Turkey Trotting and Healthy Thanksgiving Eating
I hope everyone has a wonderful day with their family and friends. This year I am down in Florida with my family celebrating Thanksgiving. It is always nice to get out of the cold weather and come to the south and enjoy a few days of sun. For my running it is awesome as it gives me some time to stretch out and go on a few longer slower runs.
This year marks my fourth year of Turkey Trotting. It is amazing to me that in all the past years as a non-runner I’ve never heard of a Thanksgiving day race. I guess for me and where I grew up there was such an emphasis on the local high school football game which had our biggest rivalry game. It was always such a fun tradition to go to this game as a kid to see my brothers play and then when I was in high school to be on the team.
I love Turkey Trotting and think it is fantastic way to kick off not only the day but the holiday season. This time of year we all take certain liberties with our eating and it is nice to set the tone with a race or other running goal. This year I again ran the St. Pete Turkey Trot, but only the 5k. It was a family running day as my mom and dad entered their first race and we were also joined by my very pregnant wife, my sister and my two nieces. I ended up pacing my 12 year old niece Molly to her first 5k finish in 28:30. It was awesome day and great way to spend time with the family.
The plan now? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and prepare myself for a fantastic feast. Are you scared of overeating and killing your heatlhy eating routine? Well, let your guard down a bit and follow a little of what I do:
- Only put on my plate what I can eat
- Drink water during the meal
- Eat slowly and enjoy the conversation
- Save a little room for some dessