Marriage, anyone?

Well I finally did it. Under a hail and rain pummelled tent Patty and I exchanged vows and began a life together in marriage. Since this is yourrunning.com I'll focus in on the running component of this union and give that some examination.

We are both very much fans of all things running, actually competing to see who gets their hands on Track and Field News first each month, for example. Never is a race or track meet on the TV missed.

We both enjoy that uniquely intense experience garnered by racing.

We both have committed ourselves to consistent training as part of our day to day life.

One thing I've expanded in my life with Patty is thinking big in my running. Patty's experience when we met already had placed her in some of the top tiers of the sport -- NCAA 10K champion, Olympic Trials in 10k and marathon, to name a few things. I was just another decent runner in Boulder at the time. Through the example Patty provided in how to handle the formerly overwhelming sense of "this is it" dread and fear that can come with racing, which Patty simply manages and turns into consistent performance, and through expert physical and psychological coaching from Ric Rojas, I was able to gradually expand my horizens and begin to actually be in the competitive mix at the national level in the 1 mile and 800 meter distances. This was way way outside my former box. This has turned into a thoroughly rewarding and fun activity. Not only that, I began to move in running circles I was formerly in awe of in our local community. Saying hello to world record holders and Olympians on a regular basis.

Another thing that works nicely in our relationship is the simple life that comes with being oft tired runners. Early to bed and eating nice meals work well for both of us. Being very tired and simply relaxing and resting at home is mutually understood and supported. When we travelled to the world championships in Italy, we were able to rest up in the hotel during the competition, postpoining exploring this new country until there were no races looming.

Finally, Patty is very knowledgable about performance, and has consistently encouraged me and placed whatever talent I have in a positive light, a trait I see her doing all the time with everyone out there.

All in all, from the point of view of running, and generally, I snagged a world class bride.