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.

Fort Taber 5K

On August 30, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Last night was a beautiful summer night and it was down to New Bedford, Massachusetts for the Fort Taber 5K. This race was co-directed by Charlie Breagy and two-time Boston Marathon winner Geoff Smith and took place right along the gorgeous New Bedford coastline alongside the Atlantic Ocean.

The race started at 6:30 PM as the sun was a little lower in the summer sky and the race time temps were just shy of 80 degrees. The race started off through some residential beach neighborhoods and some nice crowds of locals cheered runners on in the early part of the course. After running past the first mile marker, runners then made an about face and headed toward a bike path alongside the ocean. The salt water air was in full effect as we hit the second mile marker. The last mile of the run was past historic Fort Taber which added a nice, New England running element to the race. I had previously competed in another run at Fort Taber but this course was much better and allowed runners to gain a much better perspective of the fort’s importance situated right on the Atlantic.

After the race, runners were invited to The Pour Farm in downtown New Bedford for a free pint of Buzzards Bay Brewing‘s IPA which hit the spot after the hot evening run. After we had our pint, we crossed the street to the dynamite Mexican restaurant No Problemo for a killer burrito, chips, salsa and guacamole: all key ways to refuel in my book!

I finished the Fort Taber 5K with a time of 24:23, good for a pace of 7:51/mile. As this was the first running of this race, my hunch is that based upon the early success of this race the race will only continue to grow and I look forward to next year’s run.

Race Recap: Hip Hop 10k

On August 22, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

This morning it was over to Easton, Massachusetts to take part in the Hip Hop 10k. This race is a Family Friendly 5K/10K run and 2 mile walk in support of Hip Dysplasia awareness and fundraising. The 10k race kicked off at 9AM which was a nice relief given the humidity at that time was pretty bad and going later into the day has already made it even more sticky. When crossing the finish line I was sweating more than an Ashley Madison account holder!

The 10k race course was a nice challenging run with some rather significant hills mixed into the route. Volunteers did an excellent job directing runners on the course and alerting traffic as to our presence. The much needed water stations on the course provided good relief and were mixed into the race at good times. The course takes runners through rather residential neighborhoods and started and finished at Oliver Ames High School in Easton. A lot of the course was quite similar to the Tiger Turkey Chase I have taken raced in the past.

As you are in the final mile there is a nice uphill climb that really pushes you not slow down before runners intersect with the 5k course and head back toward the high school for the finish line. While coming into the finish there was a band playing some great cover songs and plenty of spectators cheering you into the finish. The race directors did a really nice job organizing the race and there was plenty of water and food to partake in prior to leaving. Several raffles with some big prizes were available inside the cafeteria of the school and vendors setup at the finish line offered samples, massage, chiropractic and more.

I finished the Hip Hop 10k with a time of 51:16 good for a finish pace of 8:15/mile. With the humidity in full effect coupled with some tough quad pain I inflicted upon myself earlier this week playing indoor soccer a good showing at today’s run.

For more information about the work the Hip Hop 10k supports, check out their website here and be sure to “Like” the race on Facebook so you can plan on running this race next year.

42nd Annual Distance Classic: Marshfield 10 Miler

On August 21, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The Marshfield Road Runners are pleased to announce that they will be hosting their 42nd Annual Distance Classic with some exciting changes this year. Formerly known as the Marshfield Road Runners 20K and taking place in late August the event will now be known as the Marshfield 10 Miler and takes place on Sunday September 13.

Join runners from across the region for a classic, old school New England Road Race on a fair, but challenging route. Cash prizes and running gift cards for overall and age group winners and a post race celebration at The Tavern in Marshfield. Look us up on Facebook and register through RaceWire.

Registration https://racewire.com/register.php?id=5178 and check the race out on Facebook www.facebook.com/MarshVegas10.

10 Miles on the Lexington Battle Road

On August 9, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Thanks to my buddy Fitzy for meeting me on the Lexington Battle Road for a 10 miler yesterday morning. The Lexington Battle Road is a historic site situated within the Minute Man National Historic Park which is a beautiful expanse of paths winding along and makes for some dynamite running.

We met up at the Hartwell Tavern parking lot in Lincoln and started off on the Battle Road for 10 miles. Fortunately we started at 8 AM and there is nice shade cover for a good chunk of the run which helped keep the way moderately cool. Hartwell Tavern is a restored 18th century home and tavern. It sits on a beautifully restored section of the actual “Battle Road.” It was here at the time of the battle on April 19, 1775 and is what we call a witness house.

As you run through the Battle Trail, remnants of the American Revolution inclusive of properties, grave markers and more keep you interested as you make your ten mile journey along the Battle Road.

RHS Dog Dash 2015

On July 29, 2015 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for the RHS Dog Dash 2015, a 5K race to support the Rockland High School Hockey Team in Rockland, Massachusetts. The race takes place on August 22nd at 9AM and is a great way to get an early morning summer run in and beat the midday heat all while supporting a great cause.

High school athletics is always a great mission to support as the importance of balancing education with extra-curricular activities is something that every student should have the opportunity to participate in. Though my hockey career was always of the street hockey variety, building the foundations of teamwork, discipline and cooperation on the ice are something we all can support.

T-Shirts are guaranteed for all participants that register onine. Awards for overall winners will be provided and there will be raffles to partake in race day, as well!

Top register for the RHS Dog Dash 2015, please click here. Hope to see a lot of runners at the RHS Dog Dash 5K supporting Rockland Hockey!