WOW, thank you so much to those that sent in your finish line photos. They are all amazing and I absolutely loved reading them all (about 200 entries!!). I can’t even tell you how many of them made me cry. I narrowed it down to 15 for the contest today but I will be posting the others throughout the month because they are all so incredible. You guys are truly amazing.
Go ahead and vote for your favorite picture/story in the comments pretty please.
Just vote by telling me which number is your favorite. THANKS!!!
#1.
#3.
This first one is from my first marathon. I ran a 3:09 first time. I cried tears of pure joy as I approached the finish. This is about 30 ft from the finish shoot. I had just gone through a deep postpartum depression a couple years prior and I just felt on top of the world. I came to know that I could do anything I put my mind to. I was weeping but smiling and yelling out loud “I did it. wooohooo” -in this picture. :)
#4.
#5.
This is me running towards the finish at my first Ironman. Ironman Mont Tremblant in August 2012. The finish chute is so long and there are SO many people all screaming like you’re the winner. This is the moment I could hear the announcer saying “Mary Minutella from Windsor, Ontario. You. Are. An Ironman!” I trained for this race during one of the toughest years of my life – having separated from my husband, selling our home, etc. So much self doubt was put to rest that day. One of the hardest, most amazing days of my life and this was the the BEST part! I cry like a baby everytime I think about it.
#6.
#7.
This picture was from the finish of my first marathon in March 2013, with my best friend, Erin-Leigh. I never wanted to do a marathon until she convinced me to do it with her. We decided to fundraise for an amazing organization called She’s the First (shesthefirst.org) through our training and running our first marathon. We raised over $9,000 in support of the education of 26 girls in Nepal through our race. This picture reminds me to dream big. It was a life changing experience.
#8.
On March 23, 2014 my dad ran his first half marathon and I was blessed to have run every step right next to him. My dad was with me when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis only 6 months prior. I’ll never forget that in the doctor’s office right after being told I had MS and all the physical and mental ways it would likely affect me, my dad told the doctor through a cracking voice and tears in his eyes, “We’re supposed to run a half marathon in March and we’re GOING to run that half marathon.” And we did :) We ran every step together. It was incredibly special and one of the best days of my life!
#9.
This is from my first full marathon, May 2013 at the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. Somehow I managed to find the time to train alone, work full time with a 75 mile one-way commute, and be a sane single parent to a 3-yr-old, living with my parents. This face is the culmination of all the sacrifice, and mental and physical perseverance I’d accumulated since I found myself alone when my son was 6-months old.
#10.
This is a photo from the finish of my very first half marathon (Buffalo Creek Half Marathon – October 2013). I had only been running for a little over year at this point. I went from being a completely sedentary obese person at the beginning of 2012, to a half marathon finisher and 80 lbs lighter by the end of 2013. Needless to say, the finish of this race was very emotional for me. I was about 100 feet from the finish when I saw a group of people from my running group who waited around to cheer me in. That’s when I burst into my “ugly cry” you can see in the picture. Even though it is probably one of the worst photos of me in existence it also is one of my favorites.
#11.
This is a picture from two years ago back in high school. Thats me on the left with my training partner/mini me on the right. We actually got in a lot of trouble for crossing the finish line together… but we pulled each other through the race taking turns encouraging each other to hang in there and it just seemed right. This race wasn’t a PR or anything but it reminds me the importance of teamwork in running.
#12.
This was my very first 1/2 marathon (9-22-13). I had just turned 50 a few weeks prior to the run. Anyhow; this was just a BIG accomplishment for me. I have never been a runner in my entire life. I was diagnosed asthmatic at age 4 and have never been able to any kind of running. That said – I started running about 11/2 years before I ran this race. Early in 2013 I made up my mind to commit to doing a 1/2 by the time I was 50 (I was able to register for the race, but it happened shortly after I turned 50). I did all of my training on my own (running by myself). I had a great support group in my husband while doing longer runs..he would come out on the bike to bring me a little snack or drink of some type. Thank You David! My kids were else great supporters – while not living near me they cheered hard. And; on the day of the race I had my own little support group. They came out on their bikes and showed up along the course every few miles. My silent goal was to finish this race in 2 1/2 hours, and I DID IT!! I finished in 2:22 and felt terrific during the entire race. I have continued to run and will again run this 1/2 this coming September. Every time I look at these pictures it brings tears to my eyes that I can actually run like this and will keep running like this! I still have my runners high!!!
