Well? We did it.

     Wow.  Here I am at the end of the week and ready to start the weekend.  This one may not be as exiting of the last one, though.  I'm still reflecting on what last Sunday meant to me and so many other runners.  Some had just ran their first half marathon.  Some, such as myself, had just ran their first marathon.  I ran, mixed in with just a little walking, a total 26.2 miles throughout the city of Pittsburgh on May 1st, 2016.    I can't believe it.  Me?  I did that?  Are you serious?  I still shake my head in disbelief, but I also still smile with pride.  If you were to see me, you'd notice that my smile is bigger and wider than any you may find on an Eat N Park cookie.

Two Days Prior to Race Day  

     Friday was relatively calm and quiet.  I was still relaxed and not worried about "running" a 5k in the morning.  Yeah, the day before I'm supposed to run a marathon, I'm running a 5k.  The marathon has to shake things up a bit with what they call the Steel Challenge.  If you run the 5k on Saturday and then one of the big races on Sunday, you get an extra medal.  Who doesn't want extra race bling?  However, that was Saturday and this is Friday.  I was just trying to remain focused on the task at hand. I just had a few things to take care of in order to prepare for Sunday.  It was now time to hit up the Marathon Expo and get my race bibs!

     My first stop was the Mario Lemieux Foundation.  I had chosen to run for a reason as you all know, and as an incentive to raise money for a good cause, the foundation rewards their runners when you reach certain fundraising goals.  This was my third year being part of #teamlemieux and as you can see by the pic, I (with the help of so many others) was able to raise enough money to be rewarded with a signed Mario Lemieux jersey.  Just like last year, I've chosen to raffle off the jersey to those that donated.  Without their help, I would not have had the success I have had once again.  For a third year, we were able to raise over $2500, which I'm calling our hat trick!  What's even more amazing is that, as I stated in a previous post, we were able to raise over $10,000 in that time frame.  I truly cannot thanks everyone enough for for all they have done for me and this charity.

     Next up was the expo.  I picked up my 5k bib and shirt, but my marathon bib was next.  It's about to go down. 

Look ma, I got my bib! Not sure of the volunteer's name, but she had the
bib, so she got the pic with me.

     Now, what's a trip to the expo without finding your name on the wall?  I found my name twice.  In fact, a lot of runners had heir name listed twice.  This was because we all signed up for the Steel Challenge.  But, for all I know, this could be my Earth - 2 doppelganger.  I just pray he's not evil.  (There has been a lot of that going on, on Earth - 2.)

I'm a big fan of the show Arrow on TV as well as the Green Arrow comics
and comics in general.  Last year my bib said "I'm Batman." This year
I had to become something more......

Saturday, 5K day!

     It was Saturday morning and I was meeting up with my girlfriend at the time, her girls' uncle, and a few other friends before prior to the start of the race.  The goal of the day was to simply run easy, and to not "do anything stupid" the day before the marathon.   We managed to do just that.  My friends and I were able to stick with Coach Suzanne who was pacing runners at a 10:30 pace, but Chad and a few others jumped ahead and we lost sight of them.  Eventually we lost site of Kirsten and her son because Kaden had some wheels and they needed to go faster.  Overall, it felt good to not take a run too seriously and really just have fun with it.  We finished in around 33 or 34 minutes, and now it was time for the kids marathon run.  We had all headed back to the starting line on the North Shore by PNC park so that my girlfriend at the time could meet up with her girls, and then I headed back over to the finish line.  There were so many nice things to witness during that run, and it was really awesome getting to see the kids come sprinting down the street and towards the finish line.  It was a blast!

Kim, Kirsten, and I with a photo bomb courtesy of Kirsten's little one.

The SCRR 5k Runners!  Photo courtesy of Steel City Road Runners Group.

Coach Suzanne's "kids" getting ready for the 5k.

Hey coach, pay attention! We're talking a selfie!

That's better. And hey,self, close your darn mouth already.

Runners are off and...well....running!

Looks like someone forgot to move his thumb.

     We went back towards the expo to look around some more and to see if maybe there was anything else we may need for Sunday.  There wasn't, so it was time to head on home.  The race was less than 24 hours away and things were about to get real, and exciting, real fast!

A little dark in that area, but we had to take a pic near the logo.

     Now that I was home and ready to relax, I wanted to be sure that I had a proper pre-race meal (lots of pasta) and that I did my best too stay off of my feet.  I was already feeling tired so that was good sign as far as sleep was concerned.  I had a feeling that I was going to be able to sleep and I would be good to go for the morning.  Still remaining focused, I decided to get my play list in order for tomorrow's big run.

Yeah, this is how you start a marathon! With a little Def Leppard!

     I wanted to be asleep by 9pm so I crawled into bed at 8pm.   My girlfriend at the time and I were texting and keeping each other calm as well as sending good vibes to one another.  But now, it was time for bed.   I layed my head down on my pillow and closed my eyes.  I was ready to sleep.  WRONG!  As tired as I was, and as relaxed as I thought I was, I could NOT fall asleep! I thought for sure I would! Nope.  I tossed and turned for hours trying what ever I could to make sure my eyes got heavier and I passed out.  Nothing worked!  However, I finally fell asleep somewhere around midnight as my alarm went off at 4:30 AM and I woke up.  Despite the little amount of sleep I got, I did not really feel tired at all.  I actually felt like I was well rested!  I was now awake, and it was now time to get ready.

Sunday, May 1st, 2016, RACE DAY!

     I always shower before a race, even though I know I would need one after I ran. It makes me more comfortable and at ease when I'm fresh and clean right before a race.  (I know, weird running quirks)  It does also helps calm me down.  Little did I know that while I was in the shower, my room mate would be posting a video on Instagram of me listening to the theme of Rocky.   Yep. That's how I was getting ready for my first marathon.

