I'm Not The Same Man I Once Was

My license photos from 2009 (top left), 2013 (bottom left)
and 2017 (right)  The newest one looks like a very different person.

     It's been about a month since I last wrote anything.  March is upon us and we're roughly in the middle of our training.  It's been a busy month between work and training and every day life, but I wanted to put something together while it's fresh on my mind.

     I ran 18 miles as part of my training this past weekend.  The weather wasn't the best at the start of my run, but it did start to clear up, and the rest of the run went very well.  My girlfriend and I were able to run some of those miles together and it capped off a great workout for both of us.  We met in the middle of my schedule, and when she was done, I finished off what I needed to do.   I felt good.  She felt good.  Not a bad day at all.

     A few weeks back, I had 14 miles on my schedule, and I didn't feel quite that same way.  Things did not go as well as I had hoped or planned.  I ran in town along some of the marathon course and other sections of the city.   It was just me, my music, and the cold temps.  About 10 miles in I felt like I was out of gas and couldn't go on.  But, I knew I had to do so.  I'm too stubborn to just quit, no matter how bad I'm feeling.  I did get a text from Kim shortly there after and I replied to let her know what I was up to and how I felt.  I was just about exhausted.  Kim said not to worry because I "got this."  That little push from her always seems to flip a switch in my head and always seems to give me that extra boost I need to finish.  Even this past weekend her encouraging words kept me going.  I only had about a mile or two left and I heard the text notification on my phone.  I had it feeling it was Kim to give me that nudge, and finished strong. (It was, by the way.)

My 20 year high school reunion back in 2011.
Not setting fashion statements in this one.

     When I run, I do a lot of thinking, a lot of inner reflection (especially on the longer runs.)  Last year when I was at this point, I wasn't sure I could do it.  Before every long run, I was terrified of what I was setting out to do.   That is where a support system comes into play.  I was able to complete every mile and reach every goal.  However, even this year, I still struggle because for me, it doesn't seem to get easier.  Should it?  You'd think so, but should it get easier?  I ask myself that question a lot.  In my head I'm also asking "why are you doing this?  What makes you think you can do this?  Who are you?  You can't handle this." And, that's just it.  I can. I have.  That's because I'm not the man I once was.

     About a month ago, I pulled out an old hard drive that I used to use for DJing.   There are pictures stored on there from as far back as 2007 and older.  I've saved almost every pictures from over 10 years ago.   I started looking through some of them and I kept thinking to myself, "who is this guy?  This isn't me."  I'll be honest; I looked at every single one.  It sort of bummed me out.  Each one I clicked through I started to feel a little ashamed of my self.   I can't explain why.  I'm not really sure if there is an explanation.  It made me wonder what I've been doing for the past 10 years, the past 20.

Cleveland about 3 or so years ago,
still heavier than I wanted to be.

     I've always been the type of person that just wanted to entertain.  I wanted to be able to make everyone laugh and smile.  I never really took the time to do those things for myself, though.  I had so much running through my mind as I continued clicking.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words but I was finding it difficult to even come up with 10.  Sure there were a lot of great memories from family functions, concerts, and weddings, but there were also a lot of memories that I no longer wanted.  I may had been smiling, my smile didn't seem genuine, as least not now.  Was I truly happy back then?  Deep down I realize now that I wasn't, and I can admit that.  So with one last look I did something I didn't think I would ever do: I started to delete these pictures, these memories.  This was not how I wanted to remember myself.  I did the same on Facebook, even removing tags in a lot of shared photos.

     Flash forward again to 2013, when I ran my first half marathon.  I felt pretty good about it, and felt proud.  I smiled in way I never had before.  I never thought I would do something like that again (let alone run a full marathon) but as most runners can tell you once you cross the finish line you get an itch.  You get this little twinge on the back of your neck that screams for more.   But, I still didn't seem too focused, a least not just yet.

Stella's Christening in 2013, around 210

     As started out  and began running, not much had really changed.  I never adjusted some of my habits so I wasn't really making any progress.  In my mind I knew what I wanted, but I still sort of blew things off.  It took almost another full year to realize this when I was back up in weight.  I still wasn't the me I knew I could be.

    Now, they say that girls mature faster than boys, and that could very much well be the truth.  Why did it take so long for me to finally have things click?   I'll may never be able to answer that, but what I can tell you is that running helped save me from a lot of things,  Most of all it saved me from me.  I stopped doubting myself.  I stopped saying I can't and began saying I can.  I started to believe in me.  With that simple though everything began falling into place.  My priorities changed and so did my habits.  I dropped a lot of weight.  I became more focused.  I became more driven.

