Author: The Running Griffin

If you are hoping for miracle running tips about how to go out and win the next Boston Marathon, then this website is not for you. I am in no stretch of the imagination an elite runner but then again not many of us are or they wouldn’t be called “elite.” What I am is a runner who has realized the joy of running. Whether it be a 5k race in support of a local cause or a half-marathon or full-marathon with the finish line seeming at times to never be in sight, running allows each of us the ability to sort of leave behind the rest of the world and focus on simply getting to the finish line. We might not win a trophy and we might not make a career out of running but what we are guaranteed is a certain friendship among running friends, better health and the endorphin filled pride each time we cross a finish line. This website will allow me to highlight different races that I have done, perhaps some that I plan on doing and maybe other running stories that I hope to share with runners like myself.

Shubeez Joins The Running Griffin!

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The Running Griffin would like to welcome shubeez to our website! We are proud to announce that The Running Griffin is a new affiliate for shubeez!

What are shubeez? shubeez are unique collectable shoe tags that attach securely to the laces of any athletic footwear shubeez are unique collectable shoe tags that attach securely to the laces of any athletic footwear and we are creating a buzz for some awesome organizations. Everything we do gives back, whether it’s creating awareness for a cause or raising funds. shubeez are sold online right here at their online store but they can also create a custom shubeez for your brand including non-profits, sports teams, PTOs, and charity races.

ImageIf you are interested in a custom option for your charity or organization, please contact me via email as I am a shubeez affiliate and can work with you to have your shubeez designed, ordered and produced. You can contact me via email at therunninggriffin@gmail.com.

Register for the Back on My Feet 5K

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2nd Annual Back on My Feet Day 5K

New Year’s Day Road Race will benefit Back on My Feet, the Boston non-profit that uses running to give homeless a second chance.

Winged Foot Running and Charles River Running are once again teaming with the Back on My Feet organization to bring you the 2nd Annual Back on My Feet 5K on New Year’s Day. On January 1, 2013 we celebrated our inaugural race with more than 200 runners and we are looking to build on those numbers for January 1, 2014 !!! The race, sponsored by Charles River Running, Winged Foot Running and Liberty Mutual begins at 10 a.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 572 Nichols Street, Norwood, MA.

The race will feature the same fast and relatively flat course as last year (see attached course map) and runners will once again be served a hot, post race breakfast of pancakes, Canadian bacon, and fresh fruit!!! The first 200 registered runners will receive a free long sleeve tee shirt!!! We also will have a limited quantity of knit running gloves available on race day which will be on a first come first basis! There are two easy ways to sign up….1.) Online registration (https://millenniumreg.com/back-on-my-feet-5k), just click on this link and sign up. 2.) if you choose to pay by check, please fill out the attached race application and send by mail as soon as possible!! Race applications will also be available at Charles River Running located at 679 Washington St., Norwood, MA.

CASH PRIZES will go to the Top 3 overall male and female finishers and for the top male and female teams!! MEDALS will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each age group!! We will also be awarding special prizes for the BEST BABY NEW YEAR costume and FATHER TIME costume! Sign up today and get ready to ring in the New Year with a great race, food, fun and friends!!!!!

Back on My Feet, a national non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless by first engaging them in running to build confidence, strength, and self-esteem, will serve as the race’s beneficiary with 100 percent of all net proceeds going to the Boston chapter.

For more information on Charles River Running, visit www.charlesriverrunning.com

For more information on Back on My Feet, visit www.backonmyfeet.org.

Pro-Tec Athletics Joins The Running Griffin

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The Running Griffin would like to welcome our newest sponsor Pro-Tec Athletics.

Pro-Tec Athletics was founded January 1991 in Los Angeles, California and began with one product, the Knee Pro-Tec patellar tendon strap. Owner, and former professional volleyball player, Jeff Rodgers first began selling to the volleyball market. As the company grew, it expanded its product offering and reached out to new markets. The running market became the next frontier and Pro-Tec quickly capitalized on an opportunity manufacturing specialized supports for running injuries.

