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.

Country Heals 5 Miler: Running for Cailin

On September 28, 2015September 27, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

On Sunday, we packed up the SUV and took the kids and babysitter down to Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, Massachusetts so we could take part in the Country Heals 5 Miler. Though it was a crisp 34 degrees when we left home, by the time the race kicked off the sun helped warm up the fall air and made for a beautiful run through the State Park on some great paths that featured a good mix of flat stretches and both up and downhill sections. On the race course, country musicians were mixed into the course and played tunes as runners made their way by.

Many of my readers know about our personal connection to Tufts Medical Center and The Floating Hospital for Children. Beth Ann was admitted to Tufts Medical Center when she was 25 weeks pregnant with severe preeclampsia. After spending 7 weeks in the hospital with my 3 year old daughter Caroline and I at home, Beth Ann ended up delivering our daughter Cailin at 33 weeks. Cailin weighed 2 pounds 13 ounces and required the services and amazing care of the NICU at Floating Hospital. Cailin then spent 5 weeks in the NICU until she beefed up to 4 pounds. Without the dedicated doctors and nurses at Tufts Medical Center and The Floating Hospital for Children our family could look quite different today and ever since this experience we have looked for ways to give back including running the Boston Marathon and this race.

My parents joined us in Hingham today and took part in the 3 mile walk. The kids were able to hang with the babysitter and hit up the bouncy obstacle course, obtained balloon animals and were able to snack free samples that were being handed out.

At the end of the race, runners were able to enjoy a huge cookout and live country music including the up-and-coming country artist Chase Bryant and other acts. With the sun shining down, it made for a great event and a boatload of money was raised for Tufts Medical Center and The Floating Hospital for Children!

The timing may have been a little bit off for some runners but my official time was 39:46, good for 7:57/miles in the five mile race.

This is definitely a race that we will be back at in future years either as a runner or as a volunteer. If you’d like to make a post-race donation to Mrs. Running Griffin’s page, please feel free to do so by clicking here.

Bridgewater Police Department 5K

On September 27, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Yesterday morning was the 2nd Annual Bridgewater Police Department 5K. Even though I am biased since I live in Bridgewater, this race is one of the best 5K races around!

At 8:30 AM the kids 1 mile fun run takes place and our seven year-old daughter tackled the race with an awesome time of 10:17. As a proud dad, I’ll also boast she also scored a hat trick at soccer later in the afternoon!

The 5K race started right at 9AM and the course takes runners away from the police station and on a 3.1 mile loop course of Bridgewater. The Bridgewater Police Department does a great job patrolling the course particularly as runners make their way around the Central Square historic common in downtown Bridgewater. Right past the two mile marker the course takes a gradually uphill path up Cottage Street and then up Fremont Street before making the final sprint into the finish line located at the police station.

Runners all receive a finisher’s medal and the tee-shirts for the race are technical shirts and include a police badge logo and a listing of sponsors including The Running Griffin!

I finished the Bridgewater Police Department 5K with a time of 23:40, good for 7:37/miles.

Be sure to look for next year’s listing for the Bridgewater Police Department 5K; this is a race you definitely want to add to your racing calendar!

Fall Classic 5K in Cambridge, Massachusetts

On September 21, 2015 By The Running Griffin1 Comment

Yesterday it was off to Cambridge, Massachusetts for the Fall Classic 5k. This race is part of a series of runs that feature the same 5k route for running followed by one of the better post-race block parties you can find around the area.

For teams that are able to register 20 or more runners, a VIP tent inclusive of some great Jack’s Abby beer was made available and there were at least 20 VIP tents present showing just how well organized and attended the race series is. The course is a notably flat route through Cambridge where runners pass bystanders, restaurants, tourists, motorists and even a dude waving a Bernie Sanders for President sign cheering, “You can catch the person in the lead.” Fitting, for sure.

The race is rather packed along the way and makes for some nice running with friends. The first mile was in the sun but then after making a left hand turn about half-way through a rather shade-lined roadway made for some better running conditions. There is a water stop at the half-way point of the race.

I finished the Cambridge Fall Classic 5k with a time of 23:56, good for 7:42/miles. A great day of running followed by some nice time spent with friends while enjoying a cold, craft beer. I’ll call that an excellent running day any day of the week!

Roadnoise Vest: Sound Running and Riding

On September 18, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The Running Griffin is proud to support the Kickstarter campaign for the Roadnoise Vest.

A few years ago on an overnight relay the founders of the Roadnoise Vest were participating that banned the use of in-ear headphone/earbuds and allowed only devices with speakers that sit below your neck. Runners on the team came up with jerry-rigged solutions like speakers attached to shirts & jog bras. Combined with safety vests they added additional components, batteries, weight, wires and hassle.

This led to the development of Roadnoise. When they tested their first model they were hoping to find a solution to a specific race issue. What they discovered was an entirely new and pleasant way to enjoy our runs, day or night. With integrated speakers right below your ears you have the sound you want without eliminating the sounds around you.

Does not block surrounding sounds, allowing you to be more aware of potentially dangerous situations.
Comfortable, with nothing in your ears. No dangling cords to interfere with your movement or pull on your ears.

To learn more about the Roadnoise Vest and for information on how you can support the Kickstarter campaign and land your own Roadnoise Vest, please click here.

Register for the Discover the Woods 5K Trail Run

On September 15, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for the Discover the Woods 5k Trail Run. This trail run will be held on Saturday, October 3rd in Cohasset, Massachusetts.

The race takes place at Holly Hill Farm, a certified organic vegetable, flower and herb farm located at 236 Jerusalem Road, Cohasset. The farm has a nonprofit education center onsite that uses the resources of the farm as its outdoor classroom to teach about sustainable agriculture and eating healthy food grown in a way that protects the ecosystem. Proceeds from the race benefits the Frank H. White Scholarship Fund that makes summer camp experiences and school field trips possible for students whose families need financial assistance. Please come early to explore the barnyard that includes historic buildings and the farm animals – a horse, pony, 2 adorable goats, a bunny and many chickens. The farm stand opens at 11 am so please plan a visit to stock up on locally grown organic vegetables, flowers, herbs and products from our partners including bread, cheese, hummus, honey, and more. For more information, please visit www.hollyhillfarm.org.

To register for the Discover the Woods 5k Trail Run, please click here to register online. Don’t delay in registering; do it today! In keeping with the mission of Holly Hill Farm, all t-shirts will be organic cotton! T-shirts will be guaranteed for those who register by Friday, September 18th.