     I made sure I had all I needed for race day the night before (and Friday,) so I was dressed quickly.  I had all my gels and rain gear for my phone (Zip Loc baggie.) I had my running belt complete with full bottles of water.  It was now time to head off to the city as well as the Westin Hotel to meet up with my girlfriend, and the rest of the SCRR group.

The calm before the storm, walking across the Smithfield Street Bridge.  Such a great city.

All your Steel City Road Runners: Photo Courtesy of Steel City Road Runners Group

Getting wound up at the start line

    We lined up in our corals and just nervously waited for the starting gun to pop.  The National Anthem was sung beautifully, and within minutes, it was go time.  The send each corral out in waves, and we were in corral C.  We had a little wait ahead of us, so that meant we had a few more minutes to clear our minds and get a few more stretches in.  But then, we were off.  Right at the start, the rain started to come down.  It didn't bother me too much, but I'm goofy and actually don't mind running in the rain.  It rained for the better part of the first 5 miles all the way into the North Side of the city.  The spectators were amazing, as they are every year.  So many had lined the streets to cheer on friends, loved ones, and total strangers.  I had my music going, but I really didn't notice it too much as the roar of the crowd and all the live music had drowned most of it out.  I was OK with that.  I really did enjoy seeing all of those people cheering everyone on and really feeding them some high energy to push them through whatever part of the marathon course they were on.  I gave every child I saw a high five, and fist bumped a lot of the other spectators.  The Urban Impact group was AWESOME and they were out in full force to cheer as they do every year.  This year they seemed to have doubled the size of their group!

     Somewhere between mile 5 and 6 my girlfriend at the time and I parted ways.  I checked to make sure she would be fine and she assured me she would be OK.  So, with a good luck kiss we were both off to do our own thing.  She was well on her way to fishing her first 13.1 (and almost halfway there) and I was on my way to finishing my first 26.2 (I still had quite a way to go.)

     When I got to the West End and mile 7, I knew I had some friends waiting for me.  Our friend Kirsten had come running by and checked in to see how it was going and I told her I was feeling good and I'd see her at the finish line.  I was just about to the first towards the end of the first street of the West End and I couldn't see my friend's yet.  I was thinking, "where the heck are you standing Chad?"  I turned the corner and chugged down the hill and I saw a familiar bald head.  It was Chad, his wife and daughter, and other family members cheering everyone down the street.  I heard Dana yell and Chad both yell, "there's Chuck" so I made sure to go down and high five everyone, and to also give Chad a big sweaty hug.  That was such an awesome feeling.  I knew I was far from done, but that was the boost I needed to get me to the half way point.

I'll admit, I saw the people, but missed the sign when I was running by.

     On my way into the South Side, I wasn't feeling tired, but I was starting to get a little warmer.  As it turned out, once the rain stopped, the humidity picked up (as it does.)  I did notice I was drinking a little more water than I did during training, and I was worried I was getting dehydrated.  I thought I had drank enough water the day before, hell the week before.  There was no way I could be getting dehydrated.  So, on I went.  The Birmingham Bridge was next, and so was dreaded Forbes hill.  This was supposed to be the breaking point for so many marathon runners during the Pittsburgh Marathon.

     When I got to Forbes I could see the hill runners that volunteered to motivate and assist competitors with the hardest part of the course.  Their job was to basically run up and down the hill in order to make sure we all got up the hill.  It was a pretty cool thing to witness as  made my way up Forbes, but I was going to take that hill without anyone's help.  Although I felt good, and made it to the top, I was ready to break down.  Not in a bad way though, but in a good way.  I felt myself getting choked as I thought, "holy crap I'm really doing this!"  There was no turning back now.  I'm really am running a marathon.  I was now at the top of Forbes, the hardest part of the course, and just a few miles from the half way point.

     I noticed it got a little quieter as I was running through Oakland.  Sure I had my music going, but the volume was relatively low.  I just didn't see as many people lining the streets in order to cheer runners on to the next water stop or the next mile.  I was getting even hotter and was starting to dump water all over my head.  I was hearing my thoughts.   I just was not hearing any cheers or "you got this" coming from strangers.  The only noise I did notice was the music being played by the band in front of True Runners in Shady Side.  And then, the unthinkable happened.

     My phone died!  It had a full charge!  How the heck could this happen?  Sure I took a couple of pictures, but there is no way that my GPS watch (I run my Garmin's live GPS tracker for long runs) and the music killed the battery that fast!  But, it was true.  I had no phone and I had no music.  Smartly, I did bring a charger with me but by the time I tried to fumble with that I said screw it and just decided to keep on running.  And, because of that, I feel I was able to appreciate my surroundings as well as what I was doing a little more.  I was able to listen to the other runners.  I was able to hear a few more cheers.  I truly did make me have a greater appreciation for my surrounding.  However, without music to distract me, my thoughts started to get the better of me.

     When I hit mile 16 I stopped briefly to pull down the compression sleeves I had on my calves. My legs felt like they were on fire, so when I did pull them down, there was instant relief.  It felt so very soothing.   I walked for a few minutes and then decided to pick it back up.   At that point, that brief walk was what I needed to get me through the next couple of miles.  Around mile 18 though, I felt I was starting to break down.  At least, that is what my mind was telling me.  I was really hot and dousing my head with water.  I was starting to feel lightheaded and even felt like I was getting a little headache.  How could this be possible?  I ran 22 miles a few weeks back and I felt fantastic after that run!  I think my head was getting the better of me as we were often told in training.  I felt my breathing change a bit and felt myself getting a little short on breath.  This I knew was because I was thinking too much.  Damn my phone for dying! I needed a distratcion!  After feeling myself beginning to gasp, I stopped again in order to catch my breath, calm my nerves, and relax.   It was tine to refocus on that finish line.  I was 18.5 miles into this and I only had under 8 miles to go.  I picked up my feed and continued on into Homestead.