#13.
My sister, Nikki, and I just crossed the finish line of the BAA Half Marathon in Boston in Oct. 2012. About 8 months before the race, we lost our mom to breast cancer. Neither of us were runners but decided to join to the Dana Farber Cancer Research team and train for this race, while raising money for a cause that means a lot to us. The race was hard, but remembering the strength our mom showed during her painful year-long battle with cancer pushed us to the finish line. We know she was watching over us the whole way, and was proud to see us do this for her!
#14.
This was the Star Valley Half Marathon that took place on July 13, 2012. This was a very meaningful race because my mom had passed away three months prior and I was struggling with the loss, and the morning of the race I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant. I did not want to run, but my hubby pushed me to do it for my mom and little girl. It was very emotional to cross the finish line!
#15.
I decided to run a series of 3 races the same year I lost 50 pounds. I had zero running experience and had no idea of what I was doing. My first 4 mile race I wore slip on tennis shoes. Let’s just say that was not a good idea since my feet were rubbed raw. The next race was a 3 mile and I still didn’t wear shoes that were roomy enough, so my toe nails hurt like crazy. The last race, a fun 4 mile Halloween race I figured out that I needed real running shoes and placed 1st in my age group. I came a long way from that middle aged woman who sat on the couch. I kept telling myself when I was running.. you can do this! I ran as hard as I could to the finish line and collapsed on the grass.
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! The winner gets a bunch of goodies that any runner would love!
704 comments
Renee
SO HARD to choose!! They are all great!! Going with #10 ;)
Kendra
Wow. These are awesome. I’m going to pick #13 because … sisters.
Sarah
Oh my gosh! These are all incredible and I was extremely touched. If i absolutely had to pick one I guess I go with number six. The most insane part was the time. Cray cray.
elise
Oh there are so many amazing stories. I think number 8 hit me the most though!
Nicole
I love the stories of tough mothers. #5 gets my vote.
I’m running my first half marathon in a few weeks . . very inspiring post.
Thank you!
Holly
Oh my goodness, I cried with every picture and every story behind the picture! These are ALL beautiful stories! I choose #1. I love the fact that her racing partner is her child and that she selflessly did what needed to be done as a mom. It goes to show that you can incorporate your children into your fitness routine. Her love and devotion to her daughter was so evident and very touching…loved it!
Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal
#13 — all the stories are beautiful
Amanda
I LOVE the photo for #5 and the story for #6 but my official vote for photo AND story is #8!
Dana
I vote for #8!
Amber
I love #6 but my vote is for #1! If that was me I probably would have whipped out the ipad. So thank you, #1, for reminding me to keep my priorities in check!
Wendy
Number 4…her mom got to see her finish. Amazing.
Carrie
I love so many… But I’ll go with 14!
Lindsay
#8 but I love them all!!
Allie
Number one!
Ali
Going with #4. But number #1 close second. When our time is never our own the greatest sacrifice is often ourselves….loved that these she was able to find her love of running through providing and caring for another.
Chris
#5! Love it!
Linda @ running4two
So amazing! I’m going with #13.
Joanna
So much respect for all of them, but since #8 is the one that made me cry as I surreptitiously read this at work, I definitely have to vote #8!
Sarah
I love all the stories and teared up at most of them. #8
Toni Lee
#10!!!!! So proud of all your accomplishments ;) #TEAMMOJO
Holly B
#8 is beautiful so it gets my vote, but I see myself a little bit in all the runners.
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy
They are ALL AMAZING, but I’m going to choose #10.
Lauren
8
Burt
#3, because I know of all the struggles she’s had.
Brittnee
All of these stories are amazing! This is such a great post! I wish I could vote for them all, but I have to say #8.
Brooke
loved them all!! #8!
bobbie
#8
Amber
#10! Love it!
Bobbi
Number 10 because that is a true testament of guts, heart and perseverance.
Summer
#7
Rachel
#10
Michele Lannis
#10 My running buddy, Amy inspires me everyday! So in awe over her accomplishments!!!
Amy
13 so special
Greta
#10 is my pick. What a great journey from being inactive to running a half marathon. So many people never even try because they don’t believe in themselves. You showed everyone it can be done, so everyone get out there and get moving! Congrats on your journey.
Trina
#6
Allison
#1!