As an all-around leader for your sports medicine needs for injuries such as iliotibial band syndrome, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, just to name a few, Pro-Tec Athletics is prepared to do what it takes to keep you injury free, “supporting” your active lifestyle.

I have recently started to use Pro-Tec’s product called The Orb. The Orb  provides a multi-directional roll that allows for a focused massage to target areas. The Orb provides a deep tissue massage that:

1) Reduces muscle fatigue and tightness
2) Promotes flexibility
3) Enhances performance

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The Orb provides similar functionality to a foam roller however it allows for a more targeted massage that really allows you to work out the muscles both pre- and post-run. The size of The Orb also allows for greater portability so you can toss it in your running bag and take on the go with you.

If you are a runner, be sure to check out Pro-Tec Athletics for some amazing products that are sure to help you maintain a healthy running lifestyle!

Please be sure to “Like” Pro-Tec Athletics on Facebook by clicking here and follow them on Twitter @ProTecAthletics.

Winter is Here: Walter’s Run in West Roxbury

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ImageThe cold New England air set in this morning as we made our way to West Roxbury, Massachusetts for a great 5K called Walter’s Run. Walter’s Run was the final Grand Prix for the Thirsty Irish Runners and fortunately the race started at 11AM to allow a little bit of warming up to take place.

Walter’s Run starts at the YMCA in West Roxbury and is put on by the Parkway Running Club. In 2004, PRC started Walter’s Run   to honor a very special friend and member, Walter Burgess. Walter passed away suddenly in November 2003 at the age of 40 shortly after having completed the Great Floridian Ironman Triathlon. Walter was an active PRC member, Club Secretary and Newsletter Editor. He was an amazing athlete, forever working out either at the Y, on his bike, or running on the roads. More importantly, Walter was an incredible friend and inspiration. He was always there to run the slower members into the finish line, to organize the marathon long runs or group ski trip, to cheer others on, or to give us a big smile after a training run or race no matter the length.

The Boston Globe Santa fund was one of Walter’s favorite charities that he donated to regularly, even as a child. To more fully demonstrate Walter’s love of community and running, they have expanded the organizations receiving proceeds from Walter’s Run to include the YMCA Reach Out Campaign and a fund to send deserving young runners to running camp using Walter Burgess Scholarships.

The course for this race is a nice 5K loop that takes runners through residential neighborhoods of West Roxbury. Along the way, even with the cold temperatures, some spectators cheered runners along including City Councilor Matt O’Malley and Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley. Between miles 2 and 3 is a monster hill that runners trudge their way up before heading back into another residential neighborhood before hitting a nice downhill finish. Though I have run this race and this hill before, the uphill today took its toll and it was tough getting up the hill with the colder air entering the lungs on each breath in.

Overall, not a bad day of running at Walter’s Run with a finishing time of 24:24 or 7:52/miles. Thanks to all the Thirsty Irish Runners for making it another great year of Grand Prix racing!

“Go The Distance” for Boston

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Please join Bits of Health Inc. and ENERGYbits® in their “Go the Distance” promotion to raise funds for The One Fund established by Thomas Menino, Mayor of Boston and Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts. The One Fund supports those affected by the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon. To “Go the Distance” with ENERGYbits and The Running Griffin, just enter the promotional code BOSTONSTRONG into the coupon box when you check out at any of our websites including www.energybits.com. This will give you a 10% discount on your purchase and they will donate $26.20 from each bag sold to The One Fund (26.2 miles is the distance of a marathon). We hope you will join us by helping Boston and anyone affected by this tragedy, get back on their feet and be strong again. BOSTON STRONG.

On behalf of the Boston team at Bits of Health Inc. and ENERGYbits® thank you for allowing them to support Boston and those affected by this tragedy. Thanks to your purchase, ENERGYbits will be sharing bits of love with them and with you too. If you have any questions, you can reach out to ENERGYbits at hello@energybits.com, @energybits, http://www.facebook.com/energybits or their Boston office 617-886-5106. Be strong. BostonStrong.