So yesterday The.Boy and I ran the hardest marathon of my life (so far) – the NYC Marathon.

It was my fourth and his first, and around mile 12, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to finish. We still had four miles to go before we saw our families, my legs just weren’t feeling good, and I just remember, almost crying, saying “I just want to see my mom.” But he stuck with me through every stretch break (I think there were 26 in total. One for each mile. Not exaggerating), every water stop, every borough, every bridge…and before we knew it, we were on 1st Avenue, where we saw our parents, and then our coaches, and then some of my old running friends, and then MORE coaches, and then some of our friends. (And let me tell you, the Upper East Side REPRESENTED in terms of crowd support. My love for my neighborhood was never quite so palpable.)

The New York City Marathon starts on a hill and ends on a hill, and all of our coaches warned us that by the end, we would be feeling every minor bump in the ground in Central Park (not to mention the big ones…and if you’ve ever run in Central Park, you know that it is HILLY) but, to be honest, at that point I was just coasting. Our race had a really rocky middle. But we finished strong.

Our final time was 4:47. My slowest marathon to date, but the fact that The.Boy and I did it together, and stuck with each other the whole way, refusing to leave each other’s side for even a second (well, until The.Boy had to use a Port-A-Potty at mile 12.) also made it my most rewarding marathon to date.

And then it was followed up by the biggest surprise of all.

IMG_2661

And I absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, said yes.

If you want to see more photos/video check out my (future) sister-in-law’s instagram video:ย http://instagram.com/p/gRi1ERxQKK/ย and my sister’s instagram photo:ย http://instagram.com/p/gRQ2sIjvZn/.

I will give more details in my Tuesday post, but I couldn’t let today go by without telling you guys!

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, today kicks off The Twelve Weeks of Winter Squash, which I am cohosting with Heather of Girlichef this year!! Basically, it’s a celebration of the almighty squash and we would love it if you joined us!! Basically, on Monday of each week, I will post a link-up that will stay up throughout the week where you all can add the winter squash recipes that you’ve cooked up that week! It’s very flexible so don’t feel like you need to participate every week in order to participate at all…we just want to see what you’re doing with squash in your kitchen! And if you’re a fellow blogger and want to be added to our facebook group, then please let me know in a comment!! So here’s this week’s linky…get’s get the winter squash love going!!

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119 Responses to The Twelve Weeks of Winter Squash (And Some BIG News!)

  1. YAYAYAYAYAY! Congrats on the engagement! Love it! So, so happy for you, Joanne! Tell The.Boy. awesome job ๐Ÿ™‚ And also, congrats to you both on the marathon! What a memorable day ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Megan says:

    Congratulations on the marathon and the engagement!!! What a memorable day!!!

  3. Great job on the marathon you two!! And of course congratulations on the rock!!!!! It’s beautiful ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Helen Guy says:

    That’s wonderful – congratulations!

  5. @700words says:

    Joanne saw the picture appear on my blogfeed and had to comment immediately (on my lunch break at work!) CONGRATULATIONS to you and the boy and what a perfect way to start the next stage of your lives – side by side supporting each other towards your goals. Oooh I’m getting all emotional (and did an embarrassing chair dance but managed to contain the squeal!) huge congratulations, such a beautiful ring too!!! Hurrahhhh!! Xxx

  6. Hooray, I am so excited for you, my friend! It sounds like you two make a perfect pair, so this is perfect. Your ring is stunning. What an amazing way to start the week :)…and I’m so happy to be hosting the 12 Weeks of Winter Squash with you again this year.

  7. This is fabulous, fabulous news! Both about the marathon finish (so excited for you and proud of you!) and the engagement! You deserve all the happiness in the world! Also, super excited for winter squash. This is awesome!

  8. Rachel Cooks says:

    Congrats, congrats, congrats!!!

  9. YAY!!! So excited for you! *claps hands wildly* …and it’s beautiful! <3 !!

  10. Kristen says:

    SO Thrilled for you! I cannot wait to read all of the details, but the video was adorable.

