Boston Marathon Weekend Is Here!

On April 14, 2012 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Boston Marathon weekend is here! In two days, Beth Ann and I will be heading out to Hopkinton to cross the starting line and make our way along the 26.2 miles of road ending in downtown Boston. The experience is sure to be one we will never forget and both the nerves, anticipation and excitement are all starting to really kick in.

To all the other runners out there, please be safe. To fans along the course, please support runners with water, ice, cold towels, whatever you might be able to do. If you see a runner struggling, ask if they are okay. The anticipated heat is going to be intense and below is a message from the Boston Athletic Association.

Advisory From Boston Marathon Medical Directors to Entrants in the 2012 Boston Marathon
Saturday, April 14, 2012 as of 11:30 a.m.

We are looking closely at the current weather situation which is projected to be quite warm. The B.A.A. is closely monitoring this situation for for race day decisions. If the temperatures reach certain levels, running will put even the most fit athletes at risk for heat injury.

We are now making the recommendation that if you are not highly fit or if you have any underlying medical conditions (for example-cardiac disease, pulmonary disease or any of a number of medical problems), you should NOT run this race.

Inexperienced marathoners should not run.

Those who have only trained in a cooler climate and who may not be acclimated (for at least the last 10 days) to warm weather running conditions should also consider not running.

For those very fit athletes who decide to run, you should take significant precautions:

Run at a slower pace and maintain hydration.
You should frequently take breaks by walking instead of running.

This will not be a day to run a personal best. If you choose to run, run safely above all else. Speed can kill.

Heat stroke is a serious issue and is related to intensity of running as well as the heat and humidity.

Good hydration is important but over hydration can also be a problem. Thirst is an indication that you are under-hydrated. You should maintain hydration levels slightly greater than your hydration program in your training, but not excessively so.

Even the fittest athletes, that take precautions can still suffer serious heat illness. Recognizing symptoms of heat illness in yourself and others is critical , this may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these, stop running immediately and if symptoms persist seek medical attention.

Boston Marathon Co-Medical Directors,
Dr. Pierre d’Hemecourt and Dr. Sophia Dyer

On April 9, 2012 By The Running Griffin1 Comment

Please consider supporting this awesome cause and get a great tech shirt to train in, as well!

Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse Annual Road Race: Register Today!

On March 31, 2012March 31, 2012 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

One of the best things about the summer is being able to head down to Cape Cod and race along the Atlantic Ocean. The Cape has several amazing road races and this year I am heading down to Truro to take part in the Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse Annual Road Race for the first time ever.

Cape Cod’s oldest lighthouse, locally known as the Highland Light, is officially named “Cape Cod Light” on the NOAA nautical chart for the region. It sits perched 120 feet above the ocean in the Highlands of Truro. Its beam shines 174 ft. above sea level to give mariners warning of the treacherous sandbars off this shore. The Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse is a major attraction for visitors to Cape Cod.

The race takes part on Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 26th and has a nice early start at 9AM which allows you to enjoy the rest of the day. Included in the race fee is a free tour of the historic lighthouse.

Register today for the Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse Annual Road Race today by clicking here or online here and I will see you there on race day.

Marathon Training Proves that Feet Matter: Welcome FootMatters!

On March 26, 2012March 26, 2012 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

If you have ever trained for a marathon you likely have noticed that you start to feel pain in new spots that you didn’t previously notice pain creeping in. After a long run, perhaps your back or hips might bother, your knee might feel a little tender after running 18 miles or perhaps your feet are just plain old tired after pounding on the pavement for a while. While having a good pair of sneakers is essential, having proper orthotic inserts also can go a really long way. I recently came across the brand FootMatters and have noticed some marked improvements in my during-run gait, less pain while out on the run and quicker recovery time after my long runs.

The FootMatters orthotics prides themselves on providing the right arch stabilization to provide runners with better in-run impact and thereby resulting in less pain. Whether you are training for a 5k or a marathon, these orthotics are comfortable and effective and provide great support. Having previously completed a marathon, I truly feel as though my training this time around has been improved thanks to the utilization of FootMatters.

FootMatters are quite reasonably priced and I can assure you that for the asking price it is far less than the deductible I paid when I had an arthroscope done on my knee a few years back. Do yourself a favor and listen to your achy back, sore knee or tired feet and purchase a pair of FootMatters today. You won’t be disappointed!

Glutton for Punishment: Seagull Six in Falmouth Today

On March 25, 2012March 25, 2012 By The Running Griffin1 Comment

Today I was off to the Woods Hole portion of Falmouth, Massachusetts for the 35th Annual Seagull Six Road Race. Now a six mile road race is usually not a big deal for me, but after doing 20 miles yesterday as part of my Boston Marathon training needless to say I was a bit sore and on the ride down to Falmouth was so tempted to pull into a diner and have breakfast instead of going off to run. Fortunately I opted to not go for the corned beef hash and eggs with rye toast and instead made it to the starting line for the run.

The Seagull Six is an absolutely amazing race that has you climbing hills for a good portion of the race. A portion of the course is the along the same roads as the Cape Cod Marathon and Falmouth Road Race and the six miles of running is a good challenge. Running along the Atlantic Ocean especially when climbing near Nobska Lighthouse makes for some breathtaking views. The finish of the race has you climbing once again in mile 5 before you head on a nice, quick down hill heading back into Woods Hole and into the finish.

Post-race festivities took place at Captain Kidd and heading back home a coffee and pastry from Pie in the Sky Bakery & Cafe absolutely hit the spot!

Even after running 20 miles yesterday, I felt pretty strong out there today and was pleased with how I ran the race. The uphills did not bother me too much and after the race I was nowhere near as tight as I thought I would be. I finished the race (which is actually 5.74 miles) with a time of 45:45 or 7:58/miles.