A Running Engagement (literally)

Two years ago, BJ and I met at Pacers, our local running store. Pacers is home to a Tuesday/Thursday night fun run group, ranging anywhere from 10 to 100 people. It’s a great group of locals, all levels of ability and one common theme: we like (or in my case, love) to run!

I especially love that BJ and I met running because for anyone who reads I RUN LIKE A GIRL, I think it’s pretty obvious that I am obsessed with running. I mean, I was born to run! But, other than my love for running – BJ met me when a) I was running faster than him and b) I was hot and sweaty. Anyone that can fall in love with a sweaty woman who is faster than him = true love. One week after meeting, I claimed BJ all to myself.

Fast forward to October 29, 2009.

BJ and I had plans to run our favorite long run after work, appropriately named “long run”. It’s an 8 mile loop and we run it once every 2-3 weeks. (note: we always pack my hot pink CamelBak for hydration) It was a gorgeous night, not too hot, not too cold – perfect running weather. We were talking about our days, the weather, how we were feeling – normal running talk. Around mile 5, we run past this great park – it has tennis courts, a big open field, an old train caboose and a few picnic tables. BJ asked if we could “stop to stretch”. Of course – I was in no hurry (and feeling a little rickety myself).

So, we stopped. And then BJ started saying some really nice things to me, I mean really nice (I’ll leave all of the little details to us)….I started to think: “What’s going on here? Is he being an extra sweet boyfriend? Or, is he about to propose?” Around the same time I started thinking those things – BJ got down on one knee, pulled out a (gorgeous) ring from the CamelBak and asked me to marry him.

I said: YES!!!!

Unfortunately we had 3 miles left - so we practically had to sprint home because I could not wait to tell everyone our wonderful news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even more fun – BJ made reservations at our favorite restaurant and had told them we were getting engaged. When we arrived, there was champagne and a delicious bottle of wine waiting for us - and personal “congratulations” menus. We had wonderful food and wine and dessert. It was absolutely perfect! And I could not be happier!

So, we met running, we both love to run and BJ proposed on a run - I could not think of a more perfect way for us to get engaged!