Running Bride Says “I Do” on Las Vegas Marathon Course

Bombshell Bride: How does running fit into your life?

Mary Knott: I started running about 10 years ago just to get in shape, but it evolved into something that I look forward to every day. When I run, I never use an iPod and I never run on a treadmill. I love to be outdoors, no matter what the weather is. I use my running time to clear my head and work through any problems that I am dealing with at the time. And through running, I have gained confidence and even become competitive. I never played sports growing up so I was shocked to find that I was so driven!

In what ways does running strengthen Dan’s and your relationship?

MK: We don’t run together often because Dan is much faster than me, but we do often leave the house together and run the same route so we can see each other occasionally. Running allows us to be each other’s cheerleader. We always compare training notes, who had a good run or pace, how the weather was, what animals or birds we saw on the trail. Last summer Dan was injured and couldn’t run for a couple of weeks, and during that time, he acted as my sherpa on long runs—brought me water on the course, and met me at the track for the last few miles. He is amazingly supportive. If I am training for a marathon, Dan will run my tempo runs with me to help pace me through them. He also ran with me during a marathon last year at which I qualified for Boston. It was great to have him by my side at the finish line. Running is something we both love, and love to do together.

[Stressed out? Try out a calming yoga sequence from Sadie Nardini.]

You proposed to Dan. Can you describe how you did it and talk about how it came about?

MK: When Dan and I started dating in 2004, I was recently divorced and wasn’t sure I wanted to ever get married again. After we moved to Arizona together in 2005, he almost asked me to marry him on two occasions. The second time when he discussed the idea with me, he told me that when I was ready, I would have to ask him. I decided about a year ago that I wanted to marry him, but I wanted the proposal to be unforgettable after making him wait so long. I was planning to propose in Hawaii after he finished the Ironman in Kona in October 2009. But when he had to drop out of the Ironman Wisconsin in September 2009 due to an injury, I jumped at the chance to have the spotlight. I knew he’d be in the grandstands at the finish line and I hoped the announcer would see my “Dan, marry ME” sign, which he did. It was so much fun. My sister passed the banner to me around mile 19 of the marathon. I carried it the last 7 miles, smiling the whole way! I had picked out matching rings from Big Island Jewelers with the Ironman symbol on a gold band. After he said yes, I gave him the ring on one knee.

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