     What can I say about the people of Homestead? THEY WERE AWESOME!  I got such a good vibe from all the cheers, all the music, all the volunteers, just everyone and everything!  I loved how Homestead had energized me!  I felt myself being to smile again.  I started to tell myself again that I was going to do this!  One of my fellow trainees came running by somewhere in this area and asked how I was doing.  I told her I was hurting but I was still going to finish and that I'd see her at the finish line.  (I said that to quite a few runners that day.  Thanks for checking on me Adrienne!)

     I finally reached Bloomfield and I knew we were on the home stretch.  I was still smiling, but I was still struggling.  Somewhere around mile 20, a guy from Detroit happened to be running behind me and saw my sign and noticed it was my first marathon.  We got to chatting and talked about Pittsburgh.  It turns out that he had gone to school here and even though he moved back home, he comes back every year to run the marathon.  We just finished up mile 22 and I told him I felt the need to walk a little so he stayed with me.  We walked for about a quarter of a mile (I kept checking my watch) and we really did not have that much further to go.  We finally reached to top the hill in Bloomfield so it was now all down hill until the Strip District and the city.  My knees were hurting; my feet were hurting; everything was hurting.  But there was mile marker 23!  Only a 5k to go!  

     To sum that up, Bloomfield was another area I loved running through.  There was a great oldies band playing on one side and Frankie Valli blaring over speakers on the other side.  It was my jam too! (Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You.)  Needless to say I had enough energy in me to sing along and very loudly and really say to myself, "I'm almost there and I'm really going to finish this!"   We got down the hill and I still felt the need to do a little more power walking along with my running.  The 4:45 pacer passed us just beyond mile maker 24 but I didn't care.  It wasn't the 5:00 pacer so I was very happy with my time and progress.

Final down hill near the Church Brew Works

     We ran another mile and passed the 25 mile marker when John looked at me and said, "this is it.  This is the home stretch man."   I thanked him for sticking with me and told him that it really helped me a lot.  It took my mind off the pain and everything else.  It was the distraction I needed.

     As we came up the street he told me he was going to take off and do his thing.  Mile marker 26 was just up ahead and as we parted ways I gave a nice "Let's Go Pens" to Mr. Detroit Rock City (because I had to do so.) 

   This was it.  This was the moment I worked so hard for.  The finish line was only a half mile away, and I'll be damned if I didn't run across it.  I'm not walking the rest of the way!  I passed the mile marker and soon heard some people yelling for me.  I looked to my left and there were some of my life long friends, people I had known from my 20's, as well as from high school.  And, like I asked and hoped, they had a present for me.   They had a nice cold can of beer!

You can tell I've got a big grin on my face right here.

 

Stop looking at the "bald" spot.  My hair is wet.

     

     This is where the waterworks really started to hit me.  I'm sentimental and I have no problem admitting to that.  I got choked up and held back tears as Bryan handed me a beer while Sara, Amy, Steph, and Dana cheered me on.  I didn't take more than a few more steps and just on the opposite side of the street just a little further up were my girlfriend and her kids!  The waterworks just increased ten fold!  Chloe and Kayla were yelling, "you can do it" and Kim was yelling "you did it!"  Yeah, I cried.  I can't tell you all how awesome that felt!  All of those people, people I know and care deeply about, were there to make sure I turned that corner and made it to the finish line.  I wish I had stopped long enough to take a picture with everyone, but the everything in that moment seems to move so quickly.  I was almost done, and I had to just kept going a little while longer.  Just a few more minutes and I would be a marathoner.

     I turned the corner, and I saw it.  I saw the finish line!  And then, I raised my beer.  I raised that beer and held it in the air all the way across the finish line, just like I said I would.  I told John that I would probably kiss the finish line and when I crossed it, I did.  I got down on the ground and kissed the dirtiest piece of plastic I've ever seen, just like I said I would.   I finished my first marathon, just like I said I would!  I freaking did it!  I finished a marathon!  And then, I cracked my beer and I finished that!

     Wow...what a day that was.  What an experience that was!  It still feels so surreal to me.  I had faith that I would be able to do this, and I knew I had to.  I had to not only for me, but for all of these people:

     There was just no way that I was letting any of these people down.   Even though I had the help of John from Detroit, I also had the help of all those listed above.  They got me to the finish.  You got me to the finish.  John go me to the finish.  I got me to the finish.  Pittsburgh got me to the finish.

     That's my story.  That's my journey, my quest.  16 blog posts and you've got to read along and almost feel like you were there (I think.)  I was able to share all of this with all of you.  But, this wasn't just my story and my journey. To me, it didn't matter if you ran 13.1 or 26.2 on Sunday May 1st, 2016.

It was your journey. 

Amy and Sara before the start of their 1st half.

 It was their journey.

Sara calming her nerves.

It was our journey, and what a journey it was.

     You know, it's funny. When I look back I think to myself, where do I go from here?  Around mile 22 I was thinking to myself, "I'm good.  There is no way in hell I'll ever do this again."   But, when I got back to my car I told myself something completely different.  I said, "you are so full of shit."  And I am.  Completely!  Am I really only going to run just one marathon?  Hell no!  I have a score to settle with you, Pittsburgh!

     The Pittsburgh Marathon beat me.  It really did.  But, it didn't finish me.   I finished it.   I'll see you in 2017 Pittsburgh, for round number two.

Until next time folks, keep on running.

Sinceriously,

Chuck Hull

The Running Jedi

#26miles26dedications #runpgh #gameonpgh #marathonrunner

PS:  This isn't the end of the blog either.  I may not post as often, but I'm going to continue writing about my running exploits, and maybe anything else that comes to mind.  The title may change, but the concept will remain the same.  I have plenty of stories to tell.

PPS:  What's the first thing you do after you run a marathon?  That's easy.  You go down the fountain at Point State Park and do a #marathonplank.  Your move Shelby Cole.

Considering I couldn't move, this was easy.

The time is upon us...good luck to all.

    How else could I start today's entry?   A Rocky video just seemed to fit the occasion.  The Pittsburgh Marathon is now only 2 days away.   I still feel somewhat calm.  I'm relaxing my mind.  But, at the same time, I'm getting a bit excited.

