Motivated to Succeed

April 30, 2024

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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:

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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

Wed, Oct 08, 2008

Running Miles	Swimming Yards	Bike Miles
0.00	0.00	20.00

8:30 AM - Gorgeous day like yesterday. Didn't want to push it so opted for the wind trainer instead of a jog. Did the same routine as Monday and did 65 minutes on the wind trainer. I like that length of ride. Just enough to get a good cardio in. Hopefully I can work up to a longer ride once a week or once every 10 days during the winter, but for now I'll stick to the hour range. Today is going to be a great day. Sunny, low 50s. Makes me want to go apple picking!

Total Time: 1:05:00 Total Distance: 20 miles Average Speed: 18.4 mph

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

Comments

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 11:45:34

Hey, I popped over to check out your training- WOW!! You are a biking and running fool! ;) Great miles on foot and wheel!

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 11:47:54

Well you got one part of that right. I am a FOOL for sure! haha :-D Just trying to get in shape, and stay positive, and think ahead when I can race again. :) You aren't doing bad yourself!! You are pouring on the miles too!

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 12:02:03

Are you injured? Is that why you can't race, or are you just holding out for the perfect race? ;)

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 12:03:29

yeah I've had achilles issues since January 21st.. and though haven't had significant pain lately, the last few runs I've done my calf muscle has started to tighten up, oneo f the precursors to more achilles issues. It's been a really horrible year so far :( I did a ton of biking this summer though! :)

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 12:05:24

Are you doing any stretches for it? I have calf issues that are always knocking on the door of injury! :(

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 12:06:52

well I do all the ones I know how to, including while sitting, against a wall ones, and also doing the one foot behind the other with hands on the floor stretch. I'm just hoping it's my body getting used to running again. Hopefully I'll be back; I love distance running and had high hopes at running marathons. I just have to try a little harder to get my body to agree with my disposition

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 12:12:18

Our bodies can be such babies! Why don't they just give up and let us do what we want ;)

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 12:14:03

Tell me about it!! Although I'm just thankful that it puts up with the pounding it takes just getting out there for a quick jog. I am sure that if I train hard and stay positive though, good things are in order. Who knows, maybe all this time off of running, will equate to me being able to pull off a HUGE PR in the marathon when I come back to it :) My PR right now is like 4:26. Wouldn't it be something SURREAL if I took like 30 mins off of that time! haha. FOr now though I will keep the faith and keep plugging along :) Live to fight another day I guess!

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 12:58:21

Amen Commando!!! A huge PR would ROCK!! do you have a marathon planned?

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 13:10:51

Well I don't know really right now. I had planned on being better by now and had wanted to do a local one here (the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon) which I did in 2006 as well. Maybe I can aim to do the hilly Schroon Lake Marathon up in the Adirondacks. Very beautiful up there, challenging course, but it would be a lot of fun.

Benn

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 13:15:52

Your times are great! What does Sasha say about your marathon time? Your half looks like a sub 4 marathon to me- but I am a running idiot ;)

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 13:18:37

OH yeah. I ran a super halfmarathon in December and Jan. 1st I ran 1:38:33 (only 2 secs slower than my December PR). What I need to do though is get my body used to going the distance again. I think that I definitely could have a faster PR if I got all my long runs. Funny story about the PR in the half.. my longest run going into that was 16 miles which was a full mile farther than my longest runs for both of my marathons. (oops!) Next time I try the marathon I'm determined to at least have 3-4 20+ milers under my belt and that way can cruise all the way to the finish line!~

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 13:27:09

I have been watching Josse & MichelleL's training for SGM and they all seem to do similar plans with individual varaitions. You'll do great, once you dig in and pick one :)

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 13:33:01

Thanks, Marion :) One thing I have loved every minute since I joined the blog last year is that everyone is always supportive and willing to lend advice/critique when needed. :) I think 2009 is going to be a fantastic year!

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 13:50:10

100% You will come back, better, stronger, faster than before (remember the boinic man? is that before your time?)

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 13:53:19

I have heard of the bionic man but yeah it is before my time. I am 22 :D

From wheakory on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 13:54:20

Ben - Once you start running again there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to take an hour off your time. With a 1:38 Half you have potential to get a lot faster, and perform well in a marathon. Have you tried not riding your bike and just swim to heal the achillies?

