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

20 Miles For Evan

      As I sat at work on Friday, I could't stop thinking about the fact that I was about to test my body like I've never tested it before.   Was I really about to run 20 miles in 1 day?  Yeah, I really was.  Again, I look back in the past to 21 year old me.  I even look back at 16 year old me.  Would either of them have said that to themselves?  Not a chance.  16 year old me would have been camping with good old Troop 905 with his best friends Aaron and Doug.  16 year old Aaron may have run 20 miles, but 16 year old Doug would have laughed if you asked him that question.  21 year old me was too busy trying to figure out college, eventually quitting, and joining the Navy instead.  That version of me would have laughed at the thought, too.   43 year old me?  43 year old me just says, "wow, I'm really going to do this.  And I'm not going to stop."

     As the day progressed, there was a post going around Facebook about a local 12 year old boy who had taken his own life due to being bullied.  That was something else that spent a great deal of time on my mind.  I just could not stop thinking about that post.  Why have things today changed so much that a 12 year old boy felt the need to do this?   I don't know, and I'll never understand it.   Did this sort of thing happen as much when we were growing up, or do we now just notice it more because we have access to everything 24/7?  I don't know the answer to that, and I'm not really sure I want to know.  What I do know is that this sort of tragedy should not have happened.  It just shouldn't have happend.

     As I spent the majority of my time on Friday thinking, my #26miles26dedications came to mind.  I've been planning that post for quite some time now, and I think the first of a three part post is coming later this week.  But for now, I my thoughts are of how this little boy left the world by his own hands, and I just can't understand why.  I can't say I've been affected by his tragedy deeply because I didn't know him or his family, but one of my co-workers has a son in the same grade at the same school district.  When speaking with her, she said her son wished they would have had class together so that he may have been there for him as a friend.  But, just how do we make other kids feel the same way?  How do we get them to help?  We have one boy that wishes he could have helped, but we need everyone's help.

     I can admit that I got picked on growing up.   I was, and still am to this day, a nerd.  I don't say that to get down on myself.  I say it with humor in my voice.  I have more fun being an adult nerd than I did being a teenage nerd, though.  There were times when classmates would knock my books out of my arms.  There were times when I would get roughed up a little bit in gym class.  There was even a time when someone decided it would be funny to give me a wedgie, one that actually ripped my underwear.   I'm not sure what made that person and everyone else think it was so funny, but all I can remember saying, in anger, was "dude, we're ****ing 18 years old!  When does this sh*t stop?"   Yeah.  We were seniors at that time.  But, I graduated a few month later, and I never had to deal with those types of things again.   Did I feel like I was bullied?   You know, I don't think I would have called it that.  At least, maybe not now.  The only reason is because my definition of being bullied back then is completely different to how children are being bullied now.

     To me, in my mind, it seems that some of today's kids seems to be hell bent on wanting to put all their wrong doings (or anything else for that matter) on the internet to see how many "hits" they can generate, or to see if what they've done will go "viral."  They film another kid getting beat up or getting picked on instead of maybe trying to help or stop it.  Some adults are no different.  I truly feel that when it comes to the internet, so many people want to be the next big thing.  They want to be the next viral sensation.  They want their 15 minutes of fame.  But why?  What's the point?  Do you really think that telling someone "my video got a hundred thousand views on You Tube" will really do anything for a college application or a job resume?  No.  It won't.  But, they'll still do it, and other people will still watch those types of videos. But, these are my thoughts and this is only what I think.  Maybe it's all stemming from my anger.  It is still what I think (which doesn't mean I'm right.)

     Unfortunately I also feel that there are more people who will laugh at and giggle at those videos than there are those that show outrage towards them.   Today, when people are outraged, they just comment and say why they are outraged.  A comment won't do anything to stop what has already happened from happening again.  It seems like an endless cycle.

    So, again, there I was on Friday with a thought.  I was running 20 miles on Saturday.  But, it wasn't for my marathon training.  It was for that little 12 year old boy.  A 12 year old boy that I've never met.  A 12 year old boy that hurt so much inside that he is now no longer with us.  A 12 year old boy that the world will never get to see how much potential he had, or how much he could have accomplished.  A 12 year old boy that could have one day raised the Stanley Cup.  A 12 year old boy that could have become President.  I may be dedicating 26 miles for 26 different reasons come May 1st, but on Saturday, March 26th, I had 20 miles just for Evan.

