It's been another long training season, but one that I'm most proud of thus far. After working so hard when I first started this crazy journey, I was pretty focused on being a better and healthier me. I'd be lying if I didn't lose a bit of that focus the past couple of years. It's not a hard thing to do because things like that just happen. Not only does that happen to me, but it happens to a lot of folks. Once I realized that, I put things back into focus. I'm pretty much where I was when I took up this wonderful hobby of mine.
I could tell there was a difference during most of my training runs. I felt different. I stopped feeling more tired after my daily runs. I definitely felt stronger after those and my long runs. I can't say the same for the Richmond Marathon back in November. I did hurt my ankle September, and I thought it was at 100 percent, but was not. It bothered me a lot during that race and I struggled from mile 10 on to the finish. It was not my strongest race, and I was happy when it was over. That is not how I'm feeling now. The Pittsburgh Marathon is only two weeks away, and I'm feeling pretty good about what I may be able to accomplish when that day comes. I don't have a specific goal in mind, so I'm just going to focus on running and staying strong throughout the race, and simply having a good time.
I didn't realize it until now, but this will be my 10th marathon, and the 8th that is a live and in person race. Sure the 2020 and 2021 Pittsburgh Marathons were virtual, but that does not take away from the fact that I ran those miles, and I did some crazy things while doing so (remember the Great Pittsburgh Bunny Hunt? Pepperidge Farms remembers.) But, I'm very happy that this year's race is back to being in person. There is just something about running through this city along side of so many of my fellow yinzers that makes this event so special. As long as my body will let me, I'll keep doing it. I said it last year and I'll say it again, I still think I got a few of these left in me. And, as long as I do, these miles will always mean something. So with that being said, here are this year's dedications.
Mile 1: Mrs. Donna Koffler, Cy Clark, and Lou Majetic. Keeping this tradition right where it belongs. Thank you for always getting me started.
Mile 2: Nina Napoleon. Nina, I was able to dedicate a mile to you last year. You had made this incredible post about your life and health and it was just so inspiring to so many. None of us knew that a few weeks later you were no longer with us. I was glad to know that you were able to see last year's dedication. I felt the need to honor you this year as well. I hope you know that you still inspire a lot of people and it's amazing to know that you are watching over them. Rest well Nina, Moon High class of '92.
Mile 3: Number 3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dwayne Haskins. Gone too soon, and I'm truly sorry for his family's loss. RIP Dwayne.
Mile 4: Charles Cancilla. Chuck was the uncle of Bonnie and her mother, Mary Smith. It was an honor to have met him. RIP Uncle Chuck
Mile 5: Mike and Susan Haas. Eric, wanted to dedicate a mile to your folks. This one is for them.
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| RIP Melissa |
Mile 7: Richard Burns. Dick was the father of my buddy Mike. He passed away earlier this year. I never got a chance to meet your dad Mike, but I'd like to honor him with this mile. RIP Mr. Burns.
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| RIP Richard Burns |
Mile 8: The Hamstead clan. Does it suck you guys moved away from us? Yup. Does it suck you now leave 30 minutes from the warm beach? Not for you guys! lol Dave and Bonnie, we miss you guys. Stella, Marina, Little B, and Little GiGi, we miss you all as well. BUT! I'm so glad we have facetime to keep in touch. (Just like today!)
Mile 9: Drew Parish and Stephanie Spezialetti at the Mario Lemieux Foundation. I've been running and raising money for the MLF for 9 years now. Drew has been there since year one, and Stephanie has been there along for the ride for the last few years. They have both helped me in so many ways over the years and I could never thank them enough. Mile 9 for 9 years is for you both. Thank you for all that you have done for me, and the rest of #teamlemieux, and thank you for working with one of the best charity organizations in the city.
Mile 10: Margaret Jean Balobeck. Margaret was the mother of one of our Moon class of '91 class mates, Laura. I'm truly sorry for the loss of your mother Laura. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May your mom rest in pease.
Mile 11: Ethel Porter and Patricia Coulter. Ethel was the grandmother of Bill and Jacki Porter, longtime friends and supporters of Wheels, Wings, and Wishes. Patricia was the mother of my friend and jack of all trades band member of Tuned Up. Patricia has also supported Wheels each year that we have had the band playing and always came to our shows. You will both be dearly missed. RIP Ethel and Patricia.