     Running has helped me gain a sort of clarity, a clarity that's eluded me for a long time.  It's helped me to see what's truly important and what really matters most.  I've been able to take a few steps forward in my career after always taking a few steps back (when I was always afraid to even move at all!)  It's helped me be a better a better friend, a better brother, and a better son.

2011 vs. 2016

     It may have taken a very long time to realize a lot of things but again I say I'm not the same man I once was, but I do like what I am now.  And,  what I am...is happy.


Until next time....keep on running Pittsburgh.

Sinceriously yours,


Chuck Hull......the Running Jedi.


#runpgh #lovetherun #teamlemieux #teampaws #pghmarathon



PS: Don't forget to donate to a worthy cause!!!!


The Mario Lemieux Foundation:

https://www.crowdrise.com/MarioLemieuxPitt2017/fundraiser/chuckhull

Paws Over Pittsburgh for Kimberly Jurica:

https://www.crowdrise.com/AnimalRescueLeaguePitt2017/fundraiser/kimberlyjurica


Let's help do some good in the world...and let's help others....be happy.

50 Miles for 50 Years

     Just when I think I couldn't be any crazier, I get crazier.   I've not even run the marathon yet this year and I'm already looking ahead to the next challenge.  I did the unthinkable.  I've just made this year's Pittsburgh Marathon a training run.

      Wait a minute.  Let's think about that.  26.2 miles is training?  Are you kidding me?  Nope.  I'm not.   I signed up for the Hell Hath No Hurry trail run again this year, but instead of the 50k option like I ran last year, I signed up for the 50 mile option.  This is not a type, nor did I do that by accident by confusing "k" with "m."  I did this on purpose.  Heck, I did this for a purpose: this one is for my parents.

     Come August 8th, this year will mark my parents 50th wedding anniversary.   It's hard to believe that they have been together that long, but they have.  It's not always been smooth sailing, but what relationship doesn't have it's speed bumps here or there?  Not matter what they may have struggled with, they are still together, every day, by each other's sides.   They are my heroes.

      I've love to introduce them a little bit to you.   First, let's go with my dad.

      My dad is Charles Andrew Hull.  He was a Navy man so you can see why I joined.  He also worked for P & LE Rail Road for a time.  He was attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics when he suffered a stroke at the age of 44, the same age I turned today.  It was a struggle and a big life changing event, but it's been something that he was able to overcome.  It's been 26 years since that has happened, and I've seen him grow stronger each and every day since then.  At the time it happened, I was only 18, and getting ready to graduate high school.   I'll be honest that I didn't know how to handle it.  My dad had almost died, and I really didn't know or understand the severity of his situation.  I kind of just shrugged it off, figuring he was fine, and only visited him in the hospital once.  He was there for about 2 or 3 weeks.   I was his oldest son, and kind of a jerk.  But, I was scared.   My dad wasn't supposed to be there.  He was Batman to me.  He was a Jedi.  He could do anything and I just couldn't handle seeing him so vulnerable.  I don't know what I would have done without him if he hadn't survived that stroke.  But, what I do know is what I've done with him because that stroke didn't take him away from me, or my family.  I continued to learn from him (and still do.)  I am able to still talk to him every day.  I was able to help him celebrate his 70th birthday just a few weeks ago.  My dad once said to me that it seemed everytime he was at the top of the ladder ready to climb out of that hole, something seemed to kick him back down into it.  That's never stopped him though.  He just gets right back up, dusts himself off, and climbs right back up that ladder.   After all he's been through, he's still a Jedi Batman, and he's still my dad, and the best man I know.

Father's Day Dinner.

An oldie: My sister Jodi, me, my sister Jamie, and my dad.

Like father like son.

    My mom is Ruth Ann Hull.  She was attending college at the same time my dad was at P.I.A.  She started school attending CCAC and continued her education and graduated from Kent State University.  Right before graduation, she had a minor accident in the kitchen where she had broken her leg.  That didn't matter, because a simple broken leg was not going to keep her from getting her diploma.   My mom now has a career as a Physical Therapy Assistant.  You'd think as a runner having a mom who is a P.T.A. would benefit me a lot but she one time said to me "my boss says stretching doesn't really do much but if you do stretch, do it after you run and not before it."  I'm pretty bad at both.  My mom has a great sense of humor, but don't let her fool you.  She gets a good zinger in here or there and her mind can be as twisted as mine.  Sure, she's my mom and I really shouldn't crack the jokes that I do when I'm hanging out with her, but every now and again she comes out at you like a ninja with a "that's what she said."  It can be disturbing, but it's absolutely great!  She loves to collect things such as salt and pepper shakers, and other little trinkets and nick-knacks (and then see how much she can sell them for on E-bay, even though she doesn't.)  She absolutely loves being a grandma, but she'll still tell you she's 39 when her birthday draws near in July.  My mom isn't Batman, but she sure as hell is Wonder Woman.

