Back on My Feet 5K: Kicking Off 2014 Right

On January 1, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Thank God the holidays are over otherwise the name of this website would need to be changed from The Running Griffin to The Rolling Gargantuan. Delicious ham, cookies of all shapes and sizes and microbrews that just needed to be sampled all helped me gear up for a long hibernation if necessary.

Now that the New Year is upon us, thankfully the impetus to shed the holiday pounds and hit the pavement again is back front and center. This morning it was off to the Back on My Feet 5k in Norwood, Massachusetts. This race was organized by Winged Foot Running and sponsored by Charles River Running and proceeds from the race benefits Back on My Feet.

The race started and finished at the Knights of Columbus on Nichols Street in Norwood and race time temperature was a chilly 21 degrees. There was a decent breeze from time to time which added a really nice tailwind on one street which turned to a noticeable headwind the last .3 miles or so. Prior to the race, the Back on My Feet running club present for the race encouraged all race participants to form a large circle, as they do every morning before they run, and recite a serenity prayer. This was a new and interesting addition to the race that certainly was unique and impressive. The race course included several of the same roads as other Norwood races such as the Norwood Turkey Trot and the Joseph and Rose Gilio Road Race that leaves from St. Timothy’s Church. For the most part the course was flat except for a gradual uphill section of the course between miles 1 and 2. A water stop along the course was just shy of the 2 mile marker and was perfect for those runners who needed a quick drink either because of the run or the festivities of New Year’s Eve the night before.

I finished today’s Back on My Feet 5k with a time of 24:31 which is good for 7:53/miles. Not a bad way to start off 2014 on the right foot. Many miles to go!

About Back on My Feet

Back on My Feet (BoMF) is a national for-purpose 501(c)3 organization that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so they can make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living.

The organization’s mission is not to create runners within the homeless population, but to use running to create self-sufficiency in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. The program’s success is measured by how many Members achieve independence through employment and housing.

Through dedication and hard work, Residential Members (those experiencing homelessness) earn the opportunity to create a new road for themselves. Running leads to personal transformation and dedication to the program leads to access to training, employment and housing resources. Through community and corporate support, the program strives to change the perception of homelessness.

Shubeez Joins The Running Griffin!

On December 24, 2013December 24, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The Running Griffin would like to welcome shubeez to our website! We are proud to announce that The Running Griffin is a new affiliate for shubeez!

What are shubeez? shubeez are unique collectable shoe tags that attach securely to the laces of any athletic footwear shubeez are unique collectable shoe tags that attach securely to the laces of any athletic footwear and we are creating a buzz for some awesome organizations. Everything we do gives back, whether it’s creating awareness for a cause or raising funds. shubeez are sold online right here at their online store but they can also create a custom shubeez for your brand including non-profits, sports teams, PTOs, and charity races.

If you are interested in a custom option for your charity or organization, please contact me via email as I am a shubeez affiliate and can work with you to have your shubeez designed, ordered and produced. You can contact me via email at therunninggriffin@gmail.com.

Register for the Back on My Feet 5K

On December 19, 2013December 19, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

2nd Annual Back on My Feet Day 5K

New Year’s Day Road Race will benefit Back on My Feet, the Boston non-profit that uses running to give homeless a second chance.

Winged Foot Running and Charles River Running are once again teaming with the Back on My Feet organization to bring you the 2nd Annual Back on My Feet 5K on New Year’s Day. On January 1, 2013 we celebrated our inaugural race with more than 200 runners and we are looking to build on those numbers for January 1, 2014 !!! The race, sponsored by Charles River Running, Winged Foot Running and Liberty Mutual begins at 10 a.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 572 Nichols Street, Norwood, MA.

The race will feature the same fast and relatively flat course as last year (see attached course map) and runners will once again be served a hot, post race breakfast of pancakes, Canadian bacon, and fresh fruit!!! The first 200 registered runners will receive a free long sleeve tee shirt!!! We also will have a limited quantity of knit running gloves available on race day which will be on a first come first basis! There are two easy ways to sign up….1.) Online registration (https://millenniumreg.com/back-on-my-feet-5k), just click on this link and sign up. 2.) if you choose to pay by check, please fill out the attached race application and send by mail as soon as possible!! Race applications will also be available at Charles River Running located at 679 Washington St., Norwood, MA.