Kathy
#10…..Love her “ugly cry” comment…..I can so relate to the feelings she must have felt. So many amazing motivating and heartfelt stories though….as it has been said before…they are all winners just for finishing!!!
Brittany
Every one is great, but I chose #8 :)
Blaire @ Just Been Running
Well I pretty much cried during all of these because they are so inspirational and amazing, but I think the one that hit me the most was #4! Amazing stories :)
Yanet
#8.. such touching stories behind every pic.. :)
caitlin
Number 8! My dad is the reason I started running in the first place – so I love any story of a girl running with her pops :)
Cassy
#8, but wow…I’m ugly crying at work thanks to ALL of these. Beautiful stories!
Joan Avolio
10 — way to go!
carrie
#10! #teammojo
Cecilia Gonzalez
They are all great stories but i vote for number one! :)
Stacy
#8.
Very touching that her dad was with her when she received her diagnosis, and again when she crossed that finish line!
Jessica
All of these are amazing and so inspiring!! We can do hard things!!!
so my vote at random goes to #5
Laura
#9 – I loved all the entries but something about her pure joy coming across that finish line just got me (plus I’m a single mom and finished my first Full Marathon on what would have been my 15th wedding anniversary).
Kathy McElhaney
I’m trying to do hard things by just choosing one! These are all so inspiring for so many reason. #4 gets my vote, I lost my Mom to cancer before I ever ran a marathon – having her there would have been incredible..
Leslie
#5!
Emily
#8!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom
SO HARD TO CHOOSE!! AHH! #3!
Sherie
#14
Janet
I vote for #10. Amy has been an inspiration with her commitment to runing and continuing to challenge herself. I loved all the stories.
Jacky
#14
Angela
So many good stories, but I pick #6
Joery K
#8 go Kristen!
lindsay
i love them all!!!
Timothy
Number 14
Lindsay
Number 10 brought tears to my eyes, so inspirational!
Ellen
#8
My dad had MS, so I know it can be a struggle. But #8, you’re tough and you’re tackling your illness head-on. Inspiring!!
Tiffany
#3….go Lily
Annie
#3 – she is amazing!
Jackie
All of these runners are great inspiration, but #8 really stuck out to me.
Amy
#14
Dara
#10 Go Amy!!!
Abbey
#4 ftw!!
Jocelyn Manion
I vote for #5!
Ashley
#1
Nora Blankenbecler
I vote for #10 – Way to finish Amy!! Love your story and inspiration!
Christina
#4
morgan
4
zac
#10 gets my vote. im so very proud of you. i always had faith in you. i love ya.
Ashley
#8!!!!!!!!
mr hophmannn
#10 great jorb homestarrunner
Nikki
#8, please
Caroline
GAH- this was hard to choose because they’re all great. I vote for #5 though.
Duane
What motivation Amy. You got my vote. #10
Jaclyn
I love them all! It’s so hard to choose, but I will go with #8.
Cari
#11…you should have used survey monkey for this vote!! free and super easy! unless brookers is learning her numbers :)
Emily
#5! Self doubt is the hardest to overcome!
Kristi
#3! Lily is amazing! I am so proud of her to overcome a deep depression, to turn around and change her life. She is truly beautiful inside and out and deserves this for inspiring me to change my life and to get healthier.
Minna
What an inspirational post! I vote for #8.
Jamie
So hard to choose! I vote for #8… it made me tear up because I can relate most to it!
Molly@ There Goes Molly Rose
These all just brightened my day! Thank you for sharing your finish line stories everyone! I’m going with #8. Father/daughter stories just get me :)
Michele
#3
MaryEllen
All are so good!! #4
Kira
Number 3 !!!!!!
Kim
These are great photos & stories! My vote is for #10! What a great inspiration she is!
Rachel @ Hustlin' Hoosier
#14!
Jessica
#3 She is one amazing runner!
sharon
#1.
S
As someone who’s running partner is her mom, #4 gets my vote and breaks my heart <3 to her.
Noelle
Love all these stories, thanks for sharing! I’m voting for 14
Chris K
#10 great story!
Jenn
#10 Team Mojo! Amy is awesome and a true inspiration!!
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
I loved reading all of these! I’m going with #13
Beckee
Number 3!!!!