     I really do mean it when I say that if I asked myself 20 years ago if I ever thought I'd run a marathon, I'd probably just laugh at myself and think, "yeah right."   When I ran my first half Marathon in 2013, I thought at the end and even more so for the last two miles that yeah, 13.1 miles was perfect for me.  I didn't need to run anything longer than that.   My second and third one were in 2014 and I still had the same thoughts.   Last year however, those thoughts really did change.


     I thought to myself, could I do it?  I mean, I never thought I could run a half marathon before, but now I've done it four times.  What else could I do to challenge myself? What else was I capable of doing?  I talked to my best friends about it and they of course agreed that there was nothing I couldn't do.  And then, it was decided.  Not even a full four hours after I crossed the finish line last year, I decided I was going for the full marathon in 2016.  And now, here we all are, two days away from testing myself like I've never tested myself before.

      I've been all over the world in the Navy.  I've went 4 wheeling in the deserts of Dubai.  I've jumped willingly out of a perfectly good airplane. But, this was something different.  Anyone could do those other things.  Not everyone can run a full marathon.   Me?  I really think I can do it.  It will be my first.  It will be the first for so many others.  There are also so many other runner that are attempting their very first half marathon.

   
     When I joined the Steel City Road Runners group, I did it to be properly trained.  However, I ended up meeting a lot of those first timers.  I've heard so many fascinating stories from people I did not know.   The experience was absolutely fantastic.  The best part?  We all  had the same goals when we set out to do this.  It's not about our time.  It's not about a PR.  It's about the run.  It's about crossing the finish line.  It's about the experience and the rush of the entire city of Pittsburgh coming out of all corners to cheer us on.   It's exciting.  It's adrenaline pumping.  It's humbling.

What do you mean I just signed up to run a full marathon????

     I look back on my training and think about how not only I, but how we all got here.  I've logged in 507.86 miles to get to this point.  There's no turning back now.  Hell, why would I?  I've got nothing to fear.  I've done the training.  I trust in that training.  I know I can do this.  I'm not the only one.

Coach Suzanne's "kids", we're gonna do this.

Montour Track people, we're gonna do this. (Stole your pic coach.)

Chad and Steph: We're gonna do this.

Sara and Amy, we're gonna do this.

Kirsten, we're gonna do this (and you for the 2nd time!)

Marty, we're gonna do this. (stole your pic Marty.)

Maybe I'll wear this?  Eh, maybe not. It just may get too hot.  But hey, I still look good in uniform if I do say so myself. #gonavy

I'm definately not wearing this. #tooshort #80style

I'll just have to remember to not look like this when finally crossing that finish line.  I hope none of you look like that either! #NotTinkling

And like I said, we're all going to do this, and it's because of each other, and people like our coaches and trainers.  I know I can't thank Coach Betsy Magovern and Coach Suzanne Natter well as Coach Kim Lambert (don't have a pic Kim, sorry.)  You ladies have taught me a lot and I thank you for that.

So hey Pittsburgh?  In two days we have a message for you: Just bring it. #gameonpgh  Good luck everyone in the Steel City, from SCRR to the Cupid Undie Runners, to everyone from all over the country.  We're gonna do this.

Until after the marathon folks, keep on running.


Sinceriously Yours,

Chuck Hull.....The Running Jedi

#26miles#26dedications #runpgh #gameonpgh #pittsburghmarathon #steelcityroadrunners #lovetherun

PS: STILL TIME TO DONATE! Only $350 away from $2500 raised!   Any little bit helps! Click the link to donate and be entered to win a signed Mario Lemieux Jersey!

https://www.crowdrise.com/LemieuxPittsburgh2016/fundraiser/chuckhull

Don't Do Anything Stupid They Said!

(The above song is Weird Al Yankovic's "Dare to Be Stupid"  It just

happened to be in the Tranformers movie, which I saw as a kid with my brother

and also own.  I admit that.)

     That's what we have been hearing now for about four weeks.   With a month left of training for our marathons and half marathons, the latest advice and words of wisdom we got from our coaches was: "don't do anything stupid."

     We got that PSA on a Friday.  Very sound advice.  I mean, it makes good sense.  We've all been training hard since January.  We can't risk anything now.   Don't decide it's time to climb a rock wall.  Don't decide it's time to practice your hockey skills.  Don't dance in your kitchen while making dinner.  (I don't do that.  Really I don't.)  Well then, the sun came up on Saturday morning, and people went down.

     It was only a 14 mile run day for the marathoners and 7 or 8 for the half marathoners.   Around the 2nd or third mile, someone in our group fell and banged up their knee.  Not more than 5 minutes later, another person had fallen as well.   What the heck is going on?   Although their pride was hurt more than anything, they still finished their runs, even if they were a little bloodied and in pain.  Later that afternoon, my girlfriend had fallen and also got hurt.   Thankfully she was OK.  She just a couple of bumps and bruises to which I thought I was a Dr. and tried to take care of her.   I also proved I'm not a Dr and did a horrible job of covering up her knee scrape.   So much for being an Eagle Scout.  Might as well get rid of that First Aid merit badge!  Three people going down in one day.  It looks like we've al been jinxed!

     From there on I had seen people posting their injuries and that they were no longer able to run come race day and needed to sell their bib.   Did this advice really jinx us?  It certainly seemed that way.  However, these things don't happen because anyone did anything stupid.  Training is very rigorous and does take a toll on our bodies.  It just comes with the territory.  We will take our falls.  Things will start to hurt.   Some things will start to hurt more than others.  It happens.  But, it's heartbreaking to see this happen too so many people.

     Now what about me?  That's pretty easy to figure out.  I did something stupid.  

     Three weeks out and little did I know I was about to have some problems.   I was headed out to run with my girlfriend and another friend and the back of my knee was pretty itchy.  I didn't think anything of it, but it looked like I had a pretty decent sized rash.  It didn't look too pretty, but then again no rash ever does.   I just shrugged it off and we went out for our run.  That was that.

