutrition. As a mom she has also learned how to make it a priority for her kids to.

“Don’t take it too seriously. Make food and nutrition fun,” she says. “Once meals become high-pressure events, they become battlegrounds where no one wins. Instead, include kids in to the meal and food process. Let them get their hands, and your kitchen, dirty with meal prep. Have them choose a meal and recipes. And, like with anything, learning takes time and repetition. So, keep serving those leafy greens, but try them in a new way. Both you and the kids will learn something new.”

What is an ultra-marathon?

Jon Graff explains, “An ultra-marathon is a running event that is greater in distance than the 26.2 miles of a traditional marathon. I have participated in a number of trail events ranging in distances from 50K to 103.3 miles. My favorite event is the Fall Superior Trail Race which follows the Superior Hiking Trail from Gooseberry Falls to Lutsen. The trail is peaceful, Lake Superior is humbling, the race is incredibly challenging, and the people are amazing.” ■

Do you know a Thriver? If so, email Lisa Cownie at LCownie@gmail.com