Motivated to Succeed

34th Annual Mount Greylock Road Race

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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


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2014 Books I've Read: 

 

 

 

 

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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
Race: 34th Annual Mount Greylock Road Race (8 Miles) 01:22:21, Place overall: 38, Place in age division: 2
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
16.000.000.00

8:50 AM - After getting up early and eating some toast Emmy made me and some coffee, I headed from Pittsfield to North Adams to the Mt. Williams Resevoir off of Rte 2. Took about 45 minutes to get there and my little Chevy Prizm took some bumps and bruises on some dirt roads. I got there and registered with my 10.00 fee, day of registration only at this race, and saw the organizer for the summer races that I do in Wilton. I stretched at the car and waited for an interminable 40 minutes before we lined up to go for the 10am race time.

THE RACE

The Mount Greylock Road Race is an 8 mile uphill road race that scales the tallest mountain in the state of Massachusetts. It's summit sits at 3491', so I knew that today was going to be a test, as I've never done an uphill race before. I was nervous and lined up towards the back, figuring it was better to work my way up than to get passed and lose morale on the hills. I don't know about everyone else, but I always seem to lose steam after people start to pass me. The way up was steep, with several 10% grades. However, I never once stopped or walked! That is a feat in and of itself. I carried my car keys and my water bottle in my hand. I really need to invest in one of those water bottle hand holders!

The way up was good. I started in the back and then found a group that I paced off of at about the one mile mark. I would stay with them until about the sixth mile when the mountain leveled off and they took off at an 8:00 pace! Felt good and passed some of the early rabbits. Settled in behind three guys. I noticed that I was one of the bigger runners this far up the mountain. I am 6'2" and about 190 pounds fully loaded. Most of these guys were more about 5'7" and 150 max. Most of the front runners were even smaller. I guess today belonged to the tiny climbers among the runners!

There weren't really crowds going up the mountain, as the mountain is a tourist destination and the road wasn't closed for the race. It was funny to see all the license plates from NJ, CT, and MA and NY go by and people that hadn't heard of this race looking stunned out their windows. One of the guys looking out the window had his jaw open so wide I think I could see what he had for breakfast!

My goal today was to beat the race organizer from the summer series once I knew she was there. I wanted to break 11 minute miles for the 8 mile course which would put me at sub 1:28. I have never done this race or any hill race for that matter so I didn't know what to expect.

There was a really flat part in mile 6-7 that I didn't know was coming, but the veteran runners kind of knew. I was just concentrating on short fast steps stair climbing up the mountain. I did open it up to about a 9:00 pace when it flattened out only to try to stay in contention with the group in front of me.

The end of the race comes abruptly, made worse considering the heavy fog enshrouding the mountain. So cool to think we ran into the clouds today :) The road bends to the left around a bend and the finish line was a crosswalk from the parking lot to the Greylock Monument. Finish was a bit chaotic because there was a park ranger standing there collecting the $2 parking fee from vehicles going up. I grabbed a handful of cookies, pretzels, two waters and quickly headed back down the mountain as the wind at the summit was sure to give me chills the longer I stayed. Splits going up:

  • Mile 1: 9:21
  • Mile 2: 10:44
  • Mile 3: 10:40
  • Mile 4: 10:40
  • Mile 5: 11:14
  • Mile 6: 10:04
  • Mile 7: 9:38
  • Mile 8: 9:57

Total Time: 1:22:21 Total Distance: 8 miles Average Pace: 10:17

*After reading the results, found out I was 38th place & 2nd place in my age category!!

GOING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN:

It is a humbling experience to climb up one of nature's masterpieces, and I think that going down the mountain showed me the sheer awesomness of our world. I saw some of the slower runners continuing to make their way up as I started down and I shouted encouragement to them. I saw that I had beat Laura Clark, the organizer of the summer series by about ten minutes so I felt pretty good about that. Nonetheless I yelled "Way to go, Laura! Looking strong!". A lot of the runners were happy to be getting the support, and a few made jokes about running back down the mountain. One lady who was in second or third to last said, "Thanks so much! But if anything I should be encouraging you! You're awesome for running back DOWN this mountain!". That made my day :). I tried to hold consistent, and I knew I had reserves from going up. I just wanted to be consistent going up the mountain knowing full well I'd have to run back down the mountain to get my car.