My mom looking stunning on 7th Ave. in Coraopolis in the 70s.

My mom and Santa

     My parents have raised 5 children, and each of us have grown up and moved out.  Because of that, they get to do the sort of things you would hope any parent will do when they finally get their freedom.  They get to travel and do the sorts of things together that they deserve.  Every year, my parents are able to attend a Naval Reunion for the Aircraft Carrier that my dad served on.  (He was a DJ on board that ship.  My dad and I have so many similarities as you can see.)  They've gone to St. Louis, San Francisco, Denver, parts of Alabama and Florida, pretty much everywhere.  They recently went to Atlantic City where they gave para sailing a shot.  When I looked at the pictures of them doing that, the pictures speak volumes of the love that they have shared for 50 years, as well as how strong they are together no matter what obstacle had come their way.

    If my parents can survive every challenge that 50 years of marriage can throw their way, I can survive every challenge that 50 miles of trail running can throw my way.   They've made it this far, and I'll make it that far.  It seems like this race is a a ways off, but January flew by and it's already February 1st.  Before you know it, June 24th, 2017 will be here, and I'll be there bright and early for a 6:00 A.M. start.  This one is for you mom and dad.  I love you both.  (Well, duh!)

Sinceriously,


Chuck Hull.....the Running Jedi



#50milesfor50years, #HHNH #runpgh #lovetorun

PS - I've added some random pictures below of my folks.  Some they probably don't even know I took, scanned, and put back before they knew I had them.

PPS - In lieu of Happy Birthday wishes: DONATE to some GREAT CAUSES!

#teamlemieux for #therunningjedi

https://www.crowdrise.com/MarioLemieuxPitt2017/fundraiser/chuckhull

$2501 is the goal to raffle off a signed Mario Lemieux jersey, $701 raised to date.  Almost there!

#PawsOverPittsburgh #furbabbies

https://www.crowdrise.com/AnimalRescueLeaguePitt2017/fundraiser/kimberlyjurica

Goal of $350, $210 raised to day.  Almost There!  Signed Pens memorabilia raffled to one lucky person that donates!

My dad ad my baby sister Julie.

Boot Camp Graduation

Awkward teen age pose with his parents
as graduation.

Me, my mom, my sister Julie, and a small goat...

That big wheel is bigger than me!

My mom and her parents.

Don't Forget Your Athletic Supporter.

Amy, Bryan, Bryan's munchkin, and Sara

     That sounds sort of funny, doesn't it?  It doesn't matter if you are a boy or a girl, you always need your athletic supporters.   But what the heck does that have to do with running? A lot, actually.  However, this type of athletic supporter comes in the form of people.

     I've made it well known that when it comes to running, I couldn't do it without the help and support of all of you.  As a runner, it's extremely important to surround yourself with a great support system.    Mine just happen to make me laugh, make me smile, and make me forget sometimes that I'm even running.  I've always stated that my journey to a mararthon is not just my journey, but also ours.

     I'd like to take a minute or two to introduce you all to my "athletic supporters."   I don't want to go into too much detail as they too have a story to tell, and I'd like to give them the chance to do so in the coming weeks.  It's important to me that you get to know all of them as well.  So, with that being said, let's begin.

Amy - Amy is a friend from high school.  She's the little red headed engine that could.  She told me that I ran her first ever race with her a few years ago (I think it was three) and that race was the Hell Hath No Hurry trail run up at Settler's Cabin Park.   I can't forget that day.  It was cold, wet, and rainy, and we were both pretty much covered in mud.  It wasn't easy to do, but it was fun (which is why we keep going back to that race.)  We've run quite a few races together, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Amy and Me

Sara - Sara is another friend from high school whom I've known for many years.  From our days working at Roy Rogers down the street from Moon High School (lunchbox) to now, she's always one that gives 110%.  She has completed not one but two Tough Mudder races, and I know she's training for her third.  She likes to get dirty and the Tough Mudder was made for her.

