I have always seen different shoe inserts at different race expos and never really thought I needed them for my own running adventures. To me, it seemed as though perhaps my own running sneakers were good enough and that a sneaker insert was more for someone with some sort of strange knee or foot related ailment.

Recently, I came across Sof Sole’s FIT insoles and decided to give them a try. My race yesterday was the first time I had run with them in and must say the difference was quite remarkable. After fitting the insoles into my racing sneakers, I put the sneakers on and immediately realized an extra level of cushion that embraced both of my feet. Though the sneakers at first seemed as though they might feel a bit heavy, in fact while running the race my feet were supported by the Sof Sole FIT insole and the typical pounding of the pavement that often times beats away at you during the course of the run was dramatically lessened. Post-race my feet felt strong and my legs seemed as though they had a little extra kick in them sprinting into the finish line.

In addition to the Sof Sole FIT insoles, I also recommend that you check out their Anti-Friction Performance socks which are absolutely ideal for runners. I have been using these prior to the insole usage and must say that whether running outside in hot weather or when running and walking on the treadmill at the end of the day, these socks are some of the best around. These socks allow your feet to breathe and hold up nicely on pavement, trails or treadmill surfaces. Another great product from the people at Sof Sole!

Didn’t have to travel far today to get a run in. Headed over to Bridgewater State University for the September 11th 5k Run/Walk which kicked off at 9AM. Following a brief 9/11 memorial service of some music, quick thoughts and moments of silence, a good turnout of BSU students, faculty and local residents took part in the community run.

The 5k was organized in a sort of fun-run fashion and was not a timed course. Mile markers were present at each of the miles and two water stops were staffed along the course. Even though the course was not timed, I felt pretty good running out there today and  a beautiful early fall morning made for ideal running conditions. Miniature American flags marked the turns along the course and the event was a great way to bring the community together. A run around the Bridgewater State campus really highlighted some of the remarkable growth the university is undergoing but also means that a run up Great Hill is of course a given.

What was nice about the race is that it was a $10 donation to participate and the funds raised will be put to good use. Fifty percent of the proceeds will be donated to Homes for Our Troops, which provides housing to soldiers returning home from war, and the other fifty percent will be donated to the Bridgewater Emergency Fund, which provides food and fuel assistance for people in Bridgewater that might need it.

Registration for Greg’s Run 5k in Lakeville, MA is now open. This race will take place on October 8, 2011 at 10AM at Apponequet Regional High School. You can register for the race and read more about the event by clicking here.

This race is in memory of Gregory Misodoulakis.

Gregory Misodoulakis was born in Nashua, NH on December 12, 1991, the oldest son of Greg and Celeste Misodoulakis. After spending his early childhood years in Londonderry, NH, his family moved to Freetown, MA in 2000 and moved to Lakeville, MA six years later.

Greg passed away on September 3, 2010 in a work-related accident a few days before he was to begin his studies at UMass Amherst. His family established the Gregory G. Misoudoulakis Memorial Scholarship to honor his memory and to help others realize their education goals and dreams. This annual scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors from Apponequet Regional High School who demonstrate a strong commitment to the school community, who aspire to pursue a liberal arts and/or education degree, and who, like Greg, truly “live in the moment.”

The Gregory G. Misodoulakis Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to help perpetuate Greg’s memory for future generations. Multiple scholarships will be awarded each year to a qualified Senior at Apponequet Regional High School who most embodies the fund’s established criteria:

• Volunteer work

• Contributes to the Apponequet community

• (Student government, Athletics, DECA, etc.)

• Interest in the Liberal Arts and/or History/Education

• Commitment to academic achievement

• Based on financial need

Come join Shining Stars Inc. in their first Turkey Trot to raise money to create a world of possibility for individuals with multiple handicaps. The race will begin promptly at 11:00AM in the picturesque Borderland State Park. In addition to the 5k walk/run they will be organizing a food drive. All items from the food drive will be donated to the Easton Food Bank.

Shining Stars Inc. is an organization dedicated to providing services for individuals with multiple handicaps. Their mission is to cultivate each individual’s potential using both traditional and unique methods. Shining Stars Inc. is a pioneer in the area of special education and rehabilitation focusing on each individual’s strengths and abilities instead of their differences.

This is a 5k run. The race will take part entirely in the picturesque Borderland State Park. The course will start in the open field next to the visitor’s center. From there it will go past a historical mansion once owned by the Ames family. After the mansion the course progresses through the wooded trails around 2 ponds, a cabin and back to the field and visitors center. The trails are compacted soil, with a few rocks and roots, as well as gravel in some areas.

To register for the race, please visit the official race website by clicking here.

Traveled into Cambridge, MA today for the Tavern to Tavern 5k. Rescheduled from last Sunday due to Hurricane Irene, the Tavern to Tavern 5k is a Point to Point race running from one Tavern in the Square to another. The race starts off near the Tavern in the Square located in Cambridge’s Central Square and the 5k course takes you through some residential neighborhoods until you finish up at the Tavern in the Square in Porter Square.

The course itself was relatively flat with a couple of good hills in the 2nd mile and then a quick and steep uphill toward the finish. After the quick uphill near the finish, there was then about a 200 yard quick downhill spring bringing you into the finish line.

There was a water stop about half-way through and then runners walked from the finish line across Mass. Ave. to the Porter Square Tavern in the Square where a large parking lot hosted the post-race party. Water, beer, burgers and hot dogs were available prior to boarding the red line back toward Central Square to grab the car.

Tee-shirts were provided to runners and a finisher medal was presented to everyone crossing the finish line. Felt really good today while out there and finished up the 5k with a time of 24:10 or 7:45/miles.