Checkers members once again did themselves proud in Boston. Matt Glynn finished 65th overall with a chip time of 2:39:34. Paul Drexler finished in 2:52:19, making Matt and Paul first and second from the Buffalo area. And a special congratulations to Michael Schiavone who completed his 100th marathon in Boston, and it only took him 20 years to do it! See inside for names and times of Checkers finishers, as well as commentary on the experience.

BIRTHDAYS

Katherine Sinicropi 5/2

Cindy Stankiewicz 5/2

Tamara Baer 5/3

Susan Bergman 5/3

David Ireland 5/3

Roger Roll 5/5

Judy Thompson 5/5

Arielle Januszkiewicz 5/7

Andrew Herr 5/10

Aileen Farrell 5/11

Steve Burgeson 5/12

Beth Forrestel 5/12

Ralph Zimmermann 5/12

Patrick Garrity 5/13

Sharon Linstedt 5/13

Ellen Ode 5/13

Mark Hermanson 5/14

Carolyn Young 5/14

Joseph Niezgoda 5/15

Alan Baer 5/17

Peter Hogan 5/17

Timothy Kane 5/17

Laura Kibrick 5/17

Jim Kozlowski 5/17

Kathy Ellwood 5/19

Eric Butler 5/20

Karen Crissey 5/20

Catherine Haight 5/22

Bob Kolodziej 5/22

Tom Garey 5/23

Joe McNamara 5/23

Elizabeth Priesigke 5/23

Brett Richner 5/24

Cathy Lewis 5/25

James Prentiss 5/26

Emmett Reilly 5/26

Toni Gallagher 5/27

Mary McCleary 5/28

Kate Morris 5/28

Ted Washburn 5/28

Ann Gross 5/29

Paul Krieger 5/29

Jeffrey Harvey 5/30

Fritz VanLeaven 5/30

Allison Cihiwsky 5/31

Roger Roll - Grand Island Half Marathon 1:41:58

Thomas Baroni - Grand Island Half Marathon 1:26:39

Patrick Dalton Jr - Grand Island Half Marathon 1:39

Ray Bailey - Nancy Price 5k 21:40

Beverly Brown - Nancy Price 5k 27:22

Sandy Bunn - St. Pat's 5k 20:00

Ray Bailey - Envirun 5k 20:58

Elizabeth (Betsy) Schultz - Town of Tonawanda 5k 19:02

Michele Bauman - NCC Trailblazers 5k 24:01

Beverly Brown - NCCC Spring Stampede 5k 26:03

Peter Hogan - Army Two Miler 12:31

Fran Rowe - Cincinnati Marathon 5:14:26

1st place, Mike Heitzenrater 15:37

Henri Kursten 17:38 1/M35-39

Gary Raby, Jr 17:49 2/M15-19

Tom Dessauer 17:54 2/M35-39

Jason Raby 19:52 2/M20-24

Karl Shallowhorn 20:02 2/M40-44

Louis J. Billittier Memorial Run 5K

Michael Harrison 20:32 1/M55-59

Sandy Bunn 20:41 3/M45-49

Jonathan Rizzo 20:44 1/M35-39

Martin Farrell 21:23 2/M35-39

Elizabeth Somerville 23:50 1/F20-24

Karen Michaels 27:31 2/F30-34

Edna Hyer 31:37 1/F65-59

Barbara Bauers 35:07 2/F50-54

1st place, Dan Essler 16:59 1/M45-

1st woman, Brenda Spillman 19:51

Sandy Bunn 20:17 2/M45-49

Kenneth Gordon 21:43 1/M60-64

Joannie Padginton 22:29 1/F40-44

Tom Meka 22:57 1/M50-54

Mike Curry 24:17 2/M50-54

Bach Weslow 17:07 2/M30-34

David Ward 19:05 1/M50-54

Larry Krajewski 19:11 2/M50-54

Roger Roll 21:40 3/M40-44

Sandi Ludwa 23:35 1/F55-59

Larry Krajewski 18:47 1/M50-54

Daniel Dengler 19:20 2/M45-49

Tom Meka 23:37 2/M50-54

Mike Curry 24:27 3/M50-54

Jennifer Filipski 28:08 1/F20-24

Alexa White 41:57 3/F0-14

Jim Waldron 17:38 1/M40-49

Patrick Garrity 19:09 3/M30-39

1st Woman, Amy Fakterowitz 19:29

Edmund Bouchane 20:37 2/M40-49

John Feroleto 20:45 3/M40-49

Gary Raby, Jr 18:45 1/M15-19

Ron Snavely 19:12 2/M35-39

Chris Connelly 19:45 1/M30-34

Debra Morris-Allen 19:46 1/F40-44

Bill Schimpf 20:20 1/M45-49

Sandy Bunn 20:30 2/M45-49

Gary Raby, Sr 20:51 1/M50-54

Ray Bailey 20:58 3/M45-49

Jason Raby 21:13 1/M20-24

Michelle Rioux 24:46 2/F25-29

Kim Chmielewicz 25:42 3/F35-39

Fran Rowe 30:35 1/F60-64

Edna Hyer 31:40 1/F65-69

Allen Dise 17:33 2/M40-44

David Carroll 17:40 3/M40-44

Frank Bogdan 17:41 2/M25-29

Elizabeth Schultz 19:03 1/F20-24

Dave Ward 19:03 1/M50-54

Amy Fakterowitz 19:38 2/F35-39

Michael Harrison 19:50 1/M55-59

Thomas Miller 20:29 2/M45-49