  11. yayyyy! that is soooo exciting! And to think, you probably thought you were going to be congratulated today in the blogosphere for the marathon, now you have even more to celebrate!

  12. Karly says:

    Oh, Joanne! I am so, so happy for you!! Congrats on the awesome marathon AND turning The.Boy into The.Fiance. ๐Ÿ™‚

  13. OH MY GOD!! WE are so HAPPY for you!! Finally… we have tears in our eyes! Congratulations on your engagement! THis is so wonderful and a very memorable time in your life….Treasure every minute of it! xxoo Anna and Liz

  14. I was waiting for this post to go up today so I could hear the details! I’m SO SO SO HAPPY for you, Joanne!!! It seems like just yesterday you were recounting us with your dating horror stories ๐Ÿ˜‰ Sounds like you had a pretty amazing Sunday. Congrats on both the marathon and your engagement! Can’t wait to hear more about it….

  15. OK, that instagram video was the cutest thing EVER. Totally made me teary. Congratulations- such fun news to start the week!!!!

  16. Congratulations, Joanne! I still remember when we first met you and you were single…and now you are blissfully engaged!! I am so happy for you! ๐Ÿ™‚

  17. What an AWESOME way to end a marathon! Talk about a runner’s high. ๐Ÿ™‚ Congratulations!

  18. margarita says:

    Yes! That is such an amazing news. I am so happy for you Joanne! Congratulations to both of you. And of course great job on the marathon! I will never run one and will always be in awe. Haha!

  19. Congrats! Sounds like a very successful day ๐Ÿ˜‰

  20. *streamers* *balloons* *confetti* WOOHOO CONGRATULATIONS! *streamers* *balloons* *confetti*

  21. congratssss cant wait for the detail dear XOXO

  22. Colleen says:

    Oh my gosh – congratulations!!! I love that he did it at the marathon! So perfect.

  23. Monica says:

    Holy moly! OMG! What a wonderful, happy post to open to this morning! I’m so happy for you! : ) Congratulations on your engagement – and on finishing the marathon. What an exciting time. Yay!!

  24. Courtney says:

    OMG. That video gave me goosebumps. I’m so, so thrilled for you guys!

  25. Lynn says:

    Congratulations, my friend! I feel as if I know you from your blog and so tears sprang to my eyes as I watched the video. How lovely and you’ll forever have a wonderful “how he proposed” story. xo

  26. Jessie says:

    Awwwwww! Congratulations, Joanne! What a wonderful surprise! I’m so happy for you and the.boy!!!!!!!

  27. Congratulations!! That video was adorable–and must have been SUCH a surprise. You must have been on such a high ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. Ashley says:

    YAAAAAYYYYYY!!! Congrats to you both! So happy for you! I mean, I’m happy about winter squash and all, but that’s a pretty sparkly ring you got right there ๐Ÿ˜‰

  29. Bah, I’m totally tearing up. That engagement is a freaking marathoners dream. Congrats on finishing that crazy tough race and an even bigger congrats on your engagement! I can’t wait to pick you up and twirl you around in excitement when I see you next!

  30. That is so awesome! Congrats on the marathon and of course, the engagement!

  31. I’m so happy and proud of you for doing the marathon! Even though we never met don’t think I didn’t stand on my Brooklyn streets and cheer you on! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Super congrats on the engagement – sending you glitter and well wishes!

  32. Christina says:

    CONGRATULATIONS, Joanne! I had to stop reading once I saw the picture of the ring to congratulate you! And you did a great job at NYCM, and I’m happy you and your fiance were able to experience it together.
    I know what you mean about Central Park, and that was just six miles I ran. Haha. Lame.

  33. OH MY GODDDDDDD!!!! I’m so freaking excited for you!!! If I wasn’t at work I’d watch the video but I’ll do it first thing when I get home. Congratulations lovely!!!!!!!

  34. Congratulations! Lovely news.

  35. Christina says:

    Congrats!!!!! Big news ๐Ÿ™‚ Wishing you both every happiness!