     All 20 miles were Evan's and Evan's alone.  They weren't mine.  They weren't yours.  They were his.  I know I don't know him or his family, and I'm sure I never will, but I want kids like him to know that no matter how bad it may get, or how bad it may seem, just talk to us.  We will listen.  And to the adults out there that fail to see or understand any of this, you have to listen, too.  You must.  It's our job as an adult, as a parent, as a cousin, a brother, an uncle, a friend.  We can make this world a better place for these children, and for us.  We truly can.  But, we can only do that one way: together.

Coach Suzanne's JASR group: arms linked to stand
together against bullying.

   And so here it is, Saturday morning.  I woke up at 4:30, but had my alarm set for 6:30.  As I tried to lay back down to get two more hours of rest, my brain clicked to the on position and stayed there.   I could not, no matter how hard I tried, fall back to sleep.  Just thinking about the day and the miles I had to put in made my adrenaline kick in.  I could feel it.  I was starting to get jazzed up.  I was really getting pumped.  After a quick breakfast, I headed out to do some fun laps around North Park for the Just A Short Run race.

The 80's called...they want their gym shorts back.

     The race itself was a 30k, or 18.6 miles. The plan was to add 1.4 mile cool down after I crossed the finish line to get in my 20.  I was still sticking with the 10:00 min mile pace since that seemed to be what's been working best for the longer distances, and we had a pretty strong group.  We did lose some runners as they were strong enough to pick up their pace and go faster, but I stuck to my guns and stuck with the plan.  I had my gels, and I had plenty of fluids on me.   As it turned out, I even had some friends working one of the water stations.   That was a pleasant surprise!

Thanks to Ed and Jennifer Hogan;
Chad Schirnhofer and his little girl Hogan, and to the rest
of the St. Malachy team.

   
     I ran fora total of 3 hours and 20 minutes, and I felt good.  I felt damn good.  I didn't tire once.  I didn't even feel tired!  I felt as though if the marathon were this past Saturday I had another 6.2 miles in me.  I can neither deny nor confirm that I went all Rick Flair on the final miles with my coach, wooing loudly.  Wooooooo!  (Note: this is OK in a race (I think,) but NOT OK at a Pirates or Penguins game. Ever.)  20 miles.  WOW!

Coach let me hold the pace sign!

Coach Suzanne and I after I finished my cool down miles
to get my 20 for the day.

     I can' believe I just ran 20 miles as part of my training.  I did it.  Despite what I said earlier in this post, I did it not just for me, but I did it for you.  I did it for them.  I did it for every man, woman, or child that felt as if they could not go any further.  I did it for all for all of those that felt they had no other choice and just decided to stop.  And, on that day, I mainly did it for Evan Ziemniak.  RIP Evan, and thank you for running with me on Saturday.

Until later this week,  keep on running, and let's run together.

Sinceriously Yours,

Chuck Hull.... The Running Jedi

#20milesforEvan #26miles26dediations #runpgh #gameonpgh

PS:  Don't forget, there is still time to donate to my fundraiser this year.   Please donate.  We are at $700.00 raised.  My goal is $1501.  We are almost halfway there.  I would love to get there in the next three weeks.  I know we can get there.  All it takes is lunch for one day.  That's it.  Click the link to donate.   Remember: if we meet the goal, I'm raffling off a Mario Lemieux Jersey to one lucky person.  ($1500 is the minimum to raise in order to receive the Jersey, and I want to give that to one of you, just like last year.)

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

The Treblemakers called....they said "Please Don't Stop The Music."

Case in Point:

     I'm sorry, but I love the movie "Pitch Perfect."  It's ridiculous.  It's hilarious.  It's just plain fun.   I equally enjoyed Pitch Perfect II, as well.   I'm not sure if it's because I love silly things, or if it's because I love music, or a combination of both.  I'm going with both.  (It's also fair to note I have a very unhealthy obsession with the movie Rock Of Ages.)

      Some people may not know this, but I was a DJ for 15 years.   That's a really long time.  I'm also currently a front man for a cover band (just a few old farts that like to go out and rock your socks off.  You can find us here: https://www.facebook.com/tuneduppgh/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel.  Give us a like!)  In the time I was a DJ, I've worked in bars, some night clubs, and have done my share of weddings and parties.  I've never really charged a whole lot as I was mainly doing it for fun, and I never felt that it was a job for me.  It was just something I enjoyed doing.  I have very fond memories of my first gig at McCoy's place in Moon Township, our local watering hole.   The beach parties there came to mind.  We did that two years in a row where we hauled in two tons of sand to cover the back floor of the bar.

The Sand Man cometh....

...and so do the people.....

 

....who don't stay to help us clean up.

     People loved it.  It was just something fun and different.

     From there I moved to the city and worked at the Boardwalk in places like Tequila Willies, Level Lounge, and even the outside deck.  I've also been able to work the deck outside for a summer at The Matrix.   These places are no longer around.  I swear it's not my fault.   There is on place that I truly found a home as a DJ.   It's a place I can always call home: Jekyl and Hyde down on the South Side.

     Jekyl and Hyde is Pittsburgh's only Halloween themed bar.  They have a great selection of beers and micro brews, as well as Halloween themed shots.   Everyone there from my fellow DJs (Matt Swogger, aka DJ Luke Duke, DJ Don Deleo, and DJ Steve Spin all of BMP DJs (www.bpmdeejays.com) and Greg Russell who took over for me,) to the bartenders Dave, Liz, and Carmela (who you can now find at Carmella's Plates and Pints also on the South Side,) to the owner Mike Alberter (a Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor - another reason why I picked the Lemieux Foundation to run for.)  We had nothing but fun every night we worked together (except that time Mike forgot I had a new car and my car ended up getting towed.  Thanks for picking that up by the way!)  The halloween parties were always epic, but they would not have been without the music to go along with it.  Good times were truly had by all.   It's because of placed like Jekyl and Hyde that I have met so many people as a DJ.  Some became acquaintances.  Some have become life long friends.   This can happen while being a runner, too.

DJ Don Deleo, myself, and the boss man Mike on
one of Jekyl's bar crawls for the Lymphoma/Leukemia society 

Needless to day, I did not have a career as an 80's rap icon

The DJ is.....wait for it......horsing around.

Celebrating my last NYE as a DJ at Jekyl with my buddy Mike.

So it looks like I confused Lion-O, Lord of the
Thundercats...with a clown..... (pre-Halloween Crowd.)

     When running, I like to run with music.  In fact, a lot of people do.   Some feel that it helps keep them going.  Some don't like the noise and enjoy the quiet.  They "run naked" metaphorically speaking.  At times, especially during a race, it's recommended not to wear headphones or listen to music.   Some may wonder why this is.  Generally when you have something in your ears the sounds around you can be muted.   You can't really hear someone coming up behind you.  Heck, you can't even hear something coming up behind you (like traffic for example, or maybe a bear?)  But, we still choose to do it.   You don't have to have the music up that loud, but when your jam comes on....it's hard not to turn it up to 11.

     As a DJ, I had come up with an idea to make this killer mix when I ran my first half marathon in 2013.  By killer, I mean a large variety of hair band and rock tunes to keep me going.  I've used this same mix now four times.   I've used it for my daily runs, a lot.  It's so familiar to me now that I can tell how far I've run just based on what song is playing.   I even find myself at times running in cadence with the music.   When a song like "Kick Start My Heart" by Motley Crue, or "Rocket" by Def Leppard comes on in the mix, I find it very hard not to pick up the pace.   However, this mix has gotten a little old for me.  Sure the songs are old, but I'm finding myself needing some more motivation on these long runs.  This mix is only 2 hours long, and clearly I'm now running a lot longer than that.

    I have my first 20 mile run this coming Saturday.  I'm looking at this as the ultimate test of my abilities.   When I first signed up to run the full marathon, I had a hard time wrapping my head around what I've done.   Now, with the marathon being 39 days away, that doesn't seem like such a crazy thing anymore.   Also, with 20 miles only 3 days away,  my frame of mind has went from, "how am I going to do this?" to "I can do this!"   I know I can.  But I'm not going to do it without some music to keep my feet going.

     What's on my playlist?   People that know me can probably figure that out.   You damn well know there are some Bon Jovi songs on that list.   There will ALWAYS (pun intended) be Bon Jovi on my phone (and in my car.)

Just for you ladies.  Feel free to steal this pic if you haven't already.
I know you really want to steal it.

     Even with the majority of my set list being hair bands and other rock, I do like a variety.   Songs like "Shut Up And Dance," "Uptown Funk" to name a few newer songs are just fun to have for running.  But I can also take it back to the 90s new jack swing era with "Poison," and "Gettin' Funky," as well as some of the smooth sounds of Motown ("Rock With You" is also on there.)

(I beg of you to watch this video too....  https://youtu.be/3XOqUotSQnU )

     You can also bet your bottom dollar that "Eye Of The Tiger" and other songs from the Rocky movies are on my set list.