Kathleen Yesny 22:20 1/F45-49

Kathy Melling 24:14 2/F45-49

Sandra Hebeler 26:00 1/F50-54

Barb Sauer 26:56 2/F55-59

Nancy Price 5K

Gary Raby, Sr 20:35 2/M40-49

Jason Jones 21:21 2/M30-39

Andrew Hess 22:51 1/M20-29

MORE FROM BOSTON:

This was to be my third Boston Marathon. I was well trained, injury free and excited!

Here we come Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton Hills, Brighton, Heartbreak, Brookline and Commonwealth, Boylston and Copley and Back Bay. Here we come finish line. Here we come Boston 107!

It was a picture perfect day for the spectator’s…sunny, blue skies and 70 degrees. For the marathoners, especially those that trained in the coldest winter in 25 years, it was a tough day. However, the heat didn’t squelch my spirit. To be in the midst of 20,000 runners, world elite athletes, F-15 flybys, and the most intense, supporting marathon fans in the world, was simply awesome. Hearing "Go Checkers" from the roadside was my incentive to keep pressing on. At about mile 8 in Natick, I recall seeing a rolling mile stretch ahead. The road was a sea of runners.

The Boston Marathon is a relatively narrow course for the huge entry field that it services. For me to encounter a fellow Checkers runner at 20 miles was a surprise. Mike Schiavone gave me a word of encouragement just before we tackled Heartbreak Hill. I knew that this was a big race for Mike. It was his 100^th marathon. It would be my 60^th. We managed to stride the final 6 miles together.

The real thrill was working that home stretch kick down Boylston St. with the finish banner in sight. Sideline crowds several deep were there to welcome us to Copley Square. Mike had his American Flag in hand as we finished this one together. That was the emotion and victory of the Boston Marathon. Paul Wandel

It was unusually hot for Boston (70), but there was plenty of water on the course, and the crowds were unbelievable as always. Only downside I saw was the 25% increase in runners was not matched by the same increase in space at the athlete's village or number of portajohns. The feeling I had, seeing my sister on Commonwealth, running (struggling) up the last little hill on Hereford (Dick Sullivan calls it Mount Hereford) and turning left to see the finish line about a half mile away in front of Boston Public Library on Boylston, is like no other marathon finish for me. It was my slowest Boston, but I was happy to be there and happy to finish running and not walking! Chip: 4:06:34, Gun: 4:17:50. Bill Harden

I wanted to write about my 2003 Boston experience. I needed to write about it while my feelings were still fresh, and my ego as bruised as the rest of my body. I hope it may serve to enlighten prospective marathoners, and maybe bring a knowing smile to those veterans.

I qualified for Boston in my first marathon, with time to spare. My only goal for my first marathon was to run the time I trained for, which I did within seconds. I hadn’t planned on the Boston Marathon, but soon found out that I had qualified and a lot of congratulations came my way. I left it on the back burner while I concentrated on racing season. The season went fairly smoothly, with the exception of a nagging, recurring left foot injury. During the Fall, I decided that I would start training for Boston. I trained hard throughout the horribly long winter months, never missing a long run, or any of the 12 mile repeats I worked my way up to. I felt good, and thought I was prepared. I assumed that following my program, and working hard would pay the dividends it had in my first marathon. It didn’t quite happen that way though...

