Of course, our story involves, you guessed it: running and the Buffalo Sabres.

We followed similar ‘tracks’ but never in the same place. We’re both from Western New York, yet grew up around different cities — Joey from Hamburg, a suburb of Buffalo, and Monica from Penfield, just outside Rochester. We both ran in high school and college, but Joey stayed more local at Syracuse University and Monica attended the University of Pittsburgh. Both of us moved further away after college, with Joey relocating to the San Antonio area and Monica making a new home in Baltimore.

So, how did our paths eventually cross? We literally ran into each other :)

We originally met 10 years ago through friends in New York City’s Upper East Side. But the puck really dropped during Thanksgiving weekend in 2018. Monica had a rare Black Friday off and one of her good friends was hosting the “Mighty Mile” at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park. For those who don’t know — and you should — the “Mighty Mile” is essentially a beer mile with tacos. For one mile after every quarter mile, each participant inhales a Mighty Taco instead of chugging a beer.

Anyway, Monica wanted to witness the shenanigans before attending the Buffalo Sabres game that evening. No surprise, Joey participated in the Mighty Mile and also had tickets to the Sabres game, which by the way, wasn’t just any Sabres game — the team was on a 10-game winning streak. With emotions running high, the Sabres clinched a 4-3 overtime victory and Monica and Joey connected after to celebrate at the Pearl Street bars.

We started a winning streak of our own as we strengthened our long-distance bond through the power of Snapchat and texting. Just a few months later in February of 2019, Monica flew out to Texas to cheer for Joey in his second Austin Marathon. In characteristic Whelan form, Joey casually jaunted to a 2:17 first-place finish. Monica was impressed enough to officially start dating :)

Over the next four years, we became more serious and moved in together in Rochester. Every day is eventful and an adventure, the good and the bad. Whether we’re cooking dinner together, running on our favorite trail or going out for a beer, we've become partners in every sense of the word.

Fast forward to February of 2023 — Joey is running the Austin Marathon again and Monica is cheering him on after running the 5K that morning. Third time is the charm, they say. After Joey ran an impressive, gutsy race to finish second place, he asked race staff to get Monica to the finish line. Due to heavy security, one staff member (shoutout to Mike) calls Monica, scoops her up on a motorcycle and drops her off to greet Joey at the finish line. After a long embrace, a media member asks to take our picture and Joey is on one knee in front of 20,000 people, popping the question after running 26.2 miles. Classic Whelan.

Running helped bring us together and has been an integral part of our relationship. It's been an incredible four-plus years. Whether we're climbing mountains, running races, watching a game or sharing a beer on the deck after work, we're in it together. Thanks for being a part of our lives, and of course, go Bills and go Sabres ;)

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