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We saw each other for the first time during the Carbo loading party of the Ironman Coeur d´ Alene 2007. Thanks to Matt for doing Ironman and Deborah for getting the VIP for the family. Without this combo, Blake would not have joined the event at all and we wouldn´t be here today. Thank you guys!
Our love story, as many of you know, has two sides so we decided to tell both.
Kjell´s view: Everything started with the Opening ceremony in the tents on the Coeur d´ Alene Resort parking lot. The place was getting full, so I decided to sit in the VIP / Pro seating. One table was still empty and I put my camera and coat down. After getting some drinks and food to eat, Blake and her family joined me at the table. Luckily, Blake had chosen to sit next to where I had placed my things. The carbo loading was the same as usual, but one thing was different, Curt and Blake right next to me. They where debating who was getting cookies. Honestly, I was focused on the race in 2 days and enjoyed the distraction, but didn´t really notice Blake. | |
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Blake´s view: We went to the opening ceremony to join my brother Matt, who had worked so hard to be ready for his first Ironman. I wanted to be there for his special day, even though I never really liked the Ironman weekend. It meant closed roads and extra traffic in town to me. This year mom was able to get us all VIP tickets, so we could sit in the VIP/Pro area of the tent. We had a lot of fun and Curt who was sitting with me was teasing me about getting some cookies. Both of us wanted them, but neither of us wanted get them. I looked to my right and there was a Ironman Pro getting ready to sit next to me. After introducing himself, we found out that he was a Pro from germany. I tried to talk to him a few times, but he wasn´t into talking to me at all. It felt like, he was ignoring me. He was talking to Curt and not interested in me at all. Honestly, that was bothering me. | |
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Kjell´s view: I heard them talking about cookies and noticed they where a big group. I wanted some more food and decided to offer to get them cookies. Getting myself some bread and bringing Blake, Curt and family a plate full of cookies; my only intention was to be nice and polite. Just before we left, I gave Curt and Blake my business card. They told me I could come to Matt´s after party, at the Bangers house. I went to my home-stay and tried to relax before the race. On saturday, I got an email from Blake regarding the after party. She wanted to pick me up, I was happy about it. I remembered her a beautiful young lady, very pretty. My mindset was not on, meeting someone! During the race, I got a message from Blake on the Motivation Truck from Ford: "Go for the win! Blake" I was very surprised and happy about a message. | |
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Blake´s view: Curt and I wanted cookies, but we both didn´t wanna get up to get them. All of a sudden, the Ironman Pro from germany told us, he would get some for us. He got up and came back with a full plate of cookies. Curt and Kjell where catting on and off with each other. We invited him to join us at Matt´s after party. He gave Curt and myself his business card, so we could contact. I thought it was odd, someone gives me his business card, especially after ignoring me the whole time. The next day I went to the ironman tents because I wanted to leave a message at the motivation truck for him. The only problem was, I wasn´t sure about his name.I called my mom who was able to help me. Later when I was home I emailed him and offered him to pick him up for the Bangers party.
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Kjell´s view: The race was not what I expected and wanted, but the monday was special. In pain like everyday after an Ironman, I enjoyed plenty of food and wondered around town, as much as I could. After the awards party, I went back to my place and waited for Blake to pick me up. She showed up in the Prowler and I could look at her for the first time, without being mentally somewhere else. I thought, wow a very cute, beautiful young lady. Matt´s party (friends and family) was fun, but I´m not "Mr. outgoing" and not really anyone was difficult. I enjoyed myself and Bill was a lot of fun. Later I had some time to talk to Blake alone and I enjoyed talking with her. Beside being very beautiful, she was fun and smart. Blake brought me home and we wanted to stay in touch. I was hoping for it, but didn´t really believe in it. I went back to Washington DC the next day and to my surprise, we stayed in touch. I was telling Blake about my Ironman Canada plans and a few emails later I was invited to her place to train for that Ironman. So I was back about a month later and it didn´t take very long until there was this feeling in my stomach, when we met in the kitchen. We started dating on the 25th of July. I asked her if she wanted to marry me six month later and we decided that the 25th was good day to get married. | |
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Blake´s view: I had to work on race day, but went right to the finish area, to see Matt and maybe the german Pro. After Matt´s finish, I was waiting for Kjell to talk to me. I was getting really cold, but never saw him. I was disappointed and thought he wasn´t interested in me at all. The next day, I went to his home-stay to pick him up and he was there waiting. He then explained that he was sorry for not meeting me and that he had an injury so he had to hide and go back to his place. We then drove to the Bangers house and Matt and Kjell where the main topic. Later we had some time to chat and he seemed like a nice guy. I wanted to get to know him more. When we said goodbye, we said we'd stay in touch, but I was sure, that was it. But to my surprise it wasn´t, we emailed almost everyday. When he said he was looking for a place to train for Ironman Canada, I asked my mom and she offered that he could come stay at our house. I was surprised and happy. Kjell said yes right away and was back just a few weeks after leaving. I liked him a lot and having him at the house was great, we had time to get to know each other really well. On July 25th he told me that he liked me and would like to try dating each other.
On january 25, 2008, Kjell asked if I wanted to marry him and it all felt right, so after just six month dating, we got engaged. My only worry point was, how to tell my mom and my nana & papa. I was afraid and told Kjell he had to do it, but all was fine any my family was happy. | | |
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Our Love Story