FueledByLOLZ

Two Years of Marriage

Two years ago was the best day of my life because my husband and I got married. Everything went perfectly, and there is nothing we would have wanted differently.

As most people know, he is in the military and has been gone for almost exactly one of those years. While his deployments aren’t long (about 2 months), they are frequent and so are his other trips. I won’t say it’s been easy and there have been plenty of hard days. I will say we are still as happy as the day we met.

Today I knew today I wanted to post about our anniversary but had no idea what to post. I finally settled on a “how we met post”. I’m always interested to see how other people met their significant other so I thought I would share.

So How Did We Meet?

My husband and I met during college cross country season in 2011. We met at a scrimmage race between our respected two universities.

Tim ended up winning the scrimmage race for men, and I won for females. After the scrimmage, we talked for a while and went on a run a few weeks later. Cross country season went by, and we still chatted after the season. During this time, I was coming back from my first serious running injury a tibial stress fracture. Tim did multiple sports and was getting ready for ski season. Since cross country was over, and he was no longer running competitively, running at a slower pace didn’t matter. I was running easy after my injury and he was running easy just to run.

Eventually, after several runs, we hung out outside of running. When the semester ended, we both went to our hometowns for winter break. Tim drove down to Virginia Beach and visited for New Years.

Later in the spring, we officially started “officially dating”. I was blogging at the time, and I don’t think I even mentioned on the blog: OMG you guys, new boy in my life”. It’s been a theme of the past 6 years, we’ve been happy but he isn’t a large part of the blog.

In May of 2012, we both graduated college and decided to try doing a long distance relationship. Our options at that point were to try and do a distance relationship or break up.

Tim went to Air Force pilot school in Texas, and I began working in Oswego, NY. During that time, we both learned a lot about ourselves, interests and hobbies. We went just over 6 months without seeing each other. It was one of the hardest times of our relationship but worth it. The first time we saw each other again was that Thanksgiving, and it was as if nothing had changed.

After Thanksgiving, we saw each other again for Christmas, then in March and in May. It was a lot easier than the first few months. After nearly a year of distance, we made the decision I would move to Texas. As much as I enjoyed my job in Oswego, I wanted to continue my relationship with Tim and we had to eventually move (he did not have that choice with me).

In Texas, they have these for decoration…

Winning a growler at a half marathon in Texas

Tim graduated his pilot training, and we were told we would be moving to New Jersey. Neither of us knew anything about NJ (except people drive very quickly on the Turnpike) in October 2014.

We’ve now lived in New Jersey 3.5 years and I truly say I love it. I’ve made incredible friends, I enjoy my job and there is always something to do. We are only a few miles from Philadelphia and short drive from both of our parents, New York City and Baltimore.

On April 1^,2014, Tim proposed to me. It was exactly what I wanted, low key and at our house. We are low key, and I could not have asked for a better proposal. To be honest, as much as we love running, proposing at a race or in front of hundreds of people is not either of our scene.

Even though we lived in New Jersey, we made the decision to get married in my hometown area in Norfolk, Virginia. We spent a year wedding planning and got married on April 12, 2015. While planning a wedding further away was more difficult, it wasn’t as stressful because we both have such supportive and helpful parents. We couldn’t have dreamed for a better day.

After our wedding, we took a few days to relax and went straight on our honeymoon. We decided to spend a few days in Key West and go on a cruise in the Carribean. It was a great vacation, and it was perfect.

Then a few days after we got home, he was deployed for a while. For the first 6 months of our marriage, he was gone for just over 4. Afterward, he was home for a bit more, but in the past 2 years, he has been gone for over a year.

Throughout the first two years of marriage, we have learned a lot about ourselves and each other. Even though I grew up as a military child, being a spouse much different. It’s not always easy, but the time we do have together makes it worth it. I’m also thankful for my family and friends who help me get by.

As most people know, he is away now. We might talk today, we might not. It doesn’t mean I love my husband any less. I could not ask for a better person in my life.

Hiking Bear Mountain and when we actually saw a bear

Here are some other posts about my husband and I (or just my husband):
Wedding Post
Honeymoon
Flying Together
Tim’s Recap of the Mercedes Marathon

How to Run with a Significant Other

As most people know, my husband and I met through running. It’s a hobby we both share. You read the full story here. We both ran long before we knew each other.

He is a faster runner and there are very few periods that we run the same exact same pace, but it is enjoyable to share that time with him. Running allows us to share uninterrupted time together. During the day, it’s hard to find this uninterrupted moments.

Since coming to Alabama, we’ve been running a lot more together. While it usually involves being out the door at 5:30am, it’s an hour we can spend together.

Many readers have asked: How do you run with your significant other? Or Could you share some tips to make running with a partner more enjoyable?

So thinking out loud, I’m doing just that!

