Hi everyone. My daughter was born in late November, and after two weeks at the postpartum care center, she's been home for exactly two weeks today. Being a first-time dad in my 40s means I'm pretty clumsy at parenting, and the lack of sleep is killing me physically, but just looking at her makes me so happy. It's a great end to the year. I haven't been able to go for my favorite runs for about two months now since Chunma (Chuncheon Marathon) due to a minor injury and the birth. 2025 was such a meaningful year for me; I finished my first full-course marathon in the first half of the year, and my first child arrived like a gift. Back in April, while preparing for the Gunsan Saemangeum Marathon, I thought it would be my last attempt at IVF. The progress after the embryo transfer was slow, so I even had my 3rd blood test the day before the race. My wife was worried I'd overexert myself, so the plan was for me to go to Gunsan alone for a two-day trip. The blood test results showed that while slow, things were progressing, so they suggested a 4th test. During lunch, my wife said she wanted to come along. She said that since the baby was growing slowly but surely, she wanted me to show her how a dad finishes his first race without giving up. I remember running that race with a lot of pressure on my shoulders. I'm just so thankful she overcame everything and came to us. Before the birth, I actually thought I could still do the Dongma (Dong-A Marathon) next year while parenting, but that was a totally delusional thought. It's a bummer, but I'll return my bib when it arrives, get the 2027 priority registration, and go then. This has been a very meaningful year with so many things happening. I hope you all finish the year well and I'm rooting for everyone to have a 2026 full of good things!
"A heartwarming story about a middle-aged marathoner's 'miracle' IVF daughter. The community is melting over the baby and cheering on the new dad's journey."
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