Ben - your a talented guy, don't give up on the running.

From Scott Zincone on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 14:00:23

Good seeing you running again.

And speaking of the Bionic Man, I used to have that as a lunchbox in Kindergarten or 1st grade.

Here's a clip of the show's title sequence

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39co0zKbQAQ

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 14:01:35

Thanks Kory - You really think I could take a whole hour off my time?! Man that'd be sick!!! I don't know about the whole swimming thing. I don't really like it as much, stems from a self esteem thing and I don't like the idea of lifeguards staring at me haha. I probably should consider swimming though since it takes a lot of stress off the joints and all though right?

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 14:04:48

Thanks Scott! I LOVED that show! Good times ;)

Ben, you are a young man- you've got big places to go- and go there fast, you shall!!

From wheakory on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 14:08:23

Yes, If you trained with consistency every week when your achillies is better there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to take an hour off. My first marathon I trained about 30 to 40 miles a week and I ran a 3:49.

We just need to get you healed. Your young enough that you should be able to drop your time by starting out with a good aerobic base.

From The Howling Commando on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 14:10:44

Well at least that's uplifting. For now I guess through the winter I'll concentrate on getting and staying healthy! :)

From wheakory on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 14:17:40

The best thing you can do right now with your achillies bothering you is just stay fit. Do whatever you can to get some aerobice and anaerobic training in. I would suggest the swimming to really help giving your joints a bike from the biking everyday.

From Marion on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 14:31:13

With my calves- the doc had me lay off the biking a bit too. Swimming is great for you! The bike is also causing some trouble with my hip flexors and ITB.

From Nevels on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 15:35:47

When I had a stress fracture in my foot, I did a lot of swimming to try to stay in shape; it kept me in great cardio shape. My legs were a little weaker when I came back, but it didn't take long at all to get them back in shape with the cardio still there.

I, too, think that, given your other previous race times and your obvious willingness to seek out and execute a good, methodical training routine, you could easily take an hour off your marathon PR with consistent training after you're good and healthy.

From Brent on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 20:39:37

Benn, always appreciate your support. Hopefully, next year we can both run St.George. Hey, you can run a marathon on little running, but, it takes one heck of an effort at cross training. Hopefully, your schedule will allow the time.

Stay Kool, Howling Commandos Rool

From MichelleL on Thu, Oct 09, 2008 at 08:52:29

Marion - you found my NY buddy. Benn's the greatest, and no one deserves a 1 hr PR like my man Benn. He's worked so hard and has had a long road back. All he needs is some Dr. Brady magic :)

From marion on Thu, Oct 09, 2008 at 10:11:13

Yes he does!!!! Benn- you've got to find an amazing sports medicine chiropractor who also specialized in acutuncture and beating his patients into submission. Br BRady is a MASTER! Seriously, Dr brady is a MIRACLE worker. He had me running on my torn calf in three days. I'd been off it about a three weeks and it kept reinjuring. He beat me up and voila- I was healed! He beats Michelle every week and she is the speediest chick in all the west!

From The Howling Commando on Thu, Oct 09, 2008 at 10:47:31

Yeah I know I still haven't gone to anyone but that one orthopedic. If it doesn't get better soon I'll try to find someone I guess. Just reluctant because I don't like Docs very much.

From MichelleL on Thu, Oct 09, 2008 at 11:17:18

Don't lump all docs together. Guess what, I don't like a lot of them. Those are the ones I only go to once or twice. I think medicine is alot of art with the science, so you have go with someone you like and trust. Look at all the OB's out there that say you can't run while prego. I have run with every one, and that was one of my requirements in choosing an OB, "What's your stance on running while pregnant?"

From wheakory on Thu, Oct 09, 2008 at 11:46:53

Benn - you might find that going somewhere else besides the one orthopedic my help you and speed your recovery. You have too much talent to be sidelined too long. I know money is always the key, but does that out weight what you want to achieve in life.

From marion on Thu, Oct 09, 2008 at 12:11:38

Michelle MADE me go see Dr Brady ;) I will ever be greatful to her for that. I really don't like docs much. Ask some local runners who they go to. Maybe even the running store might recommend someone. There are "healers" among the doctors. You need to find one. :D

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