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Frozen Pilgrim Road Race

On By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

If you live pretty much anywhere in the United States you are probably in the midst of some downright frigid temperatures and many of us are being walloped by a snow storm right now. Might not be easy to define this as “running conditions”but this morning it was off to Marshfield, Massachusetts to run the Frozen Pilgrim Road Race before about 2 feet of snow hits the region.

This race is the January Grand Prix race for the Thirsty Irish Runners and the five mile route was going to serve as the distance for the series. However, wisely given the snow about to hit coupled with the temps being in the low teens at race time, yesterday the race director changed the race to a 3 mile course (which tracked to just about a 5K) and moved the race up an hour so runners could finish up the run and head home safely before the snow really starts flying.

It was cold, like real cold, out on the course so bundling up and including hand warmers in the gloves was a must. The race kicked off exactly at 9AM which is always appreciated by runners when races start on time. The course took runners around the high school and middle school grounds of Marshfield before heading out on a quick out-and-back stretch through a neighboring residential neighborhood. There were a couple little hills mixed into the course for good measure but most of the course the challenge was catching your breath in the cold more than worrying about traversing up steep uphills stretches. The snow started a bit earlier than forecasted with just flurries coming down while out on the course but upon heading home the race director absolutely made the right call changing the time and distance of the race as more snow started coming down quickly and the roads started to get covered.

Though cold out there, glad we still tackled the race and the warm and comfy couch and the Patriots game this afternoons sounds absolutely perfect.

Finished up the Frozen Pilgrim with a time of 26:15 good for 8:45/miles.

To those dealing with the cold and snow with this storm, keep warm and safe and see you back out on the roads soon enough!

Race Recap: Winter Lights 5K

On By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Last night we made our way to Pembroke, Massachusetts for the 14th Annual Winter Lights 5K. This is the first year we have done the race since it moved to Pembroke from Plymouth so we were excited to check out a new course and tackle the race that kicks off at 6:30 PM and features runners wearing festive holiday gear and lights for the holiday season 5K.

Certainly not a knock against the race or the organizers but the Plymouth location was just so much better for the run. The atmosphere in downtown Plymouth for years had a different vibe to it as the downtown streets were closed off for the run, a small parade, Christmas tree lighting and more. The local stores and restaurants were packed with people and there were multiples the amount of runners as there were in Pembroke last night. That said, the Pembroke race provided a good course and runners all having a good time while out on the course.

The weather was interesting as there was a brief bit of rain earlier in the late afternoon and moisture in the air made for some tricky icy spots on the course that runners called out while traveling the route. Sidewalks and road shoulders were the iciest spots but there was a good amount of black ice along the way that you needed to be careful on while running to ensure you didn’t end up slipping on but runners took care of each other and called out icier spots as they noticed them.

The course for the Winter Lights 5K in Pembroke was a good one and the roads were nicely patrolled and controlled by the Pembroke Police Department ensuring runners had a good experience while out on the streets. There was a really steep hill in the back half of the race that made for some challenging climbing and a few rollers here and there were sprinkled in for good measure. Many residents along the route were out cheering the illuminated runners on, some adorning their own holiday gear; others with fire pits, food, drink and merriment out at the end of the driveway. For those Grinches who lived along the race route and didn’t come outside to cheer runners along, you missed a good opportunity for some holiday cheer and “Bah Humbug” I say to you.

Mrs. Running Griffin and I ran the Winter Lights 5K together and clocked in a time of 31:16, good for 10:03/miles. With some ice and hills, not a bad time at all for us running together along the way.