Keep in mind, running together is not always sunshine and butterflies. I can remember a significant moment in our running relationship. It was our first long run together. I’m a very chatty runner and if you’ve run with me (or even raced), you know I’m yapping all the way. My husband, however, is much quieter when he runs. This took us a few runs to figure out.

We started off doing a 15 mile run in San Antonio, Texas. All of a sudden he was running a few steps in front of me and silent. I began getting irrationally upset. Why were even running together? It was just silence. I continued to get more and more upset until finally I snapped and said:

“I’m tired of this dude running.  Men just run single file in a straight line and not talking.  Women don’t do that”.

I didn’t know his running habits, and he didn’t fully know mine. Since then, we’ve had no more escalated running arguments, but my point is: it’s important to know any trainer partners habits.

So How do We Run Together?

The short answer: We both put on running shoes and move one foot in front of the other.

The long answer:

We run easier mileage together. I’ll speed up my pace 10-15 seconds per mile, and he slows down a bit. We agree to try and meet halfway.

We don’t do hard efforts together because our workout paces are not the same. He is a faster runner and also has different goals. (I like 5k-13.1 while he likes 5k-10k).

Occasionally he will do a tempo run with me, but that is the extent of workouts together.

Racing:

We both like going to races. In my 2017 goals, I wrote how I planned to use a lot of races as workouts. For us, going to races is quality time we spend together as well. We like to sign up for races together.

The important part is we don’t race together. We will warm up and cool down together, but when the clock goes off, we race to our own standards. The majority of the time, we do not stay together.

Racing for you is important because if one person is faster, it will create problems to stay on the course together. Part of being with a fellow runner is that you can’t expect to stay together or feel the same every race. Does it stink to be dropped by your husband or a training partner during a race? Of course, but that is the nature of the sport. We support each other, good or bad race.

There are some important things to remember:

Ultimately someone might feel better on a particular day. That’s okay, and there is no reason to feel upset by it. With any running partner, it’s important to remember that running is for you.

Running and working out can be a great addition to any relationship, but your ability to run the same paces (or not) does define a relationship.

Meet in the middle. Chances are you aren’t running the same pace or training for the same thing. Don’t be selfish and meet halfway with paces and mileage.

Don’t Be a Sore Winner or Loser. There is no point to “racing” your significant other because heck because neither of you is bumping each other out of overall awards.

Running with a signicant other can be a fun and pleasent experience. I know my husband and I are extremely lucky we get to share that with each other.

Know each other’s habits. It will make the run easier.

Finally, don’t force or guilt them into running with you. Don’t take anything personally, sometimes they don’t want to run.

Questions for you:

Do you workout with your significant other?

Have you ever run a race with someone?

Weekly Happenings

As I mentioned, Tuesday was my husband and I’s anniversary. We were lucky he was home and able to spend it together.

We went to a local seafood and steak restaurant called Giumarellos. It was good food, but it wasn’t my favorite restaurant. We’ve been to better, but we’ve also been to worse. It wasn’t about the food but celebrating our relationship. Many people asked if we were going to celebrate at a diner…if only the first year “anniversary gift” was sugar.

Afterwards, we came home to enjoy our year old wedding cake. To be honest, I have been looking forward to having our wedding cake since we got married last year.

We chose a “blue velvet cake”. Red velvet cake is my favorite type of cake, but our wedding color was blue, so we had it dyed. Honestly, it tasted delicious and I liked it as much the second time around. I ate most, if not all, of the frosting that night.

Other than celebrating our anniversary last week, we haven’t been up to a whole heck of a lot. I have a rare weekend off, and we will be continuing the celebrations. It’s rare that both of us have the weekend off together.

Hopefully, everyone has a great weekend. It’s finally supposed to be great weather, so I’m looking forward to that. Finally, good luck to everyone running Boston on Monday. It looks like good weather!

Posts from the week:
One Year of Marriage
How to Run with a Significant Other
29 Half Marathons Later

Questions for you:
Married Couples: How did you celebrate your first anniversary?
What is your favorite cake?

How to Run with a Significant Other

My husband and I met through running. Since our first-year anniversary was yesterday, I thought this was a timely post.

Running is a hobby we’ve both shared. We both ran long before we knew each other and there are very few spans of time we run the same pace but it is enjoyable to share that time with him. We share quiet moments with uninterrupted conversation when running. During this day and time, it’s hard to find this uninterrupted moments.

So how do we run together?

We typically run easier mileage together. I’ll speed up my pace 10-15 seconds per mile, and he slows down a bit. We agree we will try and meet halfway. We don’t do hard efforts together because our hard efforts such as mile repeat because our paces are not the same. He is a faster runner than I am and also has different goals. (I like 5k-13.1 while he likes 5k-10k). Occasionally he will do a tempo run with me, but that is the extent of workouts together.

