12th Annual Christopher’s Run for Diabetes

On May 26, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

It is always nice when a race is nearby a and supports an important cause, as well. This morning it was just a quick skip over to West Bridgewater for the 12th Annual Christopher’s Run for Diabetes. Mrs. Running Griffin has two brothers who have diabetes so supporting a cause that has direct impact upon one’s family is really a nice touch. This 5k race is held in honor of local resident Christopher Nelson who was diagnosed with diabetes when he was two years old and all proceeds from the race go toward the work that the American Diabetes Association is conducting to find a cure for diabetes.

The 5k is a great Memorial Day race and brings runners together from across the region for a moderately challenging 5k. The race takes off and gradually climbs for the first half of the race and then turns into a downhill grade for the second half. The course has great volunteer support along the way and a water stop is present about half-way through the race. As the course takes you through residential neighborhoods there are folks along the way cheering you along.

This morning started off rainy and overcast but for race time the sun broke free from the clouds and the race time temperature warmed up quite nicely. The heat could be felt when in the sun and summer time racing is upon us; thank goodness!

I finished today’s 12th Annual Christopher’s Run for Diabetes with a time of 23:08 or 7:24/miles.

Will Run for Beer

On April 27, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Let’s face it: some things are just meant to go with one another. Peanut butter and jelly, corned beef and cabbage, Chinese food followed by ice cream and so on. Add to the list beer and running. After a run, there is often times nothing more refreshing than a cool beer to help you get some calories back into the system and cool down after hitting the pavement. This weekend it was a back-to-back weekend of racing with a 5k on both Saturday and Sunday and low and behold each race had a nice beer theme to it.

Yesterday I traveled to Canton, Massachusetts for the Blue Hills Brewery 2nd Annual South Shore Trail Run. Runners checked in at the brewery and then boarded a trolley to the starting line which was just down the road a bit within the State Park and around Ponkapoag Pond. The race time conditions were quite gross with temperatures in the low 40’s and a rather heavy dousing of rain pouring down on runners. The race was an informal sort of fun run with no real timing taking place and the course not marked or marshaled, causing a couple of other runners along with myself to run a wee bit further than the 5k we signed up for. The course was rather sloppy from the rain but after having done so many pavement miles training for Boston it was nice to mix things up a little bit. Post-race, runners boarded the shuttle bus back to the brewery where everyone was able to enjoy two free beers and some light snacks. One of the best surprises of the race was when the race director gave every single runner a case of Blue Hills Brewery’s IPA. Not a bad deal!

This morning, we headed for Cambridge, Massachusetts for the Spring Classic 5k. This race started just in front of the Asgard Pub and just shy of 3000 of our closest friends hit the streets of Cambridge for a nice 5k run. Having done a race that started at the Asgard before, I liked this course much better since it wasn’t just an out-and-back and instead you hit some residential neighborhoods of Cambridge along the way. I felt quite good at the race, particularly after doing a trail run yesterday and after completing the Boston Marathon less than a week ago. Overall, my time was 24:16 which is good for 7:48/miles.

Post-race, runners were treated to fresh beer being poured by Jack’s Abby as well as cases of cans of 21st Amendment Brewery‘s IPA and Watermelon Wheat. Back in my younger days I would have made a pretty nice dent here but instead after enjoying one IPA, thanks to the generosity of my brother who came to watch us run the race, we treated ourselves to Flour Bakery before heading back home.

FOP Lodge #28 Five Mile 50/50 Charity Run

On March 8, 2014 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

We all know that runners have some of the biggest hearts when it comes to running for charity. We sign up for races that support causes, run marathons to fundraise for charities that are important to us and support other runners in their fundraising efforts. Here is a great race that exemplifies the charitable efforts of the running community.

Join the FOP Lodge #28 for their Five Mile Charity Run. This event is 5 Mile 50/50 Charity Run. Course is mainly flat in a rural area. During the on-line registration process you will be asked to designate which 501(c) 3 charity you would like to register for a chance to win 50% of the profits from this event. Once all race expenses are paid MA. FOP Lodge #28 will keep 50% of the profits. All registered runners and the name of your chosen charity will be entered into a drawing. At the end of the run a name will be drawn and that runner’s chosen charity wins the other 50%!!!! NO T-SHIRTS will be given out to keep the cost of the event down thus more money for the charity. Each participant will receive a commemorative inscribed bronze medallion as a memento.

Open for early and day of registration at 7:30am. Indoor facilities are available with plenty of parking. Run begins at 9am!!!! Course is a 5 mile loop in a rural area, mostly flat with one water stop. Post race refreshments will be provided. In lieu of t-shirts all runners will receive a commemorative bronze medallion recognizing their participation in this charity event. NO PETS allowed on the running course. Run takes place rain or shine. Trophies will be given for top overall Male and Female winner. Awards for First and Second Place, Male and Female in all age divisions. 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.

To register for this race, please click here.

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.