     At that particular time, it was sort of warmer out so I was running in shorts.  I always wear knee supports not because I have issues, but because I don't want any.  (Call me paranoid.)  However, I did noticed that the rash seemed to get worse and there now appeared to be the same rash on the back of my other knee.   Uh oh.  It didn't really hit me until the Friday before our last long run: I was breaking out into hives.   How the heck did this happen?   

     Well, me being the kind of shopper that I am, decided that this laundry soap called Sun detergent was a bargain at Wal Mart, so I picked it up.  100 plus loads for I think $2.97, or $4.97.  I can't remember but that's a bargain!  Score!  WRONG!  My legs were getting just a tad worse and I started to take some Benadryl and use some cortisone creme.  Surely that would help.

      Nope.

Exhibit A of doing something Stupid.
I know it's gross, but it's also funny.

     That last long run was a cold one and I had my running tights on.   That just made things worse since I had already washed all of my running gear in that detergent.  From my ankles all the way up to tops of my legs I was a hot itchy mess.  It was the worse case of hives I had ever gotten.  The only reason I figured it had to be the laundry soap was because the only areas affected were where a person would wear running clothes (tights, belts, etc.)

    I tried everything to clear them up.  I went through tubes of cortisone, Benadryl, Calamine lotion, you name it.  I was not getting better.  I was reading everything on the internet that said  heal severe hives quickly."  I rubbed green tea on my wounds. I rubbed apple cider vinegar on my wounds.  I was chugging chamomile tea.  I was slugging pineapple juice.  I even took a bath in cold water and oatmeal.  I actually sat in a tub filled with oatmeal.  I was a grown man, and I was taking a bath in Quaker Oats.   And, as you may have guessed, it didn't quite work.  My case was just a little too severe.  Although I was walking fine and even ran track that Tuesday, I knew I had to go see a Dr.   

     When the Dr. looks at me and says, "Oh.  Oh wow.  I need to get you on something now," maybe, just maybe you should have went a tad sooner!  It took a few days for the Prednisone prescribed to finally kick in.   But before it did, my left leg was twice the size of my right leg.   My foot looked like a balloon.

Exhibit B: My left leg is huge.
I only now just noticed that my right leg
looked swollen too, and I look badly sunburned.

Exhibit C: Balloon foot. It didn't
hurt to walk on it at all. And toes have been
edited because no one wants to see my toes.  Well
no one wants to see my foot and ankle either but oh well.

     I was worried that my tapering would pretty much consist of no running until marathon day.   I was unable to run for a week and it killed me to not run.  The weather had been extraordinary!  But, within a week I was all cleared up.  I was ready to run.  Everything looked normal.  My coach reassured me I would be fine so that eased my mind a bit.

     So, after numerous re-washes in what I will now used until the end of time (Tide Free and Clear on the suggestion of my girlfriend)  my clothes are safe to run in again.  I was paranoid for a while though so I spent about $50.00 on new sock and underwear.   I didn't really have to, and now wish I would have just spent that on another race.  Anyhow, I was ready to run which is great because this past weekend it was time for the cake run!  We only had to run 8 miles that day, and we were rewarded with cake!  (And maybe some mimosas with our coach to celebrate what they call #tapermadness.)

Photo Credit: Coach Dave Spell of SCRR

Coach Betsy McGovern having beat us to the cake.
Photo Credit Dave Spell of SCRR

The back half of our 8 miles down at the Homestead Waterfront
I tried to take this while running backwards.
I was doing something stupid again.

Umm, Coach, whacha makin'?

Coach Suzanne's "kids" toasting to training well done.

The video is sideways..not sure how to fix. Sorry!

     

This really doesn't need a caption.

     Now, the marathon is only 5 days away.  Some of me still itches a little bit, but it's mostly from dry skin.  However, I'm calm.  I'm at ease.  I no longer look like a connect the dots book.  I'm ready to go.  The marathon, my first ever, is only 5 days away.  I'll try not to do anything stupid.  Until then, let's keep on running.

Photo Credit: Dave Spell of SCRR
This is just such a great shot.

That's Right, Game on Pittsburgh

Bring It.

Sinceriously,

Chuck Hull......The Running Jedi.

#gameonpgh #runpgh #lovetherun #26miles26dedications

PS: THERE IS STILL TIME TO DONATE and possibly WIN A SIGNED MARIO LEMIEUX JERSEY!  We met our goal of $1500 raised and I can now raffle off a signed Mario Lemieux Jersey.  If I can hit $2500 I can raffle off a signed 1992 Stanley Cup game ticket, signed my Mario!  We have until race day to collect donations for the Mario Lemieux Foundation.  You can still have a chance to win.  All you have to do is click the link below and donate!

https://www.crowdrise.com/lemieuxpittsburgh2016/fundraiser/chuckhull

Over $10K Raised for the Mario Lemieux Foundation!

   

     I think the headline there says it all.  Since I had met my fundraising goal, I decided to take a look back and see what WE have all accomplished in the last three years since I started on this journey, this quest, to give back to the community.

     Back in 2014, when I decided to run to charity, the main reason was because I had never done something like this before.  I was 41 years old, but what had I actually done to give back?  Buying a hoagie from a kid in band, having high school sports teams wash my car, and buying girl scout cookies doesn't really count.  So, I decided that if I was going to run, I was going to run for charity.  And I have.   I've joined fundraisers for the Mario Lemieux Foundation four times now, and each time I've met my fundraising goals.   Hell, I've exceeded them. WE'VE exceeded them.   I do mean that too, because I could not have done this for three years now without the help of all of you.  So, what did we do?  What did we accomplish?  How much did we raise?