I started the race with a positive attitude, excited, and ready. Julie Doell and I started the race together. We talked about our strategy, and the fact that we were going to enjoy ourselves and the whole "Boston experience". We held back the first few miles running about an 8:30 min. per mile pace. We thought that was good, and conservative. We took the downhills easy, just like all the veterans told us. The pain in my neck and back hit early on. I tried to relax, but I soon stopped talking. I started to lose focus, and finally had to let Julie go around the 9th or 10^th mile. My goals were soon disappearing before my eyes. I admitted to myself that I wouldn’t be bettering my 1^st marathon time, or even equaling it. Thoughts of re-qualifying soon went out the door as well. It all started to unravel, and nothing I did was making it better. I began walking the hills, stopping and stretching, taking oranges, sponges, gatorade, anything. I was desperate, and losing it. I wanted to quit. I could no longer look at my watch. I had never previously conceived of walking during a race, but now I began to walk more frequently, and run less. I scanned the crowd at Heartbreak Hill desperately searching for my family in the hopes that they would tell me it was O.K. to stop. Luckily I didn’t find them. I found out only later that my husband was watching me at mile 20, and knew not only by my time, but the pallor and look on my face that I wasn’t well. He took off up the hill for a mile looking for me in the hopes of giving me a boost. I’m guessing he passed me.

I found a friend at the lowest, darkest point. I could no longer run without feeling I was going to throw up. He was suffering from severe leg cramping. We consoled each other. We walked the last three miles together. He knew I wasn’t doing well, and agreed to drag me over the finish line if necessary. I was embarrassed, humbled, but not defeated. I finished. I don’t know how. I immediately was escorted to the medical tent by my new found friend, where I spent quite a while, making a long day seem endless. I waited to be reunited with my husband, where I could find comfort in letting my tears flow. That took a little longer, and could be a whole story in itself. Let’s just say Kieran didn’t make any friends with the security at the medical tent, after they repeatedly refused to let him in or give him any idea of my whereabouts or condition. They did however "reassure" him, by telling him if I were transported to the hospital they would let him know!

Eventually I was released and we were all reunited. I still haven’t been able to look at my medal with pride. I hope to some day be able to. I have so many feelings flowing, mostly of embarrassment, disappointment, and thoughts of what ifs. I don’t know my exact time, and don’t care to. I feel as if I have let so many people down. First, and foremost my husband and kids, who sacrificed a lot for my training especially during those pre dawn long runs, other family members, friends, my kid’s teachers, who were all supportive and excited about my first trip to Boston, and my running club.

Boston is a great city, which really embraces all the runners who are blessed to run the marathon. Even as physically and mentally anguishing as it was, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I, of course, wished the outcome had been different, but given the choice of never experiencing Boston, or having my experience, I’d pick the latter everytime. There were a lot of us that day that had difficulty with the race, but we should all be proud that we at least gave it our all, even though some of us may have faltered. The only shame lies in denying ourselves the chance to try.

The best experiences in Boston had nothing to do with the race, but with all of the people I spent time with. It’s hard to articulate the sense of camaraderie. Some I’ll never see again, as our paths crossed at some point between Hopkington and Boston, others I see as the beginning of life long friendships. I felt honored to be sitting next to someone as amazingly humble as Jack Meegan, and being able to ask him about his 24 Boston Marathons. Now, if you talk to him, it’s 25. Listening to the Donnelly brothers recount their many marathon experiences in minute detail was not only entertaining, but inspirational. I also learned that Fred Lew is the most easygoing, likable guy. Anyone who has raced with him, however, knows that doesn’t keep him from being a fierce competitor. If there’s any doubt, check his Boston time. I also enjoyed our pasta dinner with Greg Lavis, Sam Neal, and his sister Sarah, despite the frigid temps. We also have pictures of Fred going up for seconds and thirds. Look for them to follow on the web site. Thanks to Julie Doell and Diane McGuire for comforting me when I needed it most. Thanks especially to my rock, my husband Kieran. He’s got a long road ahead of him until I successfully complete another Boston marathon. I think he’s already signed me up for The Casino Niagara.

