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 Franklin Park Turkey Trot

On October 20, 2015October 20, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for the Franklin Park Coalition’s Annual Turkey Trot Run.

The Franklin Park Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th at 9:00 AM. Start your holiday with a 5K walk/run through the jewel of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace. Runners will run through beautiful woods, over an old stone bridge, and past picturesque ruins. Runners are encouraged to organize a family team to participate or cheer, all ages are welcome. Prizes will be awarded for different age category winners and the best costume! This is a chip-timed race with the starting and finish line at the Golf Clubhouse located at One Circuit Drive, Dorchester, MA 02121.

For more information please visit www.franklinparkcoalition.org or call 617-442-4141. Volunteers are needed to assist with this race so please call if you can help. Online registration is available at http://www.franklinparkcoalition.org/turkey-trot-5k/.

Saint Bridget School PTO Freaky Family 5K

On October 18, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Fall was certainly in the air yesterday morning as we made our way over to the Saint Bridget School PTO Freaky Family 5K in Abington, Massachusetts. The race kicked off nice and early at 9AM and our oldest daughter took part in the kids’ run half-mile race before the main 5K event. The kids run participants were each awarded a great pumpkin medal which was a nice touch. The race is complete with several raffles, a bouncy house, a playground for the kids and a nice post-race spread of food.

The race course was largely similar to other Abington runs such as the Abington Police Department 5K and the Sgt. Daniel Vasselian Memorial 5K. The course is a nice loop that takes runners through the streets of Abington and for Halloween the appropriate course through a cemetery. The race announcement told runners to be on the lookout for ghouls and goblins while running through the cemetery so I was convinced people would be jumping out from behind trees or something and sprinted my way through that section but thankfully did not see anyone jumping out.

After the first 2 miles of the run you make your way up a rather nice, gradual incline that stretches for about a half-mile. After making that climb it is a slow, downhill grade before making the final right hand turn onto the final road of the race. The last stretch is flat and fast and allows runners to give it one final kick into the finishing chute.

I finished the Saint Bridget School PTO Freaky 5K with a time of 23:53, good for 7:41/miles.

The Bad Idea That Keeps Getting Worse

On October 12, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Ventured down to Providence, Rhode Island yesterday for my second ever Dog & Grog Jog hosted by the Wild Colonial Tavern. This race is not like many others and focuses more on merriment than running but boy oh boy is this a good time.

The race is a four person relay run where each runner hits the downtown Providence roads for a 1.25 mile loop along the canal. Once done sprinting or jogging your leg you then need to eat a hot dog and down a Narragansett beer before your next teammate can go. Our team was Proud to be Americans and we donned some good gear inclusive of hunting camo Budweiser hats, a Donald Trump Make America Great Again hat and shirts that read “Running this shit since 1776.”

The run itself is pancake flat and goes by rather quickly. As you make your way into the chute to grab your Saugy and a Gansett, you need to first try to catch your breath before tackling the food and beer challenge. Bystanders yell at you telling you how you should eat it or give you tips for maximizing consumption potential but in reality you just need to focus on not tossing your cookies and finishing everything as quickly as possible. A couple teams succumbed to the violent puking potential which always gets bystanders to get a fired up “Booooooo” going.

Outfits range from the normal racing attire to a team of dudes in speedos, to naughty elves, Disney princesses, a guy that looked exactly like Erlich from Silicon Valley (though we are not sure if that’s what he was going for) to bar flies and more! The event is an absolute blast of a time and with the Patriots game on right after the race it makes for a great afternoon down in Rhode Island. Proceeds from the event benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Register for the Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run

On October 10, 2015October 10, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is open for the Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run which will be held in Salem, Massachusetts on November 26, 2015. This race is the largest race on the North Shore and is one that you certainly want to take part in! It was voted Best Holiday Race 2012, 2013 and 2014 by North Shore Road Race Guide.

Proceeds from the 12th Annual Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run on Thanksgiving morning benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. This race will feature close to 2000 runners taking part in a Thanksgiving morning run ideal for burning a few calories before the turkey and trimmings hit the table at your Thanksgiving dinner. With an early start time of 8AM this is race will allow you to have a great run and earn that extra piece of pumpkin pie!

The first 1500 participants get long-sleeved Brooks tech shirts. You can register for the race by clicking here.

You can also “Like” the race on Facebook by clicking here.

7th Annual Bernie’s Run

On October 9, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

On Sunday, it was a late morning kick-off at 11:30 AM for the 7th Annual Bernie’s Run. The Dedham Education Foundation (DEF) and The Village Manor once again teamed up to host the 7th Annual Bernie’s Run. The race is a great opportunity to walk or run the 3-mile route, participate in a fun community event attended by hundreds each year, and to provide much-needed support to Dedham’s schools. The race was a Grand Prix race for the Thirsty Irish Runners this yea and amongst the sea of green runners there were hundreds of other runners, many of them quite fast!

The race course is a quick 3 mile route that takes runners first away from The Village Manor and into an industrial park for the first mile. After that, runners pass by The Village Manor and then head into the residential neighborhood surrounding the local pub. A quick hill is in the second mile and neighbors along the route come out of their homes and cheer runners along.

The race finishes up back at The Village Manor for a nice block party complete with food, beer, a massage tent and a DJ. The race is very well organized and results are posted minutes post-race alongside the outdoor wall of the pub.

I finished Bernie’s Run with a time of 22:00, good for 7:20/miles. After having run 8.5 mils earlier that morning, a result I am quite pleased with!