Racing:

We like to sign up for races together. The important part is we don’t race together. We will warm up and cool down together, but when the clock goes off, we race to our own standards.

There are some important things to remember:

Ultimately someone might feel better on a particular day. That’s okay, and there is no reason to feel upset by it. With any running partner, it’s important to remember that running is for you.

Running and working out can be a great addition to any relationship, but your ability to run the same paces (or not) does define a relationship.

Click to Tweet: How to Run with a Significant Other

Questions for you:

Who are your running partners?

Do you run with a significant other?

One Year of Marriage

Today is my husband and I’s first year anniversary. Many of LOLZ readers know how we met and our love story, but it’s fun to reshare.

Here is a quick summary:

We met running in college. We dated for the second half of senior year then maintained a long-distance relationship for a year and a half after college. I decided to move to Texas, September of 2013 and we promptly moved to New Jersey after. After living in NJ for a while, we got on engaged April Fools Day 2014. A year of wedding planning went by and we got married April 12, 2015. Now we just finished year one of marriage. Good thing I blog so I can remember everything.

But here is the longer version:

In the fall of 2011, we met at a cross country scrimmage race between our colleges. After the scrimmage, we talked for a while and went on a run a few weeks later. During that time, I was coming back from my tibia stress fracture. I wasn’t supposed to worry about pace. It was towards the end of the season so my goal was to make it through the season healthy. I barely ran with my own team, let alone some random guy I had the hots for.

We didn’t run together until after the cross country season but we occasionally chatted. I was knee deep in a recent college major change and Tim was a chemical engineer, so we were both busy. When we finally ran together in November, Tim was getting ready for Nordic skiing so his focus wasn’t pace or time either. Running at a slower pace didn’t matter.

Eventually after several runs, we hung out. By that time, the semester was over and it was time to go home for winter break. I grew up in VA Beach and he grew up in PA so we didn’t live close.

Tim actually came down and hung out for New Years. We ran the Beat the Ball 5k as well as the Hair of the Dog 5k.

In the spring, we started “officially dating”. I think I even mentioned on the blog: OMG you guys, a new boy in my life” (just kidding). I don’t even know how it came up through blogging…

This was about 3 years ago at the greatest night out in my life. I won a contest rapping Nicki Minaj superbass. — This was about 3 years ago at the greatest night out in my life.
I won a contest rapping Nicki Minaj super bass.

In May of 2012, we graduated and decided to try a long distance relationship. Our options at that point were to try a distance relationship or break up. Tim went to school in Texas and I began working in Oswego, NY.

The first few months were tough. By November, we were able to see each other for the first time since June. I loved my time in Oswego and it was one of the most pivotal and influential years of my life. I am so glad I chose to go there but it was hard to not be together.

After Thanksgiving, we saw each other again for Christmas, then in March and in May. As we adjusted, it was easier. After nearly a year, we made the decision I would move to Texas. As much as I enjoyed my job in Oswego, I wanted to continue my relationship with Tim and had to move eventually (he did not have that choice).

Less than two weeks after I moved to the middle of nowhere, Texas, Tim graduated his training. We were told we were moving to New Jersey. Neither of us knew anything about NJ except people drive quickly on the turnpike.

Tim's flight school graduation — Graduation

After living in New Jersey for 2+ years, we both love the area. It’s close to Philadelphia, New York City, the shore and both of our families. It’s the perfect location for us right now.

We got married on April 12, 2015, in Norfolk, VA. We truly had a wonderful time at our wedding and were lucky so many friends and family that could attend. We took our wedding as a celebration and party and that’s exactly what it was.

After getting married, we went on a honeymoon and cruise. It was one of the best vacations of my life.

Due to travel and work, my husband has been gone about half of our first year of marriage. It wasn’t a secret this would happen. I can’t say it’s been easy all of the time but we have made it work.

To be honest, it hasn’t been a crazy transformation or change since getting married. We lived together for over a year before getting married so there were many quirks we were both familiar with. Like any couple, we’ve had our ups and downs but we try to support each other through everything.

I feel so lucky to be celebrating our first year of marriage and many more.

Some of my favorite moments together:

Honeymoon…because why not buy these shirts?

The one time our fitness was at the same point... — The one time our running fitness was at the same point…

Here are some of the wedding posts if you want to look back on those:
Rejected Wedding Ideas
Lengthy Wedding Post
The Wedding

As always, thank you to friends and family for your love and support. It feels amazing to celebrate our first year of marriage together and we could not be happier.

The Story that Leads Us Here.

As you guys know, today is the big day.

I am getting married!

We are getting married.

To celebrate, I decided to post the personal story of how T and I met and a little more about our relationship. Due to work and other things to blog about I don’t post a lot about our relationship. Plus this is a running and diner blog…

——–

T and I met through college cross country in 2011. We met at a cross country scrimmage race between our respected two colleges.

