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.

Register for the West Island 5K

On January 4, 2016 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

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This April 24th, please join me in the West Island section of Fairhaven, Massachusetts for the West Island 5K. I competed in this race back in 2013 and am looking forward to heading back to the race again this year!

The West Island 5K is a great race through the beachfront West Island neighborhood and the race director does an amazing job putting on a top-notch race. If you are looking for a 5K that is fast, flat, and family-friendly then the West Island 5K is the one for you! The course features an out and back course that starts with a quick downhill and ends with a challenging uphill to the finish. Plan an escape to southeastern Massachusetts and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic ocean views during the race.

All proceeds go to the Fairhaven High School Cross Country program and to the non-profit, Strive and Achieve.

You can register for the West Island 5K by clicking here. Please also be sure to check out the race’s Facebook page here.

See you on April 24th at the starting line!

Discount Code for the Marathon Park Prep Half-Marathon

On January 2, 2016January 2, 2016 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

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The Running Griffin is pleased to be partnering with the Marathon Park Prep Half-Marathon to offer all of our readers a discount code for this upcoming half-marathon.

Set in mid March, the Marathon Park Prep Half 13.1 mile race is the perfect prep race for the Boston Marathon. The MPP Half-Marathon winds its way along a 13.1 mile figure 8 course through the town of Ashland Massachusetts.

The half-marathon course is a mixture of flats and hills, at some points running parallel to the Sudbury River and at others skirting Ashland State Park. The route includes the stretch of the traditional course that Boston’s spring marathon follows through the town of Ashland, about 25 miles west of Boston. The 5K course shares some of these features. With its picturesque and challenging course, its veteran organizers, Squanto Productions of Natick Ma, a spring pre-marathon event competitive runners crave, easy access by public transportation with the Ashland stop on the Boston-Worcester MBTA line just steps away from Marathon Park as well as plenty of free parking nearby.

Each year a portion of the races proceeds go towards making improvements in Marathon Park and the development of a museum nearby dedicated to “The Ashland Era”.

To register for the Marathon Park Prep Half Marathon, please click here. All readers of The Running Griffin are eligible for a $10 discount and should use the code rg2016 when checking out.

Join Me at the FOP Lodge #28 Five Miler on New Year’s Day

On December 27, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

There’s still time to register for the MA FOP Lodge #28 Annual New Year’s Day Frozen Five Mile Run. Join The Running Griffin at the race and start off the New Year with a great five mile race to kick off a new season of running in stride.

This race helps to support the Fraternal Order of Police (a charity organization) and comes complete with an ALL YOU CAN EAT breakfast after the race for only $25.00.

Trophy for first place overall Male and Female winner. Awards given to first and second place Male and Female in six (6) different age categories, 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+. Water station and timing provided. T-Shirts will be provided to all PARTICIPANTS. Bring a guest for breakfast at no extra charge!!! (Just not the whole family!!!!)

Walter’s Run

On December 13, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Today was Walter’s Run in West Roxbury, Massachusetts and who would have thought we’d be graced with temperatures in the mid 50’s for a race that hands out free gloves. This race is put on annually by the Parkway Running Club and is a fan favorite when it comes to 5K races in the Greater Boston area in December.

The course is a good, challenging 5K course that features a humdinger of a hill in the third mile that is not for the faint of heart. Today, my calves were tight the entire race and my shins had some interesting twinges of pain while running. Nothing too terrible, just more of an annoyance than anything.

I ran alright today but certainly not my best showing of 2015. I finished Walter’s Run today with a time of 25:05 or 8:05/miles.

Winter Classic in Cambridge

On December 6, 2015December 6, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

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This morning it was off to Cambridge, Massachusetts for the Winter Classic Road Race. The race is part of the Cambridge Classic series which offers a package of races throughout the year taking runners through Cambridge followed by a significant post-race party complete with fresh and free beer from Jack’s Abby Brewery.

I’ve taken part in several of the Cambridge Classic road races and the course is quite crowded with runners and the course is never going to be one that you are going to PR on just given the sheer volume of people tackling the race course. The race course today, unfortunately, was extended from the normal 5K course to a 3.45 mile course due to the Cambridge Police Auxiliary cruiser leading the way making a wrong turn in the first mile of the race.

Huge kudos to the race director for immediately having an email blasted out to all race participants admitting to the error and apologizing for the error. Having run the course before, it was apparent where things went wrong so having the RD step up and take ownership of the issue was smart.

I completed the Cambridge Winter Classic 3.45 mile race with a time of 27:27, good for 7:57/miles. That extra .35 miles made the Hoponius Union from Jack’s Abby taste all that much better!