  36. sandra says:

    What can I say… I am SO not surprised and also SO happy for you!! Congratulations!! Oh, and it is a beautiful ring. The.Boy did a good job!

  37. Trisha says:

    Oh my gosh, congratulations!!! What an exciting day (and beautiful ring)! More details on the engagement, please!

  38. CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! on the engagement first and foremost, and also the marathon. woohooo! my 4th marathon was just a couple weeks ago and it was tough too. maybe that’s typical with marathon #4–just when you think it’s a piece of cake, it is SO not. so excited for you!

  39. Aw, congratulations!! So excited and happy for you!

  40. SallyBR says:

    Gosh, I have a lump in my throat, and I am trying not to bawl here, in my office, with gloves still on from making a mini=prep, and the thought that I knew you would be running the marathon this past weekend, and hoped the boy would be able to finish too. The only marathon I ever did took me 5 hours and 2 minutes, and I don’t care, it was unforgettable!

    I also suspected there would be a ring before I opened the post. there you go. Some kind of a magical irrational intuition… not bad for a hard core scientist!

    Congratulations! It is the best thing in the universe to find a soul mate, and I knew you did from your very first post about The Boy

    I am thrilled. thrilled for you!

  41. SallyBR says:

    Me again… the link to your sister Instagram is not working for me…. I wonder if it’s on my side or maybe there’s something wrong with it? The one from your sister in law worked fine

  42. Oh my gosh!!! I can over hear to read how you did with the marathon and then said your gorgeous ring photo!! Double congrats to you ๐Ÿ™‚

  43. Congratulations! And TWELVE WEEKS of winter squash?? YUM!

  44. Deborah says:

    Congratulations, Joanne!! You deserve all of the happiness in the world, and I am so happy for you!

  45. Emma says:

    Aaaaaaah! I am so excited for you! Huge congratulations on your engagement and of course the marathon! I want the details!

  46. Shelley says:

    So beautiful! Congratulations to you both!!

  47. Karen says:

    Congrats on finishing the marathon and many, many blessing to you and the boy in the future <3

  48. Kate says:

    Congratulations! How wonderful! And exciting! I can’t wait for the story tomorrow!

  49. Rachel says:

    YAY!!!! Congratulations!!! What a way to start a fabulously exciting part of your life!!

  50. Aw I’m so happy for you I’d literally jump if I wasn’t this sore!! Congrats, Joanne!!
    And also, that’s an awesome marathon mark, you girl be proud of yourself. You’ve had the strenght to finish (another) full marathon and that’s absolutely amazing! Who cares about the time? You did an awesome job!! Congrats to you and your boyfriend again!! x

  51. As much as I love winter squash I’m having a really hard time getting excited 12 whole weeks of it…..because I’m way too busy being excited about your marathon and getting engaged!!!!!!! YAY….best news ever! Huge congrats!!!!!!

  52. Congratulations to you both on the marathon and the engagement! Your ring is beautiful!!

  53. What a fabulous and appropriate way to get engaged! Marriage is so much like a marathon and the symbolism of accomplishing that monumentus goal side by side is so significant. I am so happy for you Joanne!!!! To many years of you two being side by side. <3

  54. saw this on facebook and was so so excited! cannot wait to hear more! ๐Ÿ™‚

  55. Eileen says:

    Ooh, hooray! Congratulations! Talk about all the endorphins at once, right? ๐Ÿ™‚

  56. AHHH! I can’t wait to get more details and see you in person to give you a huge hug! Just YAY love you!

  57. Faygie says:

    A huge congratulations, for both the engagement & finishing the marathon!!

  58. Oh my goodness congratulations!!!! SO HAPPY for YOU!!! The ring is gorgeous!!!!! I can not wait to hear the story! Sounds perfect!

  59. Chris says:

    He is going to give you a diamond ring every time you run a marathon? That’s a dangerous precedent, lol.

    Congratulations to the both of you. Why do I have a funny feeling that you will do something crazy, like decide to make your own wedding cake.