CASH PRIZES will go to the Top 3 overall male and female finishers and for the top male and female teams!! MEDALS will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each age group!! We will also be awarding special prizes for the BEST BABY NEW YEAR costume and FATHER TIME costume! Sign up today and get ready to ring in the New Year with a great race, food, fun and friends!!!!!

Back on My Feet, a national non-profit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of the homeless by first engaging them in running to build confidence, strength, and self-esteem, will serve as the race’s beneficiary with 100 percent of all net proceeds going to the Boston chapter.

For more information on Charles River Running, visit www.charlesriverrunning.com

For more information on Back on My Feet, visit www.backonmyfeet.org.

Pro-Tec Athletics Joins The Running Griffin

On December 14, 2013December 17, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The Running Griffin would like to welcome our newest sponsor Pro-Tec Athletics.

Pro-Tec Athletics was founded January 1991 in Los Angeles, California and began with one product, the Knee Pro-Tec patellar tendon strap. Owner, and former professional volleyball player, Jeff Rodgers first began selling to the volleyball market. As the company grew, it expanded its product offering and reached out to new markets. The running market became the next frontier and Pro-Tec quickly capitalized on an opportunity manufacturing specialized supports for running injuries.

As an all-around leader for your sports medicine needs for injuries such as iliotibial band syndrome, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, just to name a few, Pro-Tec Athletics is prepared to do what it takes to keep you injury free, “supporting” your active lifestyle.

I have recently started to use Pro-Tec’s product called The Orb. The Orb provides a multi-directional roll that allows for a focused massage to target areas. The Orb provides a deep tissue massage that:

1) Reduces muscle fatigue and tightness
2) Promotes flexibility
3) Enhances performance

The Orb provides similar functionality to a foam roller however it allows for a more targeted massage that really allows you to work out the muscles both pre- and post-run. The size of The Orb also allows for greater portability so you can toss it in your running bag and take on the go with you.

If you are a runner, be sure to check out Pro-Tec Athletics for some amazing products that are sure to help you maintain a healthy running lifestyle!

Please be sure to “Like” Pro-Tec Athletics on Facebook by clicking here and follow them on Twitter @ProTecAthletics.

Winter is Here: Walter’s Run in West Roxbury

On December 8, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

The cold New England air set in this morning as we made our way to West Roxbury, Massachusetts for a great 5K called Walter’s Run. Walter’s Run was the final Grand Prix for the Thirsty Irish Runners and fortunately the race started at 11AM to allow a little bit of warming up to take place.

Walter’s Run starts at the YMCA in West Roxbury and is put on by the Parkway Running Club. In 2004, PRC started Walter’s Run to honor a very special friend and member, Walter Burgess. Walter passed away suddenly in November 2003 at the age of 40 shortly after having completed the Great Floridian Ironman Triathlon. Walter was an active PRC member, Club Secretary and Newsletter Editor. He was an amazing athlete, forever working out either at the Y, on his bike, or running on the roads. More importantly, Walter was an incredible friend and inspiration. He was always there to run the slower members into the finish line, to organize the marathon long runs or group ski trip, to cheer others on, or to give us a big smile after a training run or race no matter the length.

The Boston Globe Santa fund was one of Walter’s favorite charities that he donated to regularly, even as a child. To more fully demonstrate Walter’s love of community and running, they have expanded the organizations receiving proceeds from Walter’s Run to include the YMCA Reach Out Campaign and a fund to send deserving young runners to running camp using Walter Burgess Scholarships.

The course for this race is a nice 5K loop that takes runners through residential neighborhoods of West Roxbury. Along the way, even with the cold temperatures, some spectators cheered runners along including City Councilor Matt O’Malley and Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley. Between miles 2 and 3 is a monster hill that runners trudge their way up before heading back into another residential neighborhood before hitting a nice downhill finish. Though I have run this race and this hill before, the uphill today took its toll and it was tough getting up the hill with the colder air entering the lungs on each breath in.

Overall, not a bad day of running at Walter’s Run with a finishing time of 24:24 or 7:52/miles. Thanks to all the Thirsty Irish Runners for making it another great year of Grand Prix racing!