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.

Weary Traveler Road Race in Bourne, Massachusetts

On January 7, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Yesterday morning it was down to Bourne, Massachusetts for the Weary Traveler Road Race sponsored by the Cape Cod Road Runners. This race is a nice, old-fashioned organized race down on Cape Cod that is a 4.88 mile run.

Since it is always in the beginning of January, the weather is the wildcard each year but yesterday was a rather nice morning with temperatures in the high 30’s and a touch of snow left along the sides of the road . There was a corner on the course that was a bit slippery and another runner next to me went down pretty hard on the turn but got back up quickly and finished up the run.

The course is a moderately challenging course through the streets of Bourne with some typical Cape Cod rolling hills mixed in. At one point of the race runners hug the shoreline before making a left turn back into residential neighborhoods and hit the water stop about half-way through the race.

The last mile or so of the race is a pretty good incline before hitting a rather fast and flat final stretch into the finish line. Runners are handed Popsicle sticks with their finishing place on them upon crossing the finish line which also double as a raffle ticket in the post-race reception.

The race organizers put on a quahog chowder and clam fritter post-race spread and the bar at the Weary Traveler is open for exceptionally reasonably priced beverages.

Proceeds from the race benefit both the Bourne Conservation Trust and the Shriners Hospital for Children.

I finished the 4.88 mile race with a time of 36:02 which is good for 7:23/miles.

Karhu Joins The Running Griffin’s Running Related Business Listings

On January 5, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The Running Griffin would like to welcome Karhu to our Running Related Business listings.

KARHU, meaning “bear” in Finnish, is a leading running brand in Europe and has provided technical running and outdoor gear for nearly 100 years. With an authentic heritage in running and a deep connection to the outdoors, KARHU follows the Finnish principles of design simplicity and running purity. KARHU shoes have been worn on the feet of some of the greatest Finnish runners, including Boston Marathon champion Olavi Suomalainen, and Paavo Nurmi, giving rise to the Flying Finns.

I have been using the Karhu Flow Fulcrums for my short distance runs and they have been working splendidly. The sneakers are super lightweight but offer just the right amount of foot support to ensure running stability. The sneakers, bright red in color, provide both a good look out on the race course but more importantly have held up over a series of races.

Keep an eye out at races for the Karhu Airstream camper and meet-up with the friendly and helpful Karhu staffers/runners who are both informative and downright great people.

Thanks to Karhu for joining The Running Griffin!

(If you would like your running related business added to The Running Griffin, please email therunninggriffin@gmail.com.)

Join The Running Griffin at the Buffalo Marathon!

On January 5, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

It’s time for another marathon!

This May you can join The Running Griffin at the Buffalo Marathon. Now in its 13th year, the Buffalo Marathon is a fast, scenic Boston Marathon qualifier, taking you through the best streets, parks and waterways in Buffalo. Runners come for the great course, ideal weather, excellent value and Niagara Falls is only 20 minutes away.

Having never been to Buffalo before, it will be a great time to check out a new city and run a marathon that I have heard nothing but good things about! The Buffalo Marathon registration comes with a pre-race pasta dinner, a runner’s expo and post-race party, as well!

I have already booked my flight and hotel room in Buffalo and I hope you will consider joining me in registering for this race. If you are not ready for a full marathon, there is also a half-marathon and relay option, as well.

Registration for the Buffalo Marathon can be found by clicking here. Who’s with me?

FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run

On January 1, 2013 By The Running Griffin2 Comments

What better way to start of the new year than with a 5 miler?

This morning it was off to Norton, Massachusetts for the FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run. The race started and finished at the VFW Hall in Norton and for an inaugural race was exceptionally well run! Money from the race went to benefit the work that the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police take part in.

The course was a scenic five miles through rolling residential roads of Norton. The race time temperature was a touch above 30 degrees so the conditions were quite nice for a January 1st run. The snow still left hanging on the tree branches was slowly melting and having some snow still along the side of the course made for a true winter run feel. The last stretch of the run also added to that as a compacted snow footing along the last wooded, 100 yards of the race made for additional focus needing to be paid to each stride as you glided into the finish line.

A great post-race breakfast was available with bagels, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee which was a nice touch and helped to take the chill out of the runners after they crossed the finish line.

I finished the FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run with a time of 38:00 good for 7:36/miles which also landed me 2nd place in my age division. Starting off the year with a medal win is a pretty good way to kick off the 2013 running!

Christmas Eve Eve Run from Savin Hill Yacht Club

On December 23, 2012December 24, 2012 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

This morning it was into Boston for a Christmas Eve Eve fun run with about 15 other Thirsty Irish Runners. We started from the Savin Hill Yacht Club and hugged the Atlantic Ocean for most of the run. The route was relatively flat however the headwind was something to contend with for a good chunk of the run.

We ran out past some of the course of the POW-MIA 5 Miler and out onto Morrissey Boulevard as we made our way down toward Castle Island. As we ran out back on the loop back toward Savin Hill Yacht Club the wind became quite strong and the resistance running really began to kick in. The legs began to feel a bit heavier, the breathing got a little bit more difficult and the miles seemed to last a little bit longer.

Thanks to Anne and Bob from the TIR’s for working to keep me honest and vice-versa, we were able to log 10.3 miles today with a pace of 8:43/miles. For a training run, I was quite pleased logging some good miles at a relatively nice training pace. Does running 10.3 miles today mean I can have an extra piece of Yule Log?