Running Away To Get Married

Last July I ran a 100 mile ultra-marathon so I could propose to Laura at the finish line. Six months later I “ran away” (eloped) 8500 miles to marry her in Thailand.

Running the ultra required a leap of faith. I had to believe that I could finish the race even though I had never been on a run over 30 miles. I knew that if I wanted to cover the 70 extra miles I would need to be stubbornly determined to keep moving forward. I knew I would face unknown obstacles, experience ups and downs, and encounter challenges that would test my limits. I knew that I would experience intense moments of self-doubt. In these moments I would need to remind myself of my love for running and  of why I started. I sought out the advice of other ultra runners who had “been there and ran that.” I gathered wisdom from their stories of success and failures. I would carry these with me, along with an engagement ring in my back pocket, as I continued the run. I knew the goal was worth it. I accepted the challenge along with all the struggles and euphoria it would bring. I had no doubts I would make it or that it would all be worth it in the end.

Getting married is also a leap of faith. I have to believe that I can see this “forever” thing through even though I have never dated the same woman for more than two years. I know that if I want to spend the rest of my life with Laura that I will need to be stubbornly determined to keep moving forward. I am fully aware that Laura and I will face unknown obstacles, experience ups and downs, and encounter challenges that will test our limits. I am sure I will experience moments of self-doubt. In these moments I will need to remind myself of my love for Laura and why I started. I continue to learn from other couples who have “been there and lived that.” I constantly gather wisdom from their successes and failures. I will carry these with me, along with a ring on my finger, as Laura and I run this race together. I know the goal is worth it. I have accepted the challenge along with all the struggles and euphoria it will bring.  I have no doubts that we will continue moving forward and that every step of the journey will be worth it.

You can see more pictures of the wedding on Tim’s facebook profile.

To read the full engagement story click here.