A finish line photo

A toothless grin, and a finish line photo that I will cherish forever!

One thing I’ve always noticed at finish lines is the heartwarming family moments. Kids sprinting alongside their dad for the final few meters. Moms handing toddlers to their dads at the finish line. These moments are pure magic.

This year, it was finally my turn. At the Tunnel Hill Ultra 50-miler, Maggie and our 3-month-old daughter, Mahi, were waiting for me at the finish line. Though I hadn’t trained for the race, I couldn’t resist running it. Tunnel Hill holds a very special place in my heart. This year it became even more special: Mahi’s grand introduction to my running family.

Maggie, ever the trooper, kept Mahi happy and volunteered at the start/finish line while I was out on the course. As I approached the final stretch, all I could think about was holding my little girl for the finish line photo, a moment I’d dreamed of. I texted Maggie, letting her know I was five minutes out.

As I crossed the line, Maggie handed me sweet Mahi. She looked at her sweaty dad, opened her little toothless mouth wide, and flashed the biggest smile. It was my turn to celebrate, with my finisher buckle in one hand and my daughter in the other. My best friend Micki, an incredible photographer, captured the moment perfectly.

Here’s to many more miles, smiles and finish line photos, but next time with a mouth full of teeth.