In honor of mine and Hank's third wedding anniversary yesterday, I think it's perfect timing to share what we co-wrote for the speech we gave during Amy and Ryan's wedding weekend (aside: the groom's cake was a race bib). Here we go...
Good evening, everyone! Andrea and I were lucky enough to spend a weekend in October with Amy and Ryan for the Chicago Marathon. It was certainly a great weekend, and based on the groom’s cake, we all know how much Amy and Ryan love to run – so we decided to give them a few tips so they can succeed in their biggest race yet – the marathon called marriage.
Tip One: Mimic the course.
If you’re going to run a hilly marathon, you should train on hills, and if you’re going to run a flat marathon, you should train flat. Well, you two got to where you are today, by building a relationship filled with having a lot of fun, sharing lots of laughs and making great memories together. From running the Rock ‘n’ Roll in Virginia Beach to summer days at Wrightsville and nights at the Durham Bulls ballpark to hunting around the backyard for Easter eggs, you’ve kept the good times rolling. So mimic the course you’ve already taken to get to where you are today, and keep that same love tonight, tomorrow and all the days after.
Tip Two: Be each other’s biggest fan.
In any race, there are fans along the route to help push you through, to inspire you, to make you smile and even make you laugh. We encourage you both to be each other’s biggest cheerleader and help to celebrate all of your successes and to be there to pick you up should you stumble along the way. You should laugh and laugh often. Never take life too seriously, and at the same time, focus on the things you care deeply about. Also, treat your biggest fan like your greatest treasure, because a good spouse is the greatest treasure you can ever hope for.
Tip Three: It’s all about the journey.
Just like signing up for a marathon is a choice you make in an effort to accomplish something great; love is a choice, each and every day. Take in every moment you have together. All the sights, all the sounds and all the memories, because it’s the journey you share that makes a lasting impression. As in training, some days can be more challenging, but with dedication and commitment you can get through anything together. Trust the path and the preparation you’ve taken to get here and mile after mile, day after day, your marriage will be a huge success.
With a solid foundation of faith, the belief in grace and forgiveness and a whole lot of dedication and love, you’ll get through this marathon that is marriage together, and what a beautiful marathon it will be. So, let’s raise our glasses to Amy and Ryan, and may this be the best run of your life.
Good evening, everyone! Andrea and I were lucky enough to spend a weekend in October with Amy and Ryan for the Chicago Marathon. It was certainly a great weekend, and based on the groom’s cake, we all know how much Amy and Ryan love to run – so we decided to give them a few tips so they can succeed in their biggest race yet – the marathon called marriage.
Tip One: Mimic the course.
If you’re going to run a hilly marathon, you should train on hills, and if you’re going to run a flat marathon, you should train flat. Well, you two got to where you are today, by building a relationship filled with having a lot of fun, sharing lots of laughs and making great memories together. From running the Rock ‘n’ Roll in Virginia Beach to summer days at Wrightsville and nights at the Durham Bulls ballpark to hunting around the backyard for Easter eggs, you’ve kept the good times rolling. So mimic the course you’ve already taken to get to where you are today, and keep that same love tonight, tomorrow and all the days after.
Tip Two: Be each other’s biggest fan.
In any race, there are fans along the route to help push you through, to inspire you, to make you smile and even make you laugh. We encourage you both to be each other’s biggest cheerleader and help to celebrate all of your successes and to be there to pick you up should you stumble along the way. You should laugh and laugh often. Never take life too seriously, and at the same time, focus on the things you care deeply about. Also, treat your biggest fan like your greatest treasure, because a good spouse is the greatest treasure you can ever hope for.
Tip Three: It’s all about the journey.
Just like signing up for a marathon is a choice you make in an effort to accomplish something great; love is a choice, each and every day. Take in every moment you have together. All the sights, all the sounds and all the memories, because it’s the journey you share that makes a lasting impression. As in training, some days can be more challenging, but with dedication and commitment you can get through anything together. Trust the path and the preparation you’ve taken to get here and mile after mile, day after day, your marriage will be a huge success.
With a solid foundation of faith, the belief in grace and forgiveness and a whole lot of dedication and love, you’ll get through this marathon that is marriage together, and what a beautiful marathon it will be. So, let’s raise our glasses to Amy and Ryan, and may this be the best run of your life.