Ellen
#4
Heather
#8
Britt
2-100%
Julia
#8
Courtney s
#10 ugly face cry…this is SO me!!! So glad she was confident enough to submit the pic! She’s beautiful even if it’s an “ugly cry”!!! Way to go girl, don’t stop!!!
Anik
#1. True Love :)
Samantha Martinez
#8
Christine
Oh man! This is hard. These are awesome and the stories are amazing. I was stuck between a few. I have to go with number 1!
Suzanne @ Mrs Mix It
So many wonderful emotional stories but #4 brought me to tears. Knowing that her terminally ill mother was seeing one of her daughters accomplishments for the last time…..
Linea
4!!!
janet
These are amazing and I wish I can vote for all. That being said, I vote #4 with #1 in a close second.
Lindsey C
Cam I vote for two???
#1 (mom holding baby) and #8 (daughter with MS & dad holding hands)…
But really, they are all amazing stories and all got me choked up. What a fantastic and inspiring contest.. THANK YOU!
Kristin Trejo
How can you pick?!? I’m bawling here reading all of these stories! Especially on a day like today where the running community is thinking about those who suffered just one year ago today in Boston. Running is so empowering and they are all amazing finishers!! Good luck trying to pick just one! ;)
Katie
#10. Go team MOJO!!
Jess
#5.
I have DNF’d two ironman races so far (one due to lack of lead up and one due to a crash) and I was in tears when I read the ironman finish chute story.
I’ll get that one day :)
Angie
OMG this IS hard! They should all win. My pick is #10.
tess
They were all beautiful stories but as I read them I just kept going back to the same one.
#1.
Every mother knows her kid comes first and no matter how close she was to the end and a great finish, she wasn’t going to ditch a promise. Nice job.
Amy H.
I’m #10 (the ugly crier), but I have to vote for #6. To physically collapse before the finish line then drag yourself to a BQ!! What incredible perseverance!
Thank you for holding this contest and sharing these amazing stories!
Kelsey @ Fueling Strong
They all bring me to tears. I vote for #4! Having my mom at the finish of my first marathon meant the world to me, and I can’t even imagine thinking of the day when she won’t be there to meet me at the end.
Elizabeth
#8! All of these stories are great and inspiring!
Hannah
#1!!
Melanie
#9! I can’t imagine training for a marathon, working full time, and commuting 75 miles one way, will being a single mother! That takes a very strong woman.
Maureen
#10 very inspiring and motivating
Kim
How do you pick one?!
So many incredible stories here – I’m going with #8 because I love that her dad told the DR that they were still going to run the half marathon – and they did it!!!
Carolee
So hard to choose!! Love all the inspirational stories but I’m going with #8!!
Jane
#8 is my absolute favorite! It is so special that they were able to run the race together.
Both #13 and #4 are awesome stories too though. Actually, all of them are!
Mercedes
#9!!
Sarah S
4 and 8… Sorry I can’t choose between the two but they both made me tear up!
Julia
#8!
Alli B
Number 8!
Ray
Incredible stories!!
#10
Jen
#10
!! :)
Logan
#1 for sure!
Sarah Simpson
#8. Definitely #8. They all made me tear up a little bit but that one made me out and out cry in the break room at work.
Sara
#6
Margie
very proud of my favorite daughter
#10
Ray
Awe inspiring!
#10
marcy
#10 Because I run that race too! and it is cool to see a local on your blog!
Leigh
#10… :-) Great story!
Loved #1 too, amazing what you’ll do as a mom!
Arielle
My favorite is #3 I feel as though I can relate I found running during a very difficult time in my life and it was able to help me come out on the other side stronger then ever!
Susie
10. You are beautiful, congrats on the hard work :)
As with everyone else, seriously crying at each story. Amazing idea to do this, Janae :)
Cheryl
#3 hits home with me!!!
Rachel
14
Julie
#10. Amazing!!! So proud of you!!! Go Team Mojo
Nikki
WOW – such inspiring stories. SO hard to just pick one… but if I must, #8.
Losing Lindy
I am voting for number 6, I probably crossed the finish line right after him for a half.:)
Katie
#8! I run with my Dad, too. He was the one who started me running. All of these stories are wonderful but this one literally brought tears to my eyes.
dave
#12 for sure
Jenny
these photos are amazing.
#8
Andy
#12 is my favorite!
Becks
They’re all fantastic, but I’m a sucker for dads since mine is my favorite running partner so, #8!
Barbie
#1