Mile 12: Roger Hamill. Roger was the father of our running friend, Marnie Sutch. I'd like to dedicate mile 12 in his memory. RIP Mr. Hamill
Mile 13: Theresa DeRusso. Theresa was the grandmother of our friend Sam DeRusso. I'm truly sorry for the loss of your gram, Sam. May she RIP.
Mile 14: Bob Zanis. My buddy Tony's dad had passed away back in Oct. of 2018. When I'm doing these dedications, it is very hard to keep track of everything and I'm sorry I did not do this sooner, Tony. Mile 14 is for your father. Bob, you were a funny and crazy dude. RIP good sir.
Mile 15: Robyn McGuire. Robyn was the mother of another one of our Moon Class of '91 classmates, Jaime. She had recently passed back in March. I'd like to dedicate this mile in her memory. RIP Robyn.
Mile 16: Tom and Sara. Tom is Edyta's brother and my brother in law, and Sarah is his soon to be bride. They had just gotten engaged. Congratulations to both of you! I wish you many years of happiness together.
Mile 17: Amy Pannebaker. Amy was the wife of current Moon Varsity Boys Soccer coach Earl Pannebaker. RIP. Mrs. Pannebaker.
Mile 18: Number 7, Ben Roethlisberger. 18 seasons with the black and gold. That is one hell of a ride. Three Super Bowl appearances with two Super Bowl wins. The greatest touchdown in Steeler's Superbowl history just so happened to be on my birthday. Big Ben to Holmes. I lost my mind. Game winning touchdown. Thank you for the incredible birthday present and thank you for an incredible run of 18 years.
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| RIP Doris |
Mile 19: Doris Brooks. Doris is the grandmother of one of my old Navy Shipmates, Matt Brooks. Matt has dedicated his life to serving our country, first in the Navy and now in the Army. I'm truly sorry for your loss, shipmate. May Doris RIP.
Mile 20: Edyta Hull, my wife. My wonderful, incredible, gorgeous Polish Princess. Can you believe it's been a year now that we have been married? It doesn't feel that way, and it never will as with you, I always feel like I am home. I'm dedicating Mile 20 to you as this is where you said you are going to catch me and pass me up. So, I guess game on?
Mile 21: Jeanne Colvin. Jeanne was the sister of one of my DJ friends, Matt Swaoger. RIP Jeanne.
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| RIP Ray |
Mile 22: Raymond Jaworski. Ray was the father of our friend Chrissie Boden. Ray had passed a short while ago, so I wanted to dedicate this mile in his memory for Chrissie. RIP Mr. Jaworski.
Mile 23: Brian Anderson. Brian was the brother of Erin, and brother in law of our friend Kevin Schuetz. Brian was called away over 3 years ago. Erin and Kevin have supported my MLF fundraisers for years now and I'd like to dedicate this mile to Brian in their name. RIP Brian.
Mile 24: Judy Young. Judy is the mother of one of my dearest friends, Carie. I've gotten to meet and hang out with her many times over the years. She was called to heaven last year around this time. I'd like to dedicate this mile to you, Judy. RIP.
Mile 25: Patty Augier. It's been 3 years since Bernie left us. I know how we feel as friends having lost someone so wonderful. But I'll never understand what it is like for you every day. Just know that we are always thinking of Bernie, and we are always thinking of you. You've been supportive of me and my fundraising these past few years just like Bernie always had been. So, I wanted to honor you this year during the race, and right at mile 25, so that once that mile is finished, you can hand the baton off to....
Mile 26: Bernie Augier. Much like Mile 1, Mile 26 is etched in stone and will always belong to you my friend. Take the baton from your mom and help me finish this last mile. When we do, we'll have a shot as has been the tradition. Thank you Bern. We miss you dearly.
And there you have it folks. 26 miles and 26 dedications. I'll see you all out on the pavement. Just always remember to keep on running Pittsburgh.
Sinceriously,
Chuck Hull, The Running Jedi
#26miles26dedications #movepittsburgh #runpgh #PittsburghMaration #teamlemieux
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