We met the way all great 21st-century love stories begin: on Hinge. After a few weeks of messaging and navigating our busy schedules, we finally met at Haswell Green’s in New York City on a Friday night in the fall of 2021. Tommy’s first impression? It felt like he already knew Carolyn. She had a brilliant mind, a gorgeous smile, and a certain fierce energy that was impossible to miss. Carolyn’s first impression? Probably that Tommy was a little too excited about her love of chicken fingers and tequila. He ordered both while she was in the bathroom. That same night, he slid into the booth next to her during a dueling piano set, confidently put his arm around her, and when the pianist asked for a request, he shouted at the top of his lungs, “Fat Bottomed Girls!” Bold, but effective. We quickly bonded over our shared love of hiking, the outdoors, books, travel, and a mutual ability to be total goofballs when no one’s looking. We’re both intense people in our own ways, and we find love in that Type II fun—like multi-day backpacking trips, long-distance runs, or our ongoing attempt to hike all the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. But we also love a quiet night at home, cooking dinner with music in the background and watching Survivor. Fast forward to a chilly April morning in Central Park in 2024. We had just finished a four-mile race (one of many toward our NYC Marathon qualification). Tommy had a plan, a ring in his pocket, and a friend stationed with a camera at the perfect spot. One small hiccup: Carolyn crossed the finish line and promptly vomited! But Tommy wasn’t leaving that park without proposing. After a little cleanup and a few deep breaths, he convinced her to walk over to his secret spot, got down on one knee, and asked, “Will you run with me forever?” Through tears, laughter, and total disbelief, Carolyn said yes. And the rest is history!