START LINE STORIES: Local Couple Finds Health and Connection on The Run

For this week’s Start Line Story, we had the opportunity to catch up with Nick and Kristine Dibos – a local Eugene couple who are running the marathon together this spring. The duo met and became running buddies in college (at Creighton University in Omaha) and lived all over the country before settling down in Eugene – where Nick grew up and where they juggle a successful family real estate company and a busy home – with four kids (ages 10, 8, 6 and 18 months).

Here's a look into their running story and why they decide to wake up before the kids most mornings to get in their miles:

Why did you choose to sign up for Eugene in 2023 and why run it together?

Nick: We actually met as running buddies and throughout our marriage of 12 years we have connected to each other as runners and to the running community as a whole; that’s one of the big reasons why we’ve always been drawn back to Eugene: because of the running community.

Kristine: We’re specifically looking forward to the Eugene Marathon, especially after watching the World Championships last summer. Running a marathon here in our town, with friends and family cheering us on and running into a stadium that’s only a mile from our house – it’s gonna be such a joy!

Nick: You take it for granted sometimes – that you live in the hub of track and field in the whole world – but not this year. We had to sign up!

What is currently motivating you to get to the start line on April 30, 2023? 

Kristine: There have been a lot of dark 5 AM runs this winter, but I’m hoping that this will be my Boston Qualifier; that’s the big motivator for me. And also just getting to be a part of it and picturing the finish line. We are also both running with friends and running groups and knowing that there are others out there who are getting up with you makes it easier to get up.

Nick: When I know I’ve got friends out there getting up too, I don’t want to be the one who says I didn’t get my run in that morning.

What type of training plan are you following and do you have a specific goal for the race? 

Kristine: I’m doing the Run Less, Run Faster plan and Nick is doing the Hal Higdon plan. My goal is to get my Boston Qualifier this time around.

Nick: My goal is to look good for my wife! I’m also on track right now to qualify for Boston in my age group, but I’m trying to keep the pressure low. I’ve done this before, and I set out to qualify for Boston each time, and there have always been points between miles 19 and 21 where it just doesn’t happen, so I’m keeping the expectations low and hopefully I’ll surprise myself.

How many marathons and half marathons have you completed? 

Kristine: I’ve done four marathons, but neither of us have done the Eugene Marathon. My last marathon was 4 years ago in Kansas City.

Nick: I’ve done three marathons and the Portland Marathon [in 2013] was my last. We’ve done Chicago, Nashville and Portland together; it’s time to add Eugene to that list.

Why run and why choose to run together? 

Nick: Running is an activity that leads to whole person health … it’s the overall workout, the mental reset, the time outside in nature, the break away from the kids. And it’s easy to work it into a busy schedule; you don’t have to wait for the gym to open, you just put your shoes on and go. And with Pre’s Trail right in our backyard, there’s just something special about it. We’re living in Eugene and we feel the spirit of that community.

Kristine: It’s the same for me. Running is definitely about whole person health: mental health and physical health. Going out for a run can just reset the day; I’m a better mom and a better everything after I’ve run. … Running is the thing that’s stayed with us through all stages of our relationship. It’s truly an “in sickness and in health” activity and is something that we always go back to as a couple: going out for a run together.

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Follow Nick and Kristine on their Eugene Marathon running journey on Instagram (Nick & Kristine) or in person on Pre’s Trail. And if you happen to find yourself next to them on race morning, make sure to give them a shout of encouragement to get those BQs.