No Pain, No Gain

I've been running for the past 4 years. I started out just trying to prove to myself I could train and run a race, and it made no sense to stop after all that work, so I kept trodding along. Almost unknowingly, running has woven itself into my life in a variety of ways.

I present, Exhibit A -

When Matt and I began dating, he started running with me. We quickly became running partners and have since run up and down hills, in the heat, in the cold, in the morning, at night, at the beach...well, you get the idea.

Here's evidence.
(don't you think I'm winning?)

We had talked about getting engaged for a quite a while. I knew it was coming "soon", and as each weekend passed with no proposal, I became increasingly confused. It seems like perfect opportunites were coming and going. Matt was adamant he was going to surprise me, but I knew that I would know exactly what was going on, and I was fine with that.

Is my Type A planner personality coming through yet?

In April, my best friend got married. I caught the bouqet and hoped it would bring me a little luck.

The following Monday we planned to go for a run, and Matt chose a trail we have run a few times since it is shaded and a little cooler. We met at the house and went on our way.

We never, ever talk while we are out running. But that day he was particularly chatty. I didn't think a whole lot of it, and welcomed the distraction from my huffing and puffing. Everything was pretty normal, until we finished.

I was totally surprised and caught off guard. I remember saying, "Stop it." Mainly, because this came to mind.

Then I realized he was actually serious. And I should probably turn my iPod off.

All I asked for in a proposal was something that was meaningful to the two of us, and he hit the nail on the head. It was icing on the cake that he had Laura capture the moment. I love that we have these pictures to look back on.

The diamond in my ring was Matt's grandmothers, that was passed down to his mother. It makes the ring so special to me, and I was honored that they offered it for my engagement ring. I never noticed the 37 times he checked his pocket to make sure it was still there. He kept it in the small key pocket of his shorts the whole run. Bravery at its best. It makes my stomach hurt to think about it.

We cleaned up and headed to dinner at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Everytime I've eaten there, it's been to celebrate a major milestone, so it was fitting.

I love that he proposed in his way, in his own time, and I love how he balances me. It was so memorable and captured something that is significant to our relationship. I couldn't have planned it better myself!