Picked Last In Gym - The Misadventures of Chuck: December 2020

It's been a while since I've written. My last post was all about running a virtual marathon dressed as a bunny. Since then, a lot has happened. My Polish Princess has finished her first 50 mile race, as have some of my friends. I too, have been able to accomplish that challenge. All of us would agree that it was no easy task. Most of us would agree that 50 miles was enough. So, about that....

When I started running back in 2011, I wasn't running all the time, and it wasn't until about 2013/2014 that I discovered that I really enjoyed running, and that it helped me in so many ways both physically and emotionally. At the time, running a marathon was not even on my radar and was simply out of the question. Soon enough, I found myself running further and further. Before I knew it, I was well on my way to running my first marathon, as well as a few more. And even soon after that, I found myself saying, "what's a few more miles" yet again. Now here we in 2020, and I've accomplished things I never thought was physically possible for myself. It's crazy, right?

50 Miles Complete

Earlier this summer, to keep people motivated, the Yeti Trail Runner's group put out some challenges to get the legs moving. First it was run a 50k in 24 hours (5 miles every 4 hours for 24 hours), and then it was run 50 miles in that same time span (8.35 miles every 4 hours for 24 hours.) Those were fun and tiring to do, but I was not done challenging myself just yet. A few months later I participated in a 50 mile run at Camp Tuscozoar in Ohio. I considered it my first true test of running a 50 mile race. What was I thinking? But before I did that, I impulsively signed up for Yeti's next challenge: a 100 mile virtual run. I hadn't even run my 50 mile contest and yet I signed up so go for 100. Seriously, what was I thinking? Anyhow, the goal is to finish in 36 hours or less (you cannot stop your watch.) Can I do this? There is only one way to find out.

We can all agree that the global pandemic has been hard on every single one of us. It's been hard financially, physically, and emotionally. There are days that all I want to do is take care of Edyta and Zosia (Bailey takes care of us.) There are also days where all I want to do is just try and make people laugh and smile (truly this is every day.) I try my best, and hopefully I've been able to do much of that. This year is not over yet, and I've got one last fish to fry. But, this one has to mean something. It has to mean more than simply running (and walking) 100 miles. How can I do that? How can I make these miles mean something? It's simple really.

For each marathon I've run, with the exception of Philadelphia, I've dedicated every mile when pounding the pavement. I wanted to do the same here, but again I felt this one really needed to mean so much more than anything I've done in the past. I've made some wonderful connections these past few years, so I was able to reach out to Make-A-Wish^® and the Mario Lemieux Foundation for a little help. What I originally wanted to do was dedicate these miles to 100 staying at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for various treatments that they may need. I wasn't sure how I could go about doing that, and some parents may feel a little funny about giving the name of their child to a total stranger. Also, the more I thought about that, the more I thought it did seem a little weird, even with my hearts best intentions. And, the more I thought about it (as well as after speaking with Make-A-Wish^®) it would be rather difficult randomly pick the names of 100 children and dedicate a mile to each and every one of them. What if there was another child out there that felt left out? What if there was a child out there that thought, "why didn't he pick me? Why wasn't I included? Did I do something wrong?" That thought alone crushed my soul. No way am I going to let anyone feel like that!

Polish Powered
Edyta's 50 Miles Complete

I can't even begin to imagine what it's like for these children day in and day out during this pandemic, let alone on any other given day. They are all so vulnerable to the virus with their unique ailments and maybe even their weakened immune systems. But no matter what, every day they press on. Even when they don't get to see their parents or the rest of their families, they press on. With the holiday season upon us, and Christmas and other holiday celebrations drawing near, the thought of these children maybe not being able to see their families due to various quarantine restrictions hits me deeply. But again, these kids still press on. That in and of itself inspirational. Through various charities I've met some of these incredible kids, but I'll never get to meet all of them. I'll be darned (this is a profanity free blog) if I don't try and do something to help.

I've already received my finisher belt buckle for the Yeti 100 in the mail, but now I have to earn it! It's been sitting in a box, just waiting to be opened for over two months now. I've got 36 hours to run (and walk) 100 miles, anywhere I want. The only way for me to do that is to press on. And this time, I'm going to do it not just for me, but for the kids. And like I said before, I'm not going to just pick 100 children to dedicate these miles to while out pounding the pavement. I'm dedicating these 100 miles to ALL of the children at Make-A-Wish^® as well as ALL of the children at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. And let's not forget about each and every wonderful child that the Mario Lemieux Foundation sponsors and all of their great work on Austin's Playroom at Children's.

The calm before the storm. Amy and Beth
both also completed their first 50 Mile event.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!!!

We know I can't just get out there and run any old way. There has got to be a Chuck spin on this one! So, not only will I be running all over the greater Pittsburgh Area for 100 miles, but I'll be running dressed as Buddy from the movie "Elf." I mean, this is me we're talking about! Here's the plan:

Saturday, December 19th, starting sometime between 6am and 8am Buddy the Elf is heading the door in Crafton, PA. From there, the plan is to somehow make it Children's Hospital, Coraopolis, Moon Township, Aliquippa (gotta run by my parents house after all) Robinson Township, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, I mean really as much as the area as I can. I'm going to try to get around to seeing as many of my friends and family as possible (this may prove rather difficult,) and I've also got to do this safely (sidewalks, well lit areas, etc.) Also once I'm out the door, I'll be sharing my progress via Facebook updates as well as sharing my Garmin live tracking link.

Bryan thinks he's funny..... (he is.)

During this run, I'll be doing my best to raise money for all three of these organizations. I know it's Christmas and I know this year has been rough, so I'm not going to pressure anyone into donating. I'm just simply going to ask. Everyone knows that the Mario Lemieux Foundation is near and dear to my heart. I have my 2021 Pittsburgh Marathon Fundraiser ready to go and underway. But, I also wanted a chance to help not only that incredible organization, but also Make-A-Wish^® and Children's Hospital. It's your pick, if you can spare a few bucks. Maybe you can help good old Buddy while he is out there running miles for smiles.

So, will you be able to help out this holiday season? If you can, that is wonderful! If you can't, I completely understand. All I can do is ask (and I know this is sorta of short notice.) But hey, let's see what we can do to help these three incredible organizations. Again I know we are short on time, but every little bit helps. And for that, I also want to say thank you.

Now, let's get out there and do this for the kids. Buddy has got some more training to do, and he's got to clean up his best Elf suit.

Here are the links to donate to each organization:

The Mario Lemieux Foundation:

https://raceroster.com/events/2021/32394/2021-dicks-sporting-goods-pittsburgh-marathon-weekend/pledge/participant/9766094

Make-A-Wish^® (on behalf of Wheels, Wings, and Wishes):

http://site.wish.org/goto/chuckhull

Children's Hospital Of Pittsburgh:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Chuck-Hull

Please be sure to join me, Saturday, December 19th (with a make up date if necessary being December 26th.) And if you see Buddy just remember:

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear."

Running Merrily,

Chuck Hull, The Running Jedi Elf