Steph, Amy, Sara, me

Steph - I've known Steph and her husband Eric for half of my life as well.  (He's an OK guy even if he is from Philly and a Flyers fan.)  I see the same attitude in Steph as I do everyone else: never give up.  She doesn't.  I've watched her run two 10 Milers and did her first half marathon in her home town of Puxatawney.  This year, she's giving the Pittsburgh Half a shot.  I'm looking forward to Steph seizing the day on May 7th.

     Steph is raising money for Team Red White And Blue which helps benefit and support Veterans.  If you'd like to help support a Veteran organization, click this link:

     https://www.crowdrise.com/TeamRWBPitt2017/fundraiser/stephaniehaas

Chad -  I can't forget Chad, even with his recent move to Baltimore.  Thankfully, he's only a few hours away.  Chad is a huge positive spirit, always smiling and laughing.  We may not have the chance to always run together these days with him being a little south of Pittsburgh, but it was a privilege to run my first marathon alongside of him.

Chad and I

Kirsten -  Kirsten is pretty much a speed demon.  Don't let her lie to you.  She can take off at the drop of a hat.  Kirsten has a good idea of how to add miles to a long run while running throughout Carnegie, but I really have a hard time convincing her of staying away from hills.

Kirsten, Kim, Me, and Marty

Marty - Marty joins Kim, Kirsten, and myself when we are doing our Carnegie loops among other things.  An avid lover of all Pittsburgh sporta, Marty can usually be found working Pens Games, Pitt Game, etc.  Marty started running a few years back and just keeps on going, too.

Bonnie and David -  Bonnie and David are a different type of athletic supporter.  They have no interest in running themselves, except when they are chasing their two little girls around the house.  They've been with me since I started my running journey, and continue to follow me on my path, and encourage me as well.  They do remain active in other ways through the Beach Body program.  These work outs can be intense, but you do get results.  If running is not your thing, maybe what they do may be something that sparks your interest.

     Links to their coaches pages are below:

     Bonnie: https://www.facebook.com/BonnieHamsteadFitLife/?fref=ts
     David: https://www.facebook.com/FitTechDad/?fref=ts

Bryan - Last but not least, I can't forget Bryan.   He doesn't run, but he's our pit crew.   He's Uber.  He's our cheerleader.   He also hacks our phones when we hand them to him before they say go at the start line.  I've know Bryan most of my life as well, and I would change a thing. (See above pic #athleticsupporter)

     We always need support.  Everyone I work out with and run with are always there for me.  In fact, everyone has been.  My friends, my family, all of you.  Without everyone, things may get a little boring.  I'm glad that you are all there every time I lace up my shoes.

Until next time, keep on running.

Sinceriously,

Chuck Hull...the Running Jedi


PS: Don't forget, I too am raising money for the Mario Lemieux foundation once more.  If I hit $2500 again this year, I'll raffle off that awesome signed Mario Lemieux jersey.

Click here to donate:

https://www.crowdrise.com/MarioLemieuxPitt2017/fundraiser/chuckhull

Enjoy some more pics of my athletic supporters....

Beardcicles, 50k's, and more...

   

16 dgrees + 7 degree wind chill = beardcicles

       As 2016 ended, training for the next big race was about to begin.  The Pittsburgh Marathon training kick off run was just last Saturday, and I started to reflect on the past year (as well as grow beardcicles in the icy temperatures.)  I know I've said it well more than once, but never in my life had I ever expected to run a full marathon.  When I started my journey to 26.2, I was not quite sure what to expect.  I knew it would be difficult, but I didn't realize just how difficult.

     I look back at that day, and I still remember everything.  I remember the huge crowd of people on the front end of the course.  I remember the dead silence on the majority of the back end, leaving me to tackle the obstacle of my mind.  I remember Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons blaring outside of a Bloomfield restaurant amd everyone outside of the church in Homestead singing and cheering.  I remember my friends handing me a beer at the finish, and I remember my girlfriend Kim and her girls screaming at me to keep going.  I remember 20 miles for Evan.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't getting choked up right now just typing all of this, because we all know how sentimental I can be.  The Marathon was one of the hardest things I've ever tried to do, and I did it.  I also didn't have to do it alone.

     Now, I didn't stop there.  I kept going.  I just...ran.  Completing the marathon was the end goal, but it wasn't (and isn't) my only goal.  And not only that, but, I just like to run.  A few weeks after the marathon I finished the Ogden Half in Wheeling which I hadn't run in over 20 years. (I highly recommend it.) After that, I gave something else another shot: trail running.  I've done a few trail runs before, but in 2015 I failed to finish the Hell Hath No Hurry 30k due to the unkind nature of the weather.  I rolled my ankle in the first mile and even though I was able to finish the lap, I was done.  I had to take a DNF.  As stubborn as I am, there was no way I could finish.  I was pretty mad and upset, so I wanted pay back.  I wanted it in a big way.  Once June rolled around I was getting that payback, but I went for the 50k option instead.  I must be a glutton for punishment.

Hey, if Luke can train in the woods with Yoda, so can I.

Lap 1 and smiling.

     That was another run I couldn't do without help.  I remember sitting down on a log in the woods on my third loop.  It was hot and very humid, and I was exhausted.  I still had two more loops, and I had no idea how I going to do it.  I was ready to tap out.  I texted everyone, (and I do mean everyone - the girl I was dating at the time, my life long friends Amy, Steph, Bryan, and Sara) and they all said the same thing: "you got this."  Even still, I finished the 3rd lap, and sat down to rest.  My mind was giving up.  I just wanted to get off that chair, get in my car, and go home.  I had never sweat so much in one day in my whole life.  However, there was this nagging in the back of my mind asking my if I wanted to DNF yet again?  I had just finished a marathon only a month and a half prior.  It would be OK if I let this one go.  But still, I just sat there breathing heavily and staring blankly into the woods.  I texted my then girlfriend again.

Lap 2, and still smiling, but not for long....

     She told me I didn't get that far to quit and that she knew I could do it.  She was right.  She always is.  Everyone was.  At that time, another runner I had met through Steel City, Adrienne Tolentino-Essey, was just finishing her first lap of the 30k and saw me sitting in the refreshment/recovery tent.  She knew I was giving the 50k a shot and asked how many laps I had left.  I said two and her reply was, "good so do I.  Let's go."  I didn't want too.  I had to get up.  So, off to the woods we went.

  It took two hours to finish that next lap, but after doing the third lap alone, it didn't feel as bad.  My spirits were picking up now that I was running with a couple of other people just as crazy as me.  Time was ticking away, though, and we still had quite a ways to go.  It was still very hot and I was still running out of gas.  I didn't have much left in the tank.   I cramped up.  I changed my shoes.  I had to keep going.

     With only about a mile left I texted my then girlfriend to let her know I was nearing the finish.  Just up ahead on the trail was the last water stop of the loop, the same one I was happy to see each of the previous four times I had gotten to that station.  The end was finally near, but so was the course time limit.

     Just then I had just gotten another text from the then girlfriend.  "We're here.  How close are you?  I think you're running out of time."  I had less than a half a mile to go and some of the people I care about most in this crazy messed up world were there waiting for me.  I'll be honest and blunt. It lit a fire under my ass.  I took off like a bat out of hell and sprinted for the finish.  I've been in the woods now for almost 10 hours and I was not letting the clock beat me.  I sprung from the woods and saw everyone there waiting and cheering.  Everyone was there cheering.  It was just as cool as the marathon, if not even cooler.  I crossed the finish line, and then I kissed it.  It was dirty but I didn't give a rat's behind.  I did it.  Again.

     As I look back at 2016, I feel pretty good about what I was able to do.  I ran over 1400 miles.  I went through four pairs of shoes.  I cramped up.  I cried.  I chugged a beer.  What an amazing feeling and an amazing year.  With every step and with every mile, I never had to do it alone.

     It's now 2017 and I'm about to do it again.  Will you all join me once more?

     Happy running everyone, and, happy trails.

Sinceriously yours,

Chuck Hull....the Running Jedi.  (yeah, I'm still using that)

#runpgh #lovetherun #26miles26dedications #teamlemeiux #teamRWB

PS - I am fundraising again this year.  Please help out one or the other if you can.   It's greatly appreciated.

     - All that donate will be entered into a raffle for a signed piece of Penguins memorabilia (Signed Olli Maatta puck)  Goal is $350, only $315 to go!

The Mario Lemieux Foundation:

https://www.crowdrise.com/MarioLemieuxPitt2017/fundraiser/chuckhull

     - All that donate will be entered again for a signed Mario Lemieux Jersey but we MUST reach the goal of $2501 raised.  Only just under $1500 away!

Four years of running the Pens 6.6k

Some race highlights from 2016:

Pittsburgh Marathon, Ogden Halff, and HHNH finisher....

Life long friend Aaron Plunkett and I prior to the start of the Run Around The Square.

The Melanoma 5k in Support of Stephanie's Uncle and Dana's dad who was taken too soon....

Can't do the Rocky Run without seeing Rocky

Best way to finish a race in Philadelphia?
Yeah, like this