  60. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!! So, so, so, excited for you two!! Mwah! xoxo

  61. Meg says:

    Huge, huge congratulations — your ring is phenomenal! I got engaged in December last year and am just six days (!) from our wedding . . . the time truly does fly, so just soak up this moment and let it all wash over you. ๐Ÿ™‚ So many exciting things await!

  62. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so so happy for you and what a ring- he did an AMAZING job! What an awesome memory, it must have been the greatest day for you. I am so happy for you!! So exciting! I can’t stop using exclamation points!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ Can’t wait to hear the lowdown in Tuesday’s post. x

  63. CONGRATULATIONS!! That is wonderful news!! That is a really beautiful ring!

    I’m excited about the return of 12 Weeks of Winter Squash, too – Hopefully I’ll get something up in time for this week. How do I get in the the FB group? I’m interested!

  64. GIRL! Congratulationnnssssss!!!!! That ring is gaaawgeouuus!! eee!!!

  65. debbie says:

    WOW! Congratulations Joanne! Such good news! And what a beautiful ring…..the salad looks good too!!! (but not nearly as pretty as the ring!)

  66. CONGRATS!!! Ahhh I’m so happy for you and I don’t even know you! And congrats on the marathon too ๐Ÿ™‚

  67. Big congrats, Joanne! Running a marathon would be deserving of a humongous congrats on its own, of course, but getting engaged is even more exciting! Look forward to hearing more details ๐Ÿ™‚

  68. Chewthefat says:

    Congrats! And what a great occasion–he truly ‘gets’ your running and you!

  69. Julie says:

    Congratulations!!! Beautiful ring!!!

  70. Kristi says:

    Oh my gosh… Congratulations!!! How exciting. I can’t wait to hear all about it. And congrats on the marathon. I can’t imagine how challenging a marathon is, but you did it, and had support the whole time. How memorable!!

  71. P says:

    My heart started fluttering when I saw the photo. Congrats Joanne :D!!! On the marathon and engagement!!!

  72. A million times congrats on finishing the race and getting engaged! The ring is beautiful.

  73. Hotly Spiced says:

    That is the best news, Joanne and I’ve been wondering when this day would come. You both seem so totally suited and I’ve enjoyed reading all about your relationship as it’s gone from friendship to lovers to GETTING MARRIED! And a big congrats on finishing your fourth marathon and I love how The Boy stayed with you throughout the 40kms and how your family and friends were all there to cheer you on. What great encouragement that must have been. And I love your beautiful ring – it’s so elegant xx

  74. Jeanette says:

    Congratulations Joanne – that is just wonderful news. Best wishes for you and your fiance!

  75. Betty says:

    Congratulations!!!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  76. Reeni says:

    Congrats again! So, so very happy for you both! And congrats on the race! Love hearing how you stuck by each other through thick and thin – so inspiring.

  77. abby says:

    Eeeeeeee!!! Congratulations!! Gorgeous ring..so happy for you!

  78. Kaitlyn says:

    Yay! Amazing news. That ring is beautiful and I love that he proposed after the marathon! It sounds like you guys make a great team :).

  79. Mega congrats, Joanne! He sounds like a keeper. ๐Ÿ™‚

  80. Michelle says:

    Yay! Congratulations, Joanne. I’m doing a little chair dance after reading this. Beautiful ring!

  81. **SQUEAL** I’m SO excited and happy for you!!!! CONGRATS! I’m in tears over here!

  82. Kelster says:

    Congrats on the marathon AND the engagement.

  83. Heather M says:

    Congrats on the marathon and even more on getting engaged. Awesome news!

  84. Congratulations! That is wonderful news!

  85. Tessa says:

    Congratulations – both on the marathon and the engagement!

  86. Hannah says:

    CONGRATULATIONS JOANNE!!!! I knew it, I just knew it all along! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  87. Carrie says:

    Ooh, congrats! Such a pretty ring and such a cute story about you two sticking together through the marathon. ๐Ÿ™‚

  88. How exciting, congratulations on your engagement. Also congratulations on the marathon. Sounds like you had a perfect day!

