It’s Our Anniversary!
I originally wrote this 10 years ago! Today is our 25th anniversary but most of what’s here still applies. I did not run the Tram Road Challenge this year (and Alan didn’t announce it) but everything else still stands.
Fifteen years ago today, my husband Alan and I woke up at about 4:00 in the morning, dressed in running clothes, and drove to Palm Springs to run the Tram Road Challenge. We had done this many times, in fact, we had met each other three years previously at that race. In 1999, though, it was different. It was our wedding day.
We arrived early at the event because we had to meet our family, our non-running friends, and our minister, and make sure that they were transported to the finish line before the race even started (obviously, our friends and family must love us very much).
We then waited for the race to start. I, like many brides, was wearing white. The difference was, I was in white satin running shorts, a white lace running bra, and, of course, a blue and white garter. As we ran the race together, we experienced what usually only elite runners experience, someone filming your every stride, sitting backwards on the back of a motorcycle. It was pretty cool!
When we finished the race, we hurried off to freshen up. I had two pairs of shorts made, so I changed, added a lacy white t-shirt and a veil, and I was ready to go. Alan changed into a clean pair of running shorts and a morning coat. Then we waited.
25 years ago: The bride wore white shorts and lace #running bra. #happyanniversary #weddingClick To TweetThe Tram Road Challenge is a tough race. Really tough. With over 2,000 feet elevation gain in about 3.7 miles, it is an accomplishment to finish whether you’re running or walking. We didn’t want to take away anybody’s spotlight, so we waited until almost everyone had finished the race, then we joined our family, friends, and minister, who by now had been waiting about three hours (did I mention that they love us?). We stood on the finish line and said our vows.
We did the race a couple more times after that, but when we started coaching cross country, we had a conflict every year because the race is held on the same weekend as the Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational.
Fortunately, this year our division three school will run on Friday, Alan is no longer coaching cross country, so that leaves us free to participate in the race. Alan was asked to announce, so I decided that I would run it (though that might be a little optimistic considering my recent training (did I mention the race was really hard?)). Apparently KMIR, the local news channel, got wind of this and they asked us down for an interview on Wednesday.
It was a lot of fun. We were interviewed (I video taped the interview on my phone, so you can see it below), they asked about our wedding and our life since then, then we took a little tour of the studio. I’d never been there before so it was fun. We even got a chance to sit behind the news desk!
While we were taking our tour, the local movie reviewer, Manny the Movie Guy, walked into the room. I, of course, yelled out “Manny the Movie Guy! Can I get a picture?” #noshame He was very obliging, and we took several pictures together.
It was a fun way to celebrate our anniversary. I love that I live in a small town, where things like this are celebrated.
Here is the video that was shown on the news. I just recorded it from the television, so the sound isn’t great. It’s still pretty cool though. We were so young! And our shorts were so short!
Here’s a little more about our wedding, relationship, and why my husband inspires me.
What kind of wedding did you have? Or, what kind of wedding would you like? Ever think about a running wedding?
And Now It’s Time for the Runner’s Roundup!
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
Wow! A year has already passed since I read about last year’s anniversary. The only thing faster is you running! So happy for you both. And those shorts still look fresh and young.
Thanks! I don’t know about those shorts. I showed the picture to our (very young) Starbucks crew and one (the female) said “how adorable!” and the other, the male, said “wow, those are short shorts!” I think he was talking about Alan’s but still 🙂
I LOVE your wedding story! 🙂
Thanks!
I remember this one… your weeding story is one of my favorites! What a cool way to celebrate. Happy Anniversary!!!
Thank you! Ready for another 15 years!
Happy Anniversary!! We got married at the court house. 🙂 No stress, it was great!
Thanks! We talked about the courthouse, but Alan wanted something special (yes, I was so NOT that bride).
LOVE LOVE!!!!!!!!!!! I do recall this story & love it!!! My wedding was traditional. I would love to renew on the beach in Hawaii! 🙂
Thanks! I wouldn’t mind renewing on a beach in Hawaii either.
Congratulations!! What an awesome way to get married. I love that your family and friends were there for it!
Thanks! Yes, it was nice that my non-running family was able to get up that mountain so early in the morning.
You two are SO amazing! I love those photos of your wedding day! What a treasure.
Thanks 🙂
Oh I adore this!!!
Thank you!
I love this soo much! Happy anniversary!!
Thanks Erin!
That’s so awesome! What a great wedding story to tell the grandkids 🙂 oh and happy anniversary
Thank you!
Awww, congratulations! This was so fun to read, and watch. Here’s to many more happy years running together with your BRF/hubby!
Thank you 🙂
Congratulations! I’m so glad you shared a picture – LOVE IT!!!!! You guys are the best.
Thank you! It’s fun to pull out the old pictures (and to see the old video too).
this has got to be the best wedding story I have ever heard!! what an amazing memory, you two are adorable!!! Happy Anniversary!!
Thank you! That’s the second time we’ve been called adorable today 🙂
Ah, this is lovely, Debbie!! Wishing you a wonderful 25th wedding anniversary!! Enjoy the day and wishing you many more happy years together!
Thank you Catrina. It’s hard to believe is really has been 25 years!
This is so awesome! On our wedding day we both ran 10 miles, but not together and we had to plan our routes so we didn’t see each other that morning. We will be celebrating 12 years in a few weeks. Happy anniversary!
Lol, that’s funny. Time flies doesn’t it? Almost 12 years and two kids later…
This is my absolute favorite! You two must have so much fun together! Happy anniversary!
Thank you! We do have fun! Which is nice after 25 years. 🙂
I do love this story! happy anniversary you 2 and many more
Thanks so much, Deborah.