     Since I do have the equipment, I can mix this all together so I've got non-stop music.   It's as if I'm at the club but I'm not.  I don't have a drink in my hand.  I'm not covered in other people's cigarette smoke.  (I'm also 43 - a club is not happening anymore anyway.)   But what I do have are my headphones, my shoes, and my motivation.

     I would actually love to know what other people have on their playlist.  What keeps them going?  What song really gets them pumped up?  No matter how tired they may be, what song comes on at the right time, and they automatically perk up and tell themselves, "I got this.  Nothing will stand in my way.  Nothing can.   It's just me, and the finish line now.  Nothing else."

     There will always be that certain something that makes you feel that way.   Maybe it's not even a song.  Maybe it's just someone right behind you, or even next to you.  They can see that maybe you are slipping, or slowing down.  Maybe instead of music you hear a person.  Maybe that person will come right up to you, and in your ear they say, "EYE OF THE TIGER ROCK! EYE OF THE TIGER!"

    And that, right there, is all you needed.  Nothing more.  Nothing less.


You got this.

Dibbs on the girl with the sign!

I got this.

WE GOT THIS!

And it's with, or without music.

Until next time, keep on running.



Sinceriously Yours,

Chuck Hull, The Running Jedi




One more clip for the road?

PS:  Don't forget, there is still time to donate to our fundraising efforts for the Mario Lemieux Foundation!  We are almost half way to our goal.  The goal is $1501.00 and we currently sit at $675.00 raised.   Once the goal is met, we will be able to raffle off a signed Mario Lemieux Jersey!  Click below to donate!

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

Only Nipples Bleed

     As you can see from the title of this week's entry, I had to channel my inner rock god and come up with something catchy.  I can thank a Mr. Vincent Furnier for that.  You have no idea who that is, do you?   Perhaps you may know him better as Alice Cooper.  Alice has been rocking our world for decades (and will be back in Pittsburgh this year once again,) and based on this past weekend's run, I felt it only fitting that I parody his song "Only Women Bleed."   But, I'm really only doing that with the title.  I'm not going to go all Weird Al on the lyrics.

One big hill before we get near the Pittsburgh Zoo and near the end of 14 miles

     I've run a lot in the last few weeks.   Two weekends ago it was another 14 mile stretch on my training schedule, however I had to do that on Sunday instead of Saturday.  On Saturday, I participated in the 5th Annual Brave American Classic.  I ran this one last year and I really enjoyed it.  I'm not sure if that's because there is a chance of a Mario Lemieux sighting, or it's because the starting line is only about 6 miles from my house.  (The race starts from St. Stephens Church in Sewickley, PA.)

     This particular race was created as a sophmore project by Robbie Veltre of Quaker Valley High School (class of 2014.)  The race itself helps to fund the Boulder Crest Retreat for Wounded Warriors (link below) and because of the overall success from the first race combined with the money raised, Robbie and the mayor of Sewickley knew this one was here to stay.  The Steel City Road Runners had a nice presence in this race as well as they were asked to help assist with the pacing.

Moon High School Class of '91 mini reunion
Michelle Corbett Coy
and Sara Majetic

See....I look good, right?

   
                         I run this one with a group of life long friends and one of them suggested that I run it in my old Navy Uniform.   Since I can now fit into that again, I figured, what the heck why not?  However, there were a few things I forgot about when wearing my dress blues:  those 13 buttons on the pants are a pain in the butt, and that wool is very itchy!  I still look pretty damn good in the uniform though if I do say so myself.

     Before the start of the race, SCRR set out to take a group picture, and when I joined up for that pic, my world got smaller once more.  Another member of the group saw my ship's name badge and asked if I served on board.   Turns out, so did he.  What's even wilder is we were on the Abraham Lincoln at the same time.  I was on board from 1994 to 1997 and he was on board from 1995 to 2000.   That is just wild.  I'm not sure if he made West Pac with us or not, but it just amazes me how small the world can get every day.

     OK, back to the race.  I ran this race a little too quickly (51:09) to which my marathon training coach was a little angry with me, but she let me slide this one time.  She said as long as I felt I was going to be OK to do my long run the next day she'll not give me to much of a hard time about it.  She just wants to be sure I don't push myself too hard and overdo it.  I agree with her, but for some odd reason as soon as they said go, I went.  I kept telling myself to slow down but I think my adrenaline kicked in and got the best of me.  I was able to complete my long run the next day without any issues, so I'm very relieved about that.  Sorry coach.  Next time I won't do that. I promise.

10:00m pace group last Sunday afternoon on a corner near Bloomfield.

     Next up this week was a little speed work on the Montour Track for Track Tuesday.  I have never done something like this before and almost didn't, but on the suggestion of my training coach I decided to participate.   I did feel like I was running a race, but that was the whole point.  Coach said getting speed work in helps with your stamina (and here I thought it was Viagra for people my age.  Bu-da-bum tsssss.)   We had to run a total of 6, 800s (800 meters around the track) with a 2 minute rest period in between.  We also had to run those at our 10k pace.  It went surprisingly well and my coach said I'm on the right track with my training.  However, 18 miles on Saturday was still lurking around the corner.

Some Stretching in preparation for speed work outs on the track
 - Photo Credit Kim Lambert of  SCRR.

     The planned group run this past Saturday coincided with Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day parade and other festivites.   There was a huge turnout for the group run and everyone was of course encouraged to wear their green.   This year's member shirts just happened to be green so that made it easy for me to decide on what to run in.  Well played SCRR.  Well played.

Photo Credit - Dave Spell of SCRR

     We started early enough where we missed most of the crowds traveling into the city for the parade.  We also were no where near the parade route which was also nice.  Our 18 miles took us all over the city.  Most of the run was on the majority of the marathon course and it helps us get familiar with where we are running come race day.  We crossed a few bridges; ran through the north side; ran over the West End Bridge and down Carson street to the South Side.  From there we took on the dreaded Forbes Ave. hill, and all way into Bloomfield.  Then it was across the 40th St. Bridge.  We finished up around the North Shore trail and then back to the SCRR garage.

     I can tell you this much so far.  Running this many miles in one day works much better for me when not alone.  Whether I run with one other person, or two, or 20, it helps me out a lot.  I'm not sure what would cross my mind if I ran that many miles alone.  I can do 10-13 all alone, but 18 miles?  I'm not sure.  I may find a way to talk myself out of it.  I may not.  However, when you run with other people, someone is always there to pick you up if you fall down.  Someone is always there to encourage you to keep going.  Someone is just always there.   It's nice because as a person, we should always encourage others to keep going or that they can do anything they set their mind out to do.   Oftentimes, we see so much negativity everywhere, and we also hear people put others down constantly, but that's not the way it should be.   We know how it makes ourselves feel, so why would we want to make others feel that way?  We don't.   Sure we may not know any of these people we are running with, and they surely don't know us, but our end goals are the same.

Braving the Birmingham Bridge right before the dreaded
Forbes Ave. Hill

   
     I can say that towards the end the sun was shining bright and it was getting hotter by the second.  By the time I hit mile 14 I felt myself getting a little tired.   I was really hot and sweaty and I made sure to keep on my water intake.  There was not much shade on the back end of the trail as we headed back to the Steel City garage and I'm sure that didn't help.  However, I still felt good and confident and I was going to finish this long run.

Post race meal provided by Audrey Burgoon - $5 donation to
help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. SCRR group runners
helped to raise $1405 on Saturday.

     We hit 15.5 miles when we got back to the garage for a quick water break and headed back out to finish up our last two and a half miles.  A few of the runners in our pace group only had to do 16 miles but the rest of us still had to keep going.  At this point I had to take off my SCRR shirt, but have no fear! I was wearing another short sleeved green shirt underneath!   The run did start at 36 degrees but by the time we were done it was close to 60.  However, that was not going to stop me from finishing my 18 miles.   And, it didn't.

     I'm truly amazed that I was able to do this.  As I talked to a friend yesterday I asked him in all the years that he's known me, did he ever think I would run 18 miles on a given day, let alone run a marathon?   He just looked at me and said, "I don't know, but I'll be there at the finish line when you cross cheering you on."

     Now that's how you end a good weekend of running.

     Oh wait, what about this week's post's title?

     So, yeah....anyone have a band-aid?

     Until next time, keep on running.


Sinceriously Yours,

Chuck Hull - The Running Jedi

#26miles26dedications #gameonpgh #runpgh #lovetherun

PS - For information regarding the Boulder Crest Resort click here:

http://www.bouldercrestretreat.org/

Also, please don't forget I'm raising money again for the Mario Lemieux Foundation.   The overall goal is $1600, and once reached one lucky person will win a signed Mario Lemiuex jersey.  Once we hit $1000.00 raised, one lucky person will win a signed Mario Lemieux puck.  To donate click this link:

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