  89. Annie says:

    Congratulations Joanne!! Your ring is beautiful and that video clip is so cute ๐Ÿ™‚

  90. Congrats again to both the race and the ring! ๐Ÿ˜‰ And thanks for sharing the winter squash fun!

  91. AHHHHHH!! I am so annoyed at myself for being a day late at reading this!! I actually thought of you running on Sunday, but never thought of you getting engaged! Congratulations Joanne, I am beyond thrilled and I think that will be a day that you never, never forget ๐Ÿ™‚ A guy that picks a ring that beautiful, and runs a marathon with you, and has all the other delightful traits (greens hating aside) that you’ve mentioned – well, it all sounds perfect. Many congrats to you both xox

  92. AAAAHHHHHH how did I miss this!!! SO MUCH CONGRATS, GIRL! I’m freaking out with excitement over here for you right now (my cat looks worried :)). Eeep!

  93. Catherine says:

    Dear Joanne, Congratulations on the marathon and the engagement! What a beautiful memory…God bless. The ring is beautiful! Blessings, Catherine xo

  94. iscribbler says:

    Like so many others have already said: Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you and I remember when you said this on my blog: “Ohhh this is so sweet! And makes me so happy for youโ€ฆand hopeful that someday Iโ€™ll find someone who I can eat cheesecake with! Hereโ€™s to many more years of happiness!”. I hope you’re eating that cake! ๐Ÿ™‚ (And congrats on the marathon! What an achievement no matter the speed.)

  95. Shawnda says:

    Congratulations! I am soooo excited for you!

  96. OMG congrats, girl!!! What a great story!! xo

  97. kirsten says:

    Congratulations sweetie! it was only a matter of time! so excited for you! Hugs!

  98. Kathryn says:

    Huge congratulations Joanne – you and your boy are going to be so ridiculously happy together.

  99. Lori says:

    Well, I was coming by to say that I was excited for the 12 weeks of squash, but now I have a much bigger reason to be excited. That is amazing!! Congratulations! I love the ring. And great job on pushing through the marathon. That is a huge accomplishment no matter what your time.

  100. Congrats on running the marathon and getting engaged! Gorgeous ring. ๐Ÿ™‚
    So happy for you!

  101. Susan says:

    Congratulations!!!!!! You are both such champs for running that course and so so happy for you!

  102. The video is so sweet! I’m so glad she caught that moment for you. CONGRATS!!!

  103. Eeeeee! Congrats, girl!! So excited for you ๐Ÿ™‚

  104. elly says:

    Congrats again, Joanne. SO happy for you and the.boy. ๐Ÿ™‚ Such a gorgeous ring. Also, sorry for not being able to participate in the squash thing – my life is a wee bit crazy at the moment.

  105. Shannon says:

    didn’t realize you guys were running together- very awesome ๐Ÿ™‚ and congrats again! welcome to the world of wedding planning!

  106. Rona says:

    Congratulations on your engagement!

  107. amazing and beautiful!!! congratulations!!

  108. rika@vm says:

    Congratulations with the engagement, what a lovely and memorable event!

  109. Nutmeg Nanny says:

    So excited for you, congratulations ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s gorgeous!

  110. Sarah says:

    Oh my gosh, congratulations on both! First, the marathon! Amazing! & then that surprise. I love it. Congrats ๐Ÿ™‚

  111. Foodiewife says:

    Can I be the billionth reader/fan to congratulate you? I saw this photo on FB and was so happy to know that you are going to become a wife! Congratulations!

  112. Omgah! Congratulations! How did I miss this?! So excited for you. ๐Ÿ˜€

  113. Johanna says:

    Oh my gosh, I totally missed this until I was scrolling through my Feedly and saw a BIG SPARKLING RING! Congratulations on finishing the NYC Marathon, but more importantly congratulations for registering for the marathon of life ๐Ÿ˜‰

  114. ahhhhh!!! can’t believe I’m late to the party on this…CONGRATS!!!

  115. LeAndra says:

    Congratulations times two, Joanne!

    P.S. I’m a little behind on reading this post, but I’m a fellow blogger who has requested to join the 12 weeks of winter squash group.

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