The first four miles were fun. I got to a steep part though and that really rocked my quads and knees. I think I got a full lower body workout today! At about four miles this guy whom I found out is named Randy came up on me and I started talking to him. Besides him one other runner had come down ahead of me and said a quick hey, but Randy I heard trotting up beside me and we struck up a conversation and ended up running the last four miles to the cars together. I found out he has done a lot of the trail races around western Massachusetts and he said hands down the WMAC races can't be beat. I am going to start researching them to do a few more of them. Also talked about grad school and how I am doing Curly's Trail 1/2 in a couple weeks. He said he might do the full marathon. I said I hoped to see him there. :). It was nice to have someone to talk to at the end of the run when I was officially drained.

Once I got off the mountain I shook Randy's hand and we parted ways. I stopped on the way back to Emma's and downed a Powerade in under a minute and then Emmy was nice enough to make me a lettuce, tomato, turkey bacon, cheese sandwich which I quickly devoured. Now it's off to get dinner and get ready for student teaching tomorrow! Feeling pretty good after a really great day!

  • Mile 9: 9:11
  • Mile 10: 9:26
  • Mile 11: 9:30
  • Mile 12: 9:26
  • Mile 13: 9:03
  • Mile 14: 9:06
  • Mile 15: 8:57
  • Mile 16: 8:00

Total Time: 1:12:37 Total Distance: 8 miles Average Pace: 9:04

*Totals for the Day:

Total Time: 2:34:58 Total Distance: 16 miles Average Pace: 9:41

GREYLOCK MAP AND ELEVATION CHART

Brooks Addictions 8 Miles: 16.00
Night Sleep Time: 8.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 8.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Brent on Mon, Sep 07, 2009 at 19:28:58 from 168.178.30.75

Benn, Howling commando, great race report, nice read. Impressed with your uphill trail running avg pace. Your a natural at trail running. 1,000 commando points for the effort. It sounds like on those surreal days running through the clouds, how Kool. Good luck at the half, confidence builder big time for the half.

Stay Kool, Gentle Benn - Mountain Man, B of BS Rools out

From The Howling Commando on Mon, Sep 07, 2009 at 20:29:13 from 72.224.31.218

Thanks, Brent! I agree it was a surreal experience. I can't wait for the 1/2! It's going to be so much fun!

From Snoqualmie on Mon, Sep 07, 2009 at 22:41:04 from 24.18.192.33

Sounds like a tough course! Congratulations. Strong running!

From The Howling Commando on Tue, Sep 08, 2009 at 06:05:13 from 72.224.31.218

Thanks, Sno! Yeah it was tough but I think it was the most fun I've had in a race yet! I can't wait for the next race :D

From Nevels on Tue, Sep 08, 2009 at 14:45:16 from 131.204.15.93

Congrats on a good race and a solid long run; your description of the course made me pretty envious...

How is everything feeling a day or so post race?

From The Howling Commando on Tue, Sep 08, 2009 at 15:21:46 from 72.224.31.218

Thanks, John. THings feel good. My quads are shot though. Quads were pretty sore at work today. Going to try to jog a couple recovery miles though.

From The Howling Commando on Tue, Sep 08, 2009 at 18:48:12 from 72.224.31.218

Amending my comment from earlier.. just did a bit over 5 miles at a pretty quick clip. Feel awesome!

From Kelli on Tue, Sep 08, 2009 at 19:22:43 from 71.219.97.42

WOW, that is a CLIMB!!!! You did a great job. I have to say that I have noticed that people with short legs seem to have an easier time climbing hills and mountains, what do you think? But the long legs have the advantage on the way down (maybe not mountains, but for sure hills).

You did much better than your goal, that is AWESOME! And you placed 2nd, AWESOME. Nice race, mountain goat.

From Kelli on Tue, Sep 08, 2009 at 19:25:04 from 71.219.97.42

I just noticed your book list? Has that always been there?? You read The Secret Life of Bees? Really? Good man. And I really like The Five People you Meet In heaven, very interesting take. I have read a few of the running books, but that is about it for me on that list! You are a very intellectual reader.

From The Howling Commando on Tue, Sep 08, 2009 at 19:35:31 from 72.224.31.218

Yeah I've been keeping it since the beginning of the year, Kelli :). I try to read as much as possible but it's hard with running and work and now student teaching consuming my life. I'm ashamed of how lazy I have gotten with the reading spectrum lately. This MUST change. haha

From MichelleL on Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 17:32:18 from 71.219.40.89

Hey since when have you been running 16 miles? Awesome job! I do have to chuckle a bit about the 3491' summit, since my house sits at 6005', but I guess its all relative. You can run up to my house anytime, and I'll drive you back down if you like :)

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