Now is the time to get your application in if you want to run in the Buffalo Marathon Relay Race. The Relay uses the same application as the Marathon and each team-member completes his or her own application.

Team Categories are Open Men, Women and Co-ed; Masters Men, Women and Co-ed. Co-ed teams are any combination of M/F runners. The first 3 relayers run a 10K and the anchor-leg does 12K. Checkers A/C will again pay $5.00 of the $20.00 fee per relay-runner.

If you have a team already, let me have your team-entry with the fee of $15.00 per runner. If you do not have a team, and would like to run on a Checkers Team, send your entry to me with the fee, and I will make up a team for you. I’ll let you know who you are running with as soon as possible. You can give me applications at track or mail them to me at 205 Gregory Pl, Grand Island, NY 14072. Fred Lew

Residence: Snyder, NY

Personal: Single Parent (Emily 14, Garret 11)

Occupation: Speech Language Pathologist/ St. Marys School for the Deaf

Checkers Affiliation: 1 year

Running: 30 years

Interests: Reading, Foreign Films, Rowing and Choral Singing

Its graduation time! So many of our friends and loved ones will celebrate their scholastic milestones, and Kathy Augustyn is planning a very special gift for her son, Michael. He would have graduate from Amherst High School this June, had Lymphoma not shortened his young life 8 years ago. In loving memory of her son, Kathie has achieved a milestone of her own. "I generated the highest WNY donation (to date) for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training." A local contingent of 60 WNY runners will participate in the June 1, San Diego Rock -and-Roll Marathon.

A recent fundraiser at a Snyder restraunt was testimony to Kathie’s’ friendships and close support. "I want to acknowledge and thank those who attended and supported that event. 90% of the funds generated go to patient treatment of leukemia and lymphoma." Team in Training members work under the direction of Rich Grimm, Tom Haney and Pat LaDuka. "We have a wonderful group of people. What is really special is that we are all runners. There are no formalities." Kathie’s last experience with the marathon was exactly 20 years ago in Cleveland. "In 1983, I ran a 3:54 at the Cleveland Marathon. This time, my goal is simply to finish it."

Proper training is fundamental to any runner’s success. Discipline, focus, commitment and balance are all instrumental with Kathie. "I usually start my middle-distance training down Main St in Williamsville at 5AM. I run outdoors whenever possible, in all conditions. This past winter that included freezing temperatures, snow, and ice." Long training runs along the Amherst Bike Path on weekend mornings are part of the Team in Training program. Cross training on an elliptical trainer and stretching with Yoga helped to balance her overall fitness and training. "My keys for being healthy are a good diet, rest and stretching." On a pensive note, Kathie adds, "Running is my sacred time, especially around sunrise. I think about the mental, physical and spiritual self."

Kathie’s interest in running began as a casual runner in college,in the 1970s. Training with a small group of co-workers in Delaware Park helped to spawn her interest in joining a local running club. "I was a Checkers member from 1982- 1983. Our club meetings were at the Checkers Tavern." For the past 20 years, Kathie has been in fitness maintenance mode. "I came back to Checkers for many reasons. It is a great organization. The workouts are great. There is plenty of shared information with the website and the newsletter. Membership is a great deal, great benefits, social events and great coaching. And, I’ve made some very nice friendships."

Recent events for Kathie include: the Grand Island Half Marathon, the Turkey Trot 8K, Moonlight and Resolution 5Ks, Boilermaker 15K, Corporate Challenge and the 2002 Buffalo Marathon Relay. The San Diego Marathon will be her next event, and it will integrate everything that Kathie Augustyn believes in, lives and has worked for. Best of all, it will be her graduation gift to her son, Michael.