     WE have raised a grand total of $10,356.10 as of 12:00 PM today, April 22, 2016.  WOW!  I cannot express the amount of gratitude I have for this accomplishment.   This was no easy task, and it blows my mind.  It's amazing! It's outstanding!  Sinceriously!  Your generosity has led to this.  I have never been more humbled in all of my life.  You have all made me a better person.  You have all made me a better man.  For that, I thank you.

     And, with all of that being said, I just wanted to take the time to thank and recognize all of those that have donated to my fundraising campaigns these last few years.  It's because of you that we had this amount of success.

Justin Adams

Max Alamo

Mike Alberter

Danielle Amiano

Bernie Auguer

Cara Bartlett

Michelle Beck

Brad Benson

Bryan Benson

Colleen Bidden

Janelle Biemel

Susan Bivona

Mike Bober

Trever Booher

Monica Born

April Boyce and Family

Susan Brandt

Stephen Brooks

Amber Capra Hill

Peter Cardimen and family

Lela Checoo

Cy And Joanne Clark

Shannon Clark

Shelby and the Cole Family

Jessica Cook

David Cordell

Bob Coulter

Jamie, Kelly, and Morgan Davis

Dawn DeCeco

Roger and Samantha DeFurio

Toni DeGraff

Terri Demelio

Bryan Diana

David Doughty

Amy Egan

Michael Ehman

Paul Ehrenfeld

Cindy Eidson Chamberlain

Susan Evans and Family

Craig Ewing

Todd Fedak

Karyn Fife

Sean Fluharty

Arla Foley

Alison Gardner

Carrie Glozzer

Jennifer Gorrell (And Squid and Doodle)

Eric and Stephanie Haas and family

Lindsay Haddad

Brenda and Bobby Hall

David, Bonnie, Stella Jane, and Marina Grace Hamstead

John and Dara Harper

Pamela Heckman

Dan Henn

Joy Herstine

Christine Hess

Steffanie Hite

Mike and Dawn Hluben

Ed and Jennifer Hogan

Linda Holmes

Polly Hoover

LeeAnn and Bob Howard

Eric Hoye

Marlene Hull and Mike Burns

Danielle Hunt

Joey Isaac

Mike Jackson

Tony James

Jim Jankovic

Jekyl And Hyde patrons

Kim, Kayla, and Chloe Jurica

Patty Kaupinis

Eric Kiefer

Laurie Kikel

Don Koffler

Doug, Kathy, Kaelee, and Kolson Koffler

Kimberly Koltick

Kristin Koltick

Barb Kress

Kathie Kujawa

Dana Lang

Savoia LaRocca

Meredich Lefforge Ziemniak

Kristine Lewis

Megan Lewis

Karlin Litchke

Megan Loftis

Karen Luca

Anthony Majetic

Sara Majetic

Sue Majetic

Nancy Maltese

Angela Marczak

Vera Marek

Christie Martin

Marcia Mattice

Lou Mazer and family

Karla and Todd McIntyre

Virginia Mersing

Linda Metens

Jessica Modelo
Cathy Morrow and family

Meighan Nelson

Bekki Nicholson

Eric Noll

Debbie Norkevicus

Rhoda Oktela

Jennifer Olzinger

Eric and Marger Pensentadler

Allison Purdue

Alfred Peterson

Aaron, Jennifer, Sarah And Emily Plunkett

Paul Rasmussen

Sharon Rectenwald

Eileen Reilly

Rich and Holly Rhodes and family

Lisa Richetti

Jessica Roland

Lois Roney

Ron Russitano

Mike Sears

Joey Lynn Shazer

Kathy Shuckhart

Jim Sieroslawski

Linda Smith

Debra Steckel

Carole Stevens

Debbie Stucke Szczypinski and family

Bridget Stuckey

Susan Sullivan and Family

Michelle Szell

Renee Tarquinio

Katie Thornton

Kim Tidrick

Tracy Tighe

Tony The Mailman

Tina Venanzio

Kim and Steve Wagner

Michael Waldman and Family

Bobbi Walker and Family

Kyra Walters

Katie Weinhold

Karynne Williams

Becky Wilson

Dawn Wyatt

Ali Wyrostek

Carie Young

Nichole Zablocki

Chrissie Zanis

Tony Zanis

Diana Ziemniak

Tracy Zurcher

Friends of Sara Majetic at QBE

And a Random Pens Fan who gave me $20 bucks on the street when he saw me in that god awful pink dress after the Pens Game (They won that game too, FYI.)

     Whew!  I hope that I did not leave anyone out.  If I did, please forgive me. There were quite a few of you as you can see.

     Again, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.  I could not have done any of this without the help of all of you.  I really couldn't.  I am humbled.  I am grateful.  I am thankful.  You all did way more than you needed to do, and I do hope that one day I can find a way to repay you all.  We did this together.  We did this as strangers.  We did this as friends.  We did this as a family.

Down to the last week of training, so until next time, keep on running.

Sinceriously,

Chuck Hull.....The Running Jedi

#runpgh #gameonpgh #26miles26dedications

PS: There is still time to donate (up until Sunday May 1st) so if you have not already and you would like to, you still can.

https://www.crowdrise.com/LemieuxPittsburgh2016/fundraiser/chuckhull

26 miles. 26 dedications.

     Well the last two weeks of long runs are complete, with this past weekend being the longest I've ever run before, 22 miles.  We didn't exactly have spring like conditions either.  It snowed practically the entire time, but nothing accumulated.  It was cold.  It was wet.  It was awesome.

     When I started on this journey, I started with the hashtag 26 miles 26 dedications.  Man did this take a long time to write! I've tried to keep this one short, but with 26 dedications, that didn't quite happen.  There were so many things I've wanted to say, but I did what I can to keep the personal information out of those dedications as those are not my stories to tell.  However, I still wanted a way to honor all of these people.

