8/14/2019 Boston Marathon Hiltz Update 2

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Next Update:

42.2 hoursbefore theMarathon starts

Welcome to Update #2

Greetings to each of you and especially those who have donated to our cause since my February

update . Much has happened during March including the final acceptance of my race application.

My official Boston Marathon bib number will be 24441 and Mary Theresas (MT) is 16897. I am

thrilled to be part of the Melanoma Foundation of New England (MFNE) marathon team. There is

no backing out now. Read on to see what else has happened this past month.

An Update on Leo Giannoulis

With any major marathon, thousands of spectators will line the course to shout out their

encouragement to the runners. At the start of a race it may go unnoticed but later on

as exhaustion takes over, a kind stranger calling out your name or number can be thefragile difference between pushing on or possibly dropping out.

In early March while in Boston for consultation on his condition,

my friend Leo had to have emergency surgery to remove a

metastasized mass found in his brain. While in recovery, he

made contact with the MFNE and greatly enjoyed his discussions

with the volunteer that he was matched with. They continue to

correspond via email and he very much appreciates the ongoing

encouragement and suggestions.

Sadly though, Leos surgery disqualified him from joining 4 clinical trials that may havehelped in his fight against Melanoma but he is very pleased with the medical

recommendations he received from experts in Boston and New York. His situation now

much more critical, Leo has returned home to Calgary to begin radiation and chemo

treatments. He is keeping his faith strong, his hopes high and his attitude positive.

Please keep Leo in your thoughts and prayers. Be that kind stranger by regularly sending

your encouragement and support to : lgiannoulis@spectraenergy.com

March Training In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lion?

In March our February long runs gave way to a push for speed that in turn caused me boutsof chaffing, blisters and the occasional lost toe nail. These ailments are an honourable badge

of courage for most runners but for me they are compelling reasons to return to my former

sedentary life. I long for the month of May to arrive! Even so, I ran another 170 KMs in March

bringing my training total to over 500 KMs. MT and I are now in the tapering phase of our

training plan and have begun our final preparations for the marathon run on April 20 th .

Continued on page 2

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8/14/2019 Boston Marathon Hiltz Update 2

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Next Update:

42.2 hoursbefore theMarathon starts

Elevation Desperation

With a course profile that appears to be mostly downhill you would think the Boston Marathon

would be easier than most to run. In reality it is harder. The rolling hills cause each step toreverberate deeper into your legs, tiring them out much sooner. It also weakens the very spring

needed to maintain your speed. Training on the one small hill we have on the Chatham prairie

is woefully inadequate for the pounding coming my way so on March 29 th I finished the 115 th

running of the Around the Bay race in Hamilton Ontario. Many runners use this event as a

tune-up to the Boston Marathon as it is just the right distance and the Niagara Escarpment

provides a challenging terrain. I was pleased with the outcome and it helped boost my

confidence.

Keeping You Always on My Mind

Four or five hours of continuous running will give my brain plenty of time to conjure

up aches, pains, fatigue and other ailments designed to make me want to stop

what I am doing to myself. Keeping my wits focused elsewhere during the race

then is all part of the mental toughness I will need in order to finish. For that

reason, we plan to dedicate each kilometre of the entire 42.2 KMs to individuals

who have donated to our cause and the MFNE. Of course, I reserve the right to

keep the last few kilometres for my bride Mary Theresa, my daughters and Leo

but all others are up for grab. You may have to share with someone else but if

you would like us to run a specific kilometre of the race on your behalf just send me

an email and indicate your preference.

Cash & Cheque Donations

As mentioned in my last update, all cash and cheque donations previously received and

deposited at the Unigasco Credit Union have been added to my online charity site

( http://www.firstgiving.com/RandyHiltz ) . This brings the total balance collected do far to

over $4,300 USD. I have more than met my $3,000 target in time for the race. Thank

you for your tremendous support. Mary Theresa and I are deeply humbled by your

generosity.

Protect the Skin Youre In Facts about Melanoma

As evident from Leos condition, Melanoma is deadly. Here are some resources to help increase

your awareness.

Learn more about how sun damage works , Melanoma cancer and the war against Melanoma .

Melanoma can be cured if caught early. It spreads fast. Knowing the ABCs of changing moles can make a difference.

Melanoma is growing rapidly in Canada. Check out these Melanoma FAQs from the CBC news.

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