Tim ended up winning the scrimmage race for men and I ended up winning the scrimmage race for females. After the scrimmage we talked for a while and went on a run a few weeks later. This was during the time I was coming back from my tibia stress fracture and Tim was getting ready for ski season. He had just finished his season and was no longer running competitively so running at a slower pace didn’t matter.

Eventually after several runs, we hung out outside of running. The semester finals came in December and they each went back to their home towns.

During the holidays of 2012, Tim visited Hollie for New Years and ran two local VA Beach road races.

In the spring, we officially started “officially dating”. I think I even mentioned on the blog: OMG you guys, new boy in my life” (just kidding). I don’t even know how it came up through blogging…

In May of 2012, we graduated and decided to try doing a long distance relationship. Our options at that point were to try and do a distance relationship or part ways. Tim went to school in Texas and I began working in Oswego, NY.

The first few months were very difficult. By November, we were able to see each other for the first time since June. I loved my time in Oswego and met two of my bridesmaids Laura and Heather while working there. It was one of the most pivotal and important years of my life.

I love us. — I love my friends Heather and Laura who kept me sane during that time (and still do!)

After Thanksgiving, we saw each other again for Christmas, then in March and in May. It was a lot easier than the first few months. After nearly a year, we made the decision I would move to Texas and we would live together. As much as I enjoyed my job in Oswego, I wanted to continue my relationship with Tim and had to eventually move (he did not have that choice).

Moving Blog

Tim graduated his training and we were told (less than 2 weeks after Hollie moved to Texas), we would be moving to New Jersey. Neither of us knew anything about NJ (except people drive very quickly on the turnpike).

After living in New Jersey for 16 months, we both love the area. It’s close to Philadelphia, New York City, the shore and of course both families. We are both truly grateful for the love and support both families, friends and even readers have given us for our wedding and cannot wait to get married.

New Jersey Life:

Thank you friends both near and far for your love and support. We truly appreciate it and cannot wait for this occasion.

Wedding Wednesday

Have you ever had a goal race that you bombed for outside factors?

For instance you trained and tapered perfectly for a race but it was 90 degrees…obviously the weather you slowed you down and you didn’t set out for what you originally had planned for.

Well my friends, for Wedding Wednesday that is exactly how I felt last week. I drove down to Virginia only to have over half of my vendors cancel because they were sick. Both T and I took time off of work to come down, yet we left not accomplishing everything we had hoped.

To say I’m frustrated is an understatement but no amount of complaining can change that. So after coming to terms that we would not be meeting, we made the best of the situation. It’s hard to plan a wedding out of town but even harder when you come into town and multiple meetings are canceled.

Luckily for me, my lovely hair stylist (who has done my hair since 7th grade) was able to make a last minute appointment. She chopped off all of my dead ends (which was probably half of my hair at this point)

To be honest, I haven’t been to a lot of weddings. I don’t know what I’m forgetting (or not). I’m sure there are plenty of items…I’m frustrated, worried and nervous. I know I shouldn’t be because it will all come together but right now it seems like a mess.

Things we were able to accomplish this week:

We were able to taste all our food. I’m sure every bride says this but I really liked my food and I’m excited for that…so the more food for me, the better. We also tried our rehearsal dinner restaurant which was also delicious. So basically our food is covered and I approve.

Is it just me or does everything for weddings get served in a martini glass?

Hey girl...you want some mashed potatoes in this martini glass? — Hey girl…you want some mashed potatoes in this martini glass?

Strawberry cheesecake...in a martini glass — Strawberry cheesecake…in a martini glass

I tried on my wedding dress (Hard to believe trying wedding dresses on was 8 months ago!) and took it home. Every time I have tried on my dress during alterations it has fit the same (to me). I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing but it fit well and I’m happy. So that was a success too.

none are mine don't worry. — none are mine don’t worry.

So what is left to do in the last few weeks?

We have all the little decorations. I could consult pinterest but I’m not that crafty.
Make sure everything is still on schedule and there are no surprises.

It’s hard to believe the wedding is less than 3 weeks away. T and I are getting more and more excited to actually get married as each day passes. We are not excited for all the little stressers coming with planning a wedding.

Mentally I’m very overwhelmed. I have stayed rather calm through the entire process but I feel as each day counts down, I get more and more stressed. I know it’s silly to be stressed over table layouts and small decorations…but I am. It will all come together and I am grateful for my family and friend’s support.

Questions for you:

If you are married, what is something you forgot in the last few weeks?

What is the most crafty thing you have ever made?

So How Did We Meet?

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So How do We Run Together?

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So how do we run together?

Racing:

There are some important things to remember:

Click to Tweet: How to Run with a Significant Other

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Here is a quick summary:

But here is the longer version:

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