Motivated to Succeed

December 21, 2024

15% off for Fast Running Blog members at St. George Running Center!

Location:

Pittsfield,MA,

Member Since:

Jul 02, 2008

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Boston Qualifier

Running Accomplishments:

2006 Mohawk Hudson River Marathon (NY)
2007 Vermont City Marathon (VT)
2011 BPAC 6 Hour Run (NY)
2011 Mind the Ducks 12 Hour (NY)
2012 Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #1 (IN)
2012 Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #2 (IN)
2012 BPAC 6 Hour Run (NY)
2012 Mind the Ducks 12 Hour (NY)
2012 Memorial Day Marathon (MA)
2012 Around the Lake 12 Hour (MA)
2012 Hancock Shaker Village 50 (MA)
2012 Bay State Marathon (MA)
2012 First Descents Marathon (DE)
2013 Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #1 (IN)
2013 Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #2 (IN)
2013 Circular Logic Marathon (IN)
2013 Lake Waramaug 50M (CT)
2013 BPAC 6 Hour Run (NY)
2013 Ragnar Cape Cod Ultra Team (MA)
2013 Memorial Day Marathon (MA)
2013 Relay For Life No. Berkshire (MA)
2013 Ragnar Adirondack Ultra Team (MA)
2013 BayState Marathon (MA)
2013 One Day At the Fair Marathon (NJ)
2013 West Palm Beaches Marathon (FL)
2014 Arena Attack XL Center Marathon (CT)
2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #1 (IN)
2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #2 (IN)
2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #3 (IN)
2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #4 (IN)
2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #5 (IN)
2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #6 (IN)
2014 Circular Logic Marathon (IN)

Personal Bests:

400 - 1:01 (2004)
800 - 2:16 (2004)
Mile - 5:12 (2004)
2Mile - 11:27 (2004)
5k - 19:44 (2005)
10k 40:46 (11/22/07)
15k - 1:07:40 (11/11/07)
13.11 Half - 1:38:31 (12/9/07)
Marathon 3:59:18 (1/25/14)
50 miles 11:44 (5/14/11)

Eagle Scout with Bronze and Gold Palms (2002)

Biked from Ticonderoga, New York to Old Orchard Beach, Maine in August of 2005 (Total of about 290 miles

Short-Term Running Goals:

200 miles @ 72 Hour Race in May

Under 200 #

Sub 4:00 Marathon

Long-Term Running Goals:

QUALIFY AND RUN IN THE BOSTON MARATHON.

Personal:

I am 27. Have done 33 marathons and ultras. Really trying to get in shape to get back to running the miles I want to. I love to read and worked for four years in a bookstore. I like to keep track of the books I read. Currently I work as a 6th & 7th grade history teacher at the only charter school in Berkshire County, as well as serve as the coach for the cross country team! Been experimenting as a pescatarian (eating only fish) since August 10, 2011.

Just earned my Master's Degree in Adolescent Education for Social Studies. I have the most wonderful WIFE in the entire world.. EMMA! October 16, 2010

Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must. Just never give up! - Dean Karnazes -

We are all teachers and we are all students in this sport. - Dean Karnazes -

The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward at an accelerated rate can be one of life's greatest - and simplest - pleasures. ~Dean Karnazes

"Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny." - MK Gandhi

"The marathon mercilessly rips off the outer layers of our defenses and leaves the raw human, vulnerable and naked. It is here you get an honest glimpse into the soul of an individual. Every insecurity and character flaw is open and on display for all the world to see. No communication is ever more real, no expression ever more honest. There is nothing left to hide behind. The marathon is the great equalizer. Ever movement, every word spoken and unspoken, is radiant truth. The veil has been obliterated. These are the profound moments of human interaction that I live for." - Dean Karnazes

Benn Griffin

C reate Your Badge{C}

2014 Books I've Read:

Favorite Blogs:

Click to donate

to Ukraine's Armed Forces

Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00
Vibram Five Fingers KSO Lifetime Miles:						367.52
Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Lifetime Miles:						570.38
Vibram Bikilas (red) Lifetime Miles:						655.87
Vibram Bikilas (blue) Lifetime Miles:						414.89
Altra Lone Peak Lifetime Miles:						155.19
Lizzy Miles 2012 Lifetime Miles:						58.60
Vibram Komodo Sport (black) Lifetime Miles:						195.60
NB Trail Minimus (orange) Lifetime Miles:						101.74
Altra Instinct (grey) Lifetime Miles:						389.78
Vibram Bikilas (red #2) Lifetime Miles:						10.60
Vibram Bikilas (green) Lifetime Miles:						230.05
Altra Adams Lifetime Miles:						2.00
Merrell Road Glove Lifetime Miles:						46.11

Tue, Dec 09, 2008

Running Miles	Swimming Yards	Bike Miles
0.00	0.00	30.00

11:00 AM - A little warmer than the last two days. We got three inches of fresh snow last night and finally it climbed out of the single digits. Now they are saying it might be warmer than normal. Go figure. Haven't had time to get in a ride in almost a week with working Friday, Saturday, Sunday and finishing final projects to hand in. It has been quite eventful! Finally done with this semester on Thursday night for a month break. I really need it!

Update on the achilles/foot issues: Feet did not hurt nearly as much this weekend at work. I found that new stretch and strength exercise which is supposed to help the posterior tibial tendons. I have been doing the toe raises in the "^" shape, 3 sets x 12 reps about two or three times a day and have already started to see a difference. Had a strange "pop" sound from behind my left knee yesterday when I stood up from wrapping gifts, but it only hurt for a few hours and pain is mainly gone today.

Hopped on the bike and used the wind trainer today. Did 90 minutes of nice solid riding. Really needed a good ride :). Drank 48 oz. of water on the ride. I was amazed I was that thirsty. Also, as I finished 50:50 last week, I decided to revisit Ultramarathon Man by Karnazes and read 125 pages of that while on the bike. Arm exercises and 250 crunches.

Make it a great day!

Total Time: 1:31:00 Total Distance: 30 mi Average Speed: 19.8 mph

SWEET! ORTHOTICS ARE DONE! JUST GOT THE CALL. BAD PART: CAN'T FIT ME IN UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY :(. Bummer! But at least I am one step closer to being a runner again! Woo hoo!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00	Nap Time: 0.00	Total Sleep Time: 0.00	Weight: 179.00

Comments

From Nevels on Tue, Dec 09, 2008 at 13:50:16

I've read Ultramarathon Man, but I have yet to get to 50:50. Is it any good?

Glad to hear that your feet are feeling better.

From marion on Tue, Dec 09, 2008 at 14:00:05

Yeah for some pain reprieve! Hang in there man! You have got it MUCH worse out there! We just got about an inch and we are still in the 20's! I am asking for a Spiderman ski mask for christmas. I am going to be ROCKIN!! I want some red running tights too. I need to make my list so the family knows my deepest desires!!!

From The Howling Commando on Tue, Dec 09, 2008 at 14:40:26

Nevels: 50:50 was awesome! Karnazes has the heart of a lion and the legs of a tank. Even after 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states, he went and started running home from NYC to Philly and then west, past the Mississippi until he had a Forrest Gump like epiphony. You'll enjoy it if you liked Ultramarathon Man.

Marion - Thanks! I am hoping my new orthotics will further help matters! I can't wait to hear about your escapades in new running attire! haha

From Brent on Tue, Dec 09, 2008 at 21:59:42

Benn, once running is in the sole, your always a runner. good to hear your getting better.

Stay Kool, B of BS Rools out

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