     One of the main reasons I have chosen to run for the Mario Lemieux Foundation for the last few years was not only because of my love for Penguins Hockey, but because of what the organization does for cancer research, as well as Austin's Playroom at Children's Hospital.   I know so many people are affected by cancer in one way or another, and it just seemed like the right charity for me to help.  Some of my dedications played a part in my choosing this charity.   And, to run for such an amazing organization, it's been an honor and a privilege.  It's also been a privilege to honor everyone listed below.

     With that being said, here are the 26 dedications, and they are in no particular order (well except maybe for the first few.)  This is the longest post you'll all probably read,  and, I do hope you read it.  If it's too long, take a break and come back to it at another time.  Just please read and enjoy.

Mom and Dad at Kennywood a few years back.

Mile 1 - My parents.  It's kind of hard not to dedicate the first mile to Chuck and Ruth.  I could tell you a million things about them, but just to put it simply, they are awesome.  I could not have asked for better parents.   My dad suffered a stroke when I was a senior in high school at the age of 44.  At the time, I really didn't quite grasp what had happened.  What I never did admit was that I was scared.  I didn't want to lose my dad when he was so young and still had so much to teach me.  I'm glad I didn't.  He may not be able to run anymore, but he's a very good reason why I chose to run a full marathon.  He's my hero and I'm going to do him proud.  And my mom?  You would think out of five kids, one of us would have graduated from college.  Nope.  She did instead.  Pretty awesome feat if you ask me.  She makes me proud, and I'll be damned if I don't make her proud.

Mile 2 - How about the rest of my family? My dad's side and my mom's side.  We may not see each other as often as we would like, but we are all still in touch in one way or another.  What is my life without my family?  Pretty boring actually.  4 awesome siblings.  Crazy cousins.   Aunts and Uncles who can make you laugh.  I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of the rest of my family.

Mile 3 - Due to life changing now and again, mile three is mile 3.

Mile 4 - Bonnie and David, as well as their families.  I look up to those two.   I've seen the things that they have accomplished with both pride and admiration.  They've always been there for me, and I'll always be there for them.

Little Marina
The Rina Roo.

An older pic of Alan, Micaeyla, Marissa, and Britney

My Niece Rayne

Morgan, apparently joining The Dark Side

Mile 5 -  What about the kids out there in my life?  I can't forget them! Sure when I said family that kind of includes them,  but I really have to give them their own mile.  All my nieces (Micaeyla, Marissa, Morgan, and Brit, Rayne) my nephew Alan, my other "nieces" Stella and Marina.  All you kids give me hope for the future.  I see you all achieving great things.  I see you learning. I see you trying.  I see you never giving up.  Just know that I won't give up either.

Stella Bella

Mile 6 - Mrs. Donna Koffler.  My second "mom."  I'm sorry that in my adult years we never got to see each other as much as we did when I was younger, but you always had a positive influence on me.  You fought many a hard battle, and when you were taken from us, I'm just glad I was able to be there for everyone when they needed me.  I has so many fond memories of you, and those will keep me going from mile 6 on.  We miss and love you Mrs. K.

Mrs. K.

Mile 7 - Cy Clark.  It still feels weird watching a hockey game without seeing the "Hulk Hogan" guy on TV now and again, and there will be a time where it may even be a distant memory.  However, it's one memory that I'll never forget.  I may not have known him like a lot of other people, but it was nice to chat with him on Facebook here and there.  As I said, I'll never forget him.  His friends will never forget him.  His wife and family will never forget him.  Malkamnia will always run wild.

Cy Clark - Malkamania running wild at a Pens Game

Paul at the CFC in 2010

Everyone from the CFC that year.

Mile 8 - Paul Kikel.  I met Paul through Bonnie.  His wife worked with Bonnie a few years back.  At that time, we were all participating in a charity bar crawl called the CFC: The Crawl For Cancer.  We had a lot of fun.  At the time, Paul had won his battle.  But as the years went by, he eventually succombed to that battle and heaven gained another angel.  He was a great husband, and awesome day, and a pretty cool guy.  RIP Paul.  This mile's for you.

Mile 9 - Lou Majetic.  I didn't know Lou on a personal level but I grew up with his sisters and we still chat today.   We may not have seen eye to eye, but I think that's because neither one of us really got to know each other.  What I do know is that he was stricken hard with cancer and it took him away from those that loved him.  I know his family misses him every day.  RIP Lou.  Mile 9 is for you.

Mile 10 - Angela and Chris Dutko.  The mother and brother of a friend of mine.  I have not seen Rachel and Jordan since their wedding, but I know Rachel is going through a very tough time right now.  This mile is for them and their family.

Mile 11 - For Rich McNemar.  Rich was a friend of my best friend's parents.  He was a funny dude and we shared a birthday.   He used to take this garden gnome with him on work jobs and post pics.  Cracked up up all the time.  Sadly, he was taken from us too soon because of cancer as well.  We all miss you Rich.  I may not have known you a long time, but I'm glad that I had gotten a chance to have met you.

Rich and Fran at the Smith's Luau a couple years ago.

Mile 12 - Carole Bartley.   I know your niece Amy and have met your daughter Tammy. You were taken from them far too soon and unexpectedly.  Mile 12 belongs to their memories of you.

Mile 13 - Stephen Amell.  Yeah I know, he's the star of the CW's "Arrow."   He also seems like a pretty cool cat.  He'll never see this and I'll never get a chance to meet him but the things he does for his fans and for charity is amazing.  He shares his life with everyone and that's not easy for someone in the public eye.  I've donated to quite a few of his fundraisers, and I'll keep on doing so.  The Arrow likes to tell the bad guys that they "have failed this city."  Come May 1st, know this: I will not fail this city.  Sinceriously.

Mile 14 - Wes Zablocki.    Wes was the nephew of Velveeta's very own Brian Kriley.  He was taken from us too soon.   I've never had the chance to meet him but I did get to meet his family at last year's Wes Stock fundraiser which my band got to be a part of.  We'll be there again this year, too, and it will be an honor.  This mile is for you Wes.  For information on Wes Stock, click here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1547886988854876/

Mile 15 - Jim Steckel.  Jim is the husband of one of our supervisors at work, Debra.  I had never gotten to meet Jim personally but I know how much he meant to Debbie.  RIP Jim.  Mile 15 is dedicated to your fight, and your love of a good cigar and a damn good beer.