Matthew Q. Glynn 2:39:34

Paul E. Drexler 2:52:19

Frederic Lew 3:15:19

Samuel R. Neal 3:19:02

Paul A. Wandel 3:38:54

Michael J. Schiavone 3:42:02

Ann M. Gross 3:45:05

Julie M. Doell 3:45:29

Greg Lavis 3:46:11

Carol A. Dittenhofer 3:50:01

Tom Sr. Appenheimer 3:52:05

Joseph G. Antkowiak 4:02:15

Bill Harden 4:06:34

Elizabeth E. Welkley 4:09:48

Bill A. Donnelly 4:12:11

Joann M. O'Loughlin 4:30:54

Sharon M. Linstedt 4:34:02

Sally Neal ran a 3:51

Patricia McManus 4:13:46

Jacqueline Proulx 5:00:30

The summer of 2001 was my best year ever for running. All the weekly mileage and twice a week track workouts were really kicking in, with great results. Regardless if it was a 5K or ½ marathon, every race was a PR. Now the only problem with that season was that I was becoming obsessed with the clock. All I cared about was what my pace should be and my final time. I would be upset for an hour after the race wondering where I lost time and finishing slower than predicted. After races, Mary, my better half, would say, "I will give you 10 mins to be angry then get over it and stop complaining." Well, sometime during the fall X-C season I suffered a knee injury to my left leg. I was becoming slower, the left leg weaker, and eventually I had to stop running. I ended up missing the whole 2002 season with a meniscus tear in my left knee, no road racing, track workouts, or X-C meets.

After having surgery in Oct of 2002, I am back for this summer with one big lesson learned. After doing my first long run at the ridge in two years with Diane (presidents seem to attract ex-presidents), I realized how much I just missed running. There is nothing like a long run with a friend to clear your head and talk about anything imaginable. The track workouts are great, just seeing old friends and making new ones. Now I look forward to the pure excitement and fun of my next race. Now don’t get me wrong. I still want to improve my times and set PRs. Nevertheless, for the present time, I am just glad to be running again, going to track and looking at my next race as something enjoyable.

Therefore, the next time you are concentrating on your next race, hoping to set a personal goal, do not be just glued to your finial time, but take a moment to enjoy the whole atmosphere. You will never realize how much you will miss the pure joy of running, until that unforeseen injury stops you in your tracks and you are just a spectator.

Remember: Run Fast, But Most Of All Enjoy The Season, It Might Not Always Last.

See you at the next race, Roge.

Thomas Keefe
Tom Kandefer
Paul & Jennifer Povinelli
John & Darya Brach
Kevin Burke
Wendy Kolb
Helen Botti
Amy Dockery

Ron & Judy Lemmon

Sandy Hunt

Kaitlyn McCleary

Scott Eising

Paul Hassall
Walter Potoki
Kari and Tami Sanak
Jodi Reynolds
Michelle Lis



 

Ever wonder just what it is that they do at track workouts? Come out Tuesdays at 6:00 and see for yourself. More information at the web site. Click on Coach for workout groups, map to UB, weekly drills, track etiquette, and much more.

CHECKERS WINS IN BALTIMORE! Alan Wrobel won his first race in 15 years as he took first place in the 1st Annual Run-With-The-Nuns 5K in Baltimore, Md on May 3. Wrobel burst across the finish line under a plethora of 'Hail Alans' from the finish-line crew of nuns with a record setting time of 18:37. Alan asked race director Sister Catherine if she could register his victory as a miracle with the Vatican. She said she'd think about it.
 

So you have been intrigued by triathlons, looking for a new challenge, and/or need to cross train. I’d like to provide the curious with information on the local area of triathlons (swim-bike-run).

There is a great triathlon club in the Buffalo area called the Buffalo Triathlon Club (BTC) www.Buffalotriathlonclub.com. They have organized workouts where no one is excluded because of ability. They are in the process of instituting a mentor program for new BTC members to the sport. If interested, you’ll be assigned to an experienced member for guidance and information. Interested members can e-mail Joey Meyer at joeymeyer@hotmail.com.

There are many local races within driving distance. Some races include a tri-a-tri (shorter distance triathlon) to get your feet wet. If swimming is definitely not in your repertoire, a duathlon (run-bike-run) may be what you are looking for.

Many races charge a daily fee for insurance, which can be avoided with a USAT card. If you plan on doing several races during the year, it may be a good idea to purchase a membership through USA Triathlon www.usatriathlon.org. To obtain a $3.00 discount, you will need to printout a membership form and indicate that you are a BTC club member.

You don’t have to travel far to compete in an event. The BTC has a local five race series. The times and dates are listed below. For more information, log onto the BTC website and click on multisport race series.

Condolences Gloria Santarpia lost her husband. He joined her at every race she competed in. He will surely be missed.