2013 Fred Brown Lake Winnipesaukee Relay

On September 8, 2013September 8, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

It was an early morning yesterday leaving home at 4:30 AM to meet up with a fellow Thirsty Irish Runner to make the two hour drive up to the Lake Winnipeseaukee region of New Hampshire for the 2013 Fred Brown Lake Winnipesaukee Relay. The relay is an iconic relay race put on by the North Medford Running Club and features 65.1 miles of running around Lake Winnipesaukee with 8 legs and 5-8 runners on each team. The race starts and finishes at a large arcade called The Fun Spot.

After making the drive up we met up with our other teammates and received our running assignments. I was given the third leg which features 9.3 miles of running from Alton Bay to Kingswood High School in Wolfeboro. The race website notes that this leg is a “hilly course” which is a pretty good underestimation. Though much of the 65.1 miles have some good hills mixed in, I felt to be climbing and descending for many of my miles. I definitely could have fueled better and the sun baked down on the stretch of my leg that was along an unshaded highway. Thankfully there was some great support from both my teammates and other teams and spectators along the way that provided me with water and Gatorade.

This was my first relay and it was a unique experience. It was pretty awesome to be able to check out so many different areas and root your teammates and others along throughout the race. There was a nice camaraderie built not just between our team but other teams, as well. Of course, when your team is complete with two support vehicles and a camper you really have a way of making an impression when pulling into exchange points. There were a lot of teams that were from running clubs we traditionally don’t see so it was good seeing some new faces but still seeing some familiar friends from groups like Somerville Road Runners and the Colonial Road Runners.

After our final runners on both of our teams came into the finish line we celebrated with a great team barbecue before hitting the road for the two hour ride back home. With a cup of coffee in hand and a maple cider donut in the gut the ride, all in all it was a nice day and a good experience to take part in the 2013 Fred Brown Lake Winnipesaukee Relay.

Charles River Center 5K

On September 4, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

On October 6th the Charles River Center will be hosting their third annual 5K road race and 1 Mile walk. The Charles River Center is a human service agency in Needham, providing services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism from Greater Boston throughout MetroWest communities. You can learn more at http://www.charlesrivercenter.org

This race has awesome sponsors! This race has had over 500 participants the last two years and they hope to do even better in 2013!

Mery Daniel, one of the Boston Marathon bombing survivors will be participating, and we are tremendously blessed to have the power of her advocacy for the folks that we serve. You can read more about Mery here. Mery’s husband Richardson has been a longtime employee of CRC and we stand in awe of their courage and determination. There is a place to make an additional donation directly to her during the registration process or in person on race day.

You can register for the Charles River Center 5k by clicking here. If you don’t run, you can walk in the 1 Mile Walk event.

This is a USATF certified course. The first 300 to register get a free tech-shirt and everyone gets a swag bag filled with stuff you’ll actually use! In addition to doing something that is cheap and supporting a great cause, you will easily be able to out-drink the cost of your entry fee with the ice cold FREE Sam Adams beer that is flowing at the finish line.

2nd Annual FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run

On September 2, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run. Last year I was lucky enough to place 2nd in my age division in this race that serves as the ideal way to kick off the New Year on the right foot. You can read the race recap from last year’s run by clicking here.

This 5 mile race takes place throughout a rural, residential course and the race is nicely supported from start to finish. Runners receive a long sleeve tee-shirt and a hot breakfast post-run complete with eggs, sausage, coffee and more.

This race supports the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police and last year’s run included some Massachusetts corrections officers running in the race.

The 2nd Annual FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run will kick off from the VFW Hall in Norton, Massachusetts.

To register for the 2nd Annual FOP Lodge #28 Frozen Five New Years Day Run please click here. I look forward to seeing you at the race!

The Jamie Fund 5K

On August 24, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

This morning it was up to Mansfield, Massachusetts for The Jamie Fund 5K. The Jamie Fund Organization believes it is important to educate typically developing children about acceptance of the special needs children in their communities. The star of the day was Jamie, for whom the fund is named, who performed a flawless rendition of the Star Spangled Banner!

The race time temperature at 10AM was absolutely perfect with the sun shining bright and temperatures in the 70s. The race started and finished at a school so there was plenty of parking available and good room for a pre-run warmup. Special thanks to Marathon Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine for a pre-run stretching that certainly was beyond needed.

The course was a great 5K loop that was well staffed by both the Mansfield Police Department and race volunteers. There was a water stop at both Mile 1 and Mile 2 which was a nice bonus as several 5K races only opt for one water stop. The course took runners through residential side streets away from significant amounts of traffic for the most part and the trees along these residential roads provided a nice shade cover to the morning sun.

The final mile of the race was a rather noticeable uphill climb before it flattened out heading back into the finish line.

I finished The Jamie Fund 5K with a great time of 22:51 or 7:21/miles.

If you are looking for a great organization to support, please visit The Jamie Fund’s website by clicking here.

Quincy Animal Hospital Cause for Paws 5k Run

On August 21, 2013 By The Running GriffinLeave a comment

Do dogs chase griffins? If so, this might be a fast race for The Running Griffin!

Join The Running Griffin at the Quincy Animal Hospital Cause for Paws 5K Run and 1 Mile Dog Walk to be held at Squantum Point Park in Quincy, Massachusetts on October 20, 2013. The 5K race starts at 10AM and the 1 mile dog walk begins shortly thereafter at 10:15.

This 5K and 1 mile dog walk will help to raise funds for the Quincy Animal Shelter. This is a professionally timed race and runners can register online by clicking here. Vendors, refreshments, a dog agility course and Police K9 demo are all part of the festivities so this race is one you do not want to miss!

There will be a prize for the best costumed dog in Halloween gear so runners, be creative! Maybe a dog dressed like Usain Bolt or Prefontaine?

Register today for this great race that will support the Quincy Animal Hospital. Runners, get ready to sprint like a greyhound and register today!

(For more information about walker registration, please click here.)