Mile 16 - Todd McIntyre.  Todd is also the husband of another co-worker, one of our account managers, Karla.  He has run over 30 marathons and if memory serves has done a few tri-athalons as well.  Although he can't run at this time, I'll run for him.  This mile is for you, sir.

Mile 17 - To My co-workers Michelle Beck, Susan Bivona, and Kathy Westfall.   Getting stronger everyday and never giving up.  Mile 17, I'll still be going strong, and it's with all of your help.   I'd also like to include other co-workers that may not be in the company anymore, but have had the same fights are are relaxing at home and enjoying life.

Mile 18 -  Evan Ziemniak.  His story is still fresh on a lot of people's minds.  It's still fresh on mine.  It was the last blog post I had published.  I may have already dedicated 20 miles to Evan, but I'm giving him one more.  RIP Evan.

Mile 19 - This one is for our Make-A-Wish Kids, Enrico and Nick.  We got to meet Enrico and Nice at our Make-A-Wish fundraiser last year (Wheels Wings and Wishes.)  Hoping to see them again at this year's event which you can find here:

https://www.facebook.com/Wheels-Wings-Wishes-1495548790746174/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Mile 20 - Dana Zinsner Miara, Moon Class of 1990.  We've seen your battles from afar since you no longer live in Pittsburgh, but no matter how far you are from home, love and support surrounds you.  This one is for you.

Mile 21 - Mike Alberter.  Mike, I loved working for/with you, Carmella, and Dave at Jekyl.  I love that place and although I'm pretty much retired as a DJ,  I still love that place. We had a lot of fun there, and you were the best boss I ever had in a bar/club that I DJed in.  The bar crawls for the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society are all in your honor and your hard fought battle, one that you had won.  Thanks for always being a great boss, a great friend, and doing great things.  This mile is for you Mike.  #teammike

Mile 22 - Bernie Augier.  Bernie....just keep doing what you are doing.  I can say nothing more except I'm proud to be your friend.  You get this mile.

Mile 23 -  My buddy Mike Lewis' girlfriend Michelle Conklin.  We have yet to meet, but one day we will.  Keep on fighting.   And for mile 23, I'll keep on running.

Mile 24 - Aaron Plunkett.  Aaron was one of my best friends growing up.  He was sidelined a few years back from an injury but wanted to get back into running.  Unfortunately, training did not go well for Aaron as thta old injury resurfaced.  I'm grateful that he was willing to take this journey with me, and sad that he can't any longer.  Just know this:  I'll cross that finish line for you; I'll cross that finish line for both of us.

Mile 25 -  My friend Lisa Richetti.  You fought your battle and you won.  It's always an inspiration to see you stronger than ever. #cancerfree

The last year we did the CFC - Lisa front and center.

Mile 26 - The final mile.  The finish line is in sight.  And, so are all of my friends.  I can't forget you all.   15 years ago I'm pretty sure not one of us would have said, "I bet you could run a marathon."  We would have all looked at each other and laughed.  Bryan, Amy, Sarah, and Steph (the run buddies.)  Joe, Tony, Chad, Mike, Carie, Chrissie, Cathy, Kim, Shelby, all of you guys.  Trever, Eric (Noll,) Doug, Eric (Hoye) just to name a few more.  Seriously....just too many to name.  Without your encouragement, I would not be here today.  I just hope you can all see me cross that finish line, because when I do see you all, there will be some mad hi-fives coming your way.

Wait....

     I thought a marathon was 26.2 miles?   It is.  So, I guess I have another dedication.  That last .2 miles, well, it's for you Pittsburgh.  The home of the black and gold.  The home of one of the most storied franchises in the NFL.  The home of one of the oldest teams in Baseball.  The home of Mario Lemieux and his Pittsburgh Penguins.  Your home.  My home.  Pittsburgh.  It's the greatest city on the planet.  #truth

Coach Suzanne's Half and Full Marathon runners getting
ready to tackle their 10 and 20 mile runs.

   
     Before I sign off from this very long post, I wanted to take the time out to thank everyone at Steel City Road Runners, especially the coaches.  Your guidance and help has gotten me to where I needed to be to tackle this marathon.   Your training and dedication to all of us first timers was something I learned from, and it has made me a stronger runner.  And, what would training be without perfect strangers on the long runs helping each other to keep each other going? That's the way it should be: people always helping other people to achieve great things.  Special shout out to Coach Kim for Track Tuesdays, Coach Besty for my 18 and 22 mile runs, and Coach Suzanne for my first 20 mile run and everything else she has taught me.  And special shout out to all of Coach Suzanne's runners.  We didn't just do this together.  We are doing this together.  I'll see you all at the finish line.

10 min. pace group at the first water stop on the last
long run day.

Chad Jurica and I at the True Runner water stop.

20 miles in the books!

Those of us that opted for the option 2 miles with Coach Betsy.
22 miles and time to taper until the marathon.

         Last but not least I wanted to thank all of those that donated to my fundraisers the last three years.  The amount of money we were all able to raise is just unreal.  Mike Sears you were a huge part of the success the first two years and I am still grateful.  Dawn DiCicco you as well.   There were well over 100 of you that have donated over the course of three years and some of you donated more than once.   I am humbled by all of your generosity and proud of what we have accomplished together.   I'll see you all at the finish line, too.

Wow....this one was long.  I hope you all stuck around until the end.

So, until next time, keep on running.

Sinceriously,

Chuck Hull.....The Running Jedi

#runpgh #gameonpgh #26miles26dedications

There is still time to donate for those that would like to do so.  You can do that by clicking this link:

https://www.crowdrise.com/LemieuxPittsburgh2016/fundraiser/chuckhull