DUNEDIN, Fla. — Every day, John Sammel comes to Dunedin to train. He’s preparing for the longest distance he’s ever walked – the entire length of the Pinellas trail.

“The trail goes from St. Pete into Pasco County, Starkey Park and I believe that’s right around 51…52 miles,” Sammel said.

Rain or shine, he’ll begin his journey at 5 a.m. on May 26.

It’s different than what he was training for just a few months ago, a triathlon with his close friend, Mike Polasky.

“We were training for our first sprint together, I had convinced him and he had convinced me, and we just decided to do it. “

A race they were never able to run. On March 20, Mike took his own life.

“Mike never shared any of his struggles…I never saw anything coming,” Sammel said.

He left behind a wife and family, along with many friends in shock of his passing.

“Heartbreaking. I wish to God he would have opened up. But I know he had his own struggles," Sammel said.

Mike was always the one cheering on others.

“Mike was the friend who always listened with his heart,” Sammel said. “He showed up and supported pretty much everything I ever did.”

Which is why Sammel is now walking to honor Mike’s life.

“He really taught me how important it is to be a good friend and to have a good friend. And that’s what I miss daily.”

He’s hoping to raise awareness and end stigmas surrounding mental health.

Sammel created a GoFundMe account to raise funds for more resources.

“The more I started talking to people, the more I realized that a lot of people suffer from mental illness, anxiety, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder. The list goes on.”

Sammel is inviting everyone to walk with him, even if just for a mile.

“The trail is a beautiful symbol because it spans all of Pinellas County and actually goes into Pasco County, I know there are a lot of people in Pinellas County suffering, the same thing that my good friend Mike went through. “

With every step, he remembers the friend he lost and the hope he gave to others.

“I think Mike would be proud of what I’m doing and I think he knew there were other people that needed help.”

Honoring a friend who always went the distance.

“His laugher, his smile, and more importantly, the support. I know he would be standing right behind me…he would be like, OK, I don’t know why you’re doing this, but let’s go, you can do it.”

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