My line…
270. Sam Spritzer Williamsville NY 0:37:46 0:07:36 31/M50-54 230/M
Mike’s line…
881. Michael Spritzer Williamsville NY 0:45:03 0:09:04 61/M20-24 684/M
My time was almost 4 1/2 minutes better than last year despite a windy, cold day. I am happy with my time…and I am happy to be Tony Garrow’s dead rabbit. Anyone who overcomes multiple myeloma deserves all the dead rabbits he collects. But it won’t last…trust me. I am literally ahead of last year’s pace and getting lighter too. Its only going to be a matter of time before sub-21.
The day was typical Buffalo winter…snow showers, wind from the west (and the lake), over 2200 crazies (not including Steph who stayed home to nurse an injured leg). The race, in the First Ward of South Buffalo, goes over a metal grated bridge, an overpass, and back…but generally its flat. The wind was mostly crossing the course except for the return on South Park when it really hits you in the face and takes your breath out. If the wind wasn’t bad, the course was pretty treacherous with potholes…filled and unfilled. And the post-race party for which this race is known for was close to 1500 madden crazies packed like sardines under a tent, totally soused in beer!
On the cochlear implant front, I am wearing it only in my left (new) ear to speed up the learning process. It does and sound and feel like as if I was wearing the hearing aid except I have an unlimited choice of volume. Wednesday will be the first test in the sound booth since activation and another mapping session. So far, I am very pleased with the results even though I should be practicing more. And yea…as I mentioned in my last post, it didn’t take my mother long to respond!!
Now to find some time to work on that video but um, first…I have to do the manly duties around the house and take a brand new microwave back to Sears because its making a loud racket…too loud, for comfort!
Nice 8K time Sam! You have me pumped up and extremely jealous.
I wanted to do the “Around the bay” race this March 30th in Hamilton, Ontario. It is believe it or not the oldest road race in North America. A lot of history here. It is 3 years older than the Boston Marathon. It is a 30K race around the Hamilton area. Anyway not to be this year. But next for sure.
Congrats on your time again sir. You inspire me! Meeting with the surgeon next week to get in line for CI. Exited as hell.
Cheers!
David
Sam,
Nice race, that’s a good time under less than ideal conditions. My daughter enjoyed meeting you.
David,
Are you from the Hamilton area? A lot of runners from the Burlington Runners Club used to come down here for Shamrock, Cozumel, the Boilermaker, and a few other races. Haven’t seen them in a while.
I’ve run Around the Bay several times. It’s a great race, tough hills in the second half. It’s older than the Boston Marathon, but there was a stretch of about ten years when it wasn’t run. Buffalo’s Turkey Trot started a year or two after ATB, also before Boston, and has been run every year. I’ve had the privledge of running all three of those races. What great traditions we have here!
LOL!!! Good ol’ mom! 🙂
I missed the shamrock run, because of a leg injury. This injury will make me stronger, for a comeback, my strong, fast year!! 2008, watch me!! Love, Steph
Hey there Sam,
Just your friendly dental hygienist congradulating you on a race well run. I was there with my daughter, Michele Memmo and my sister Maria Tronolone. My time was 43.19 (I think, I didn’t write it down), but I’m older than you, so cut me some slack. Michele beat me this year, but she’s been training for a sprint triatholon at Evangola State Park July 6th. She lost 111 lbs. and counting in the past 2 yrs. and is looking and performing marvelously. Maria always beats me in the races. She came in 8th in her age group this year (slower than last time, but she hurt herself skiing, so I’m surprised she even did that well), didn’t even stay to get her award.
Anyways, keep up the good work and I’ll see you at your next appoinment! (P.S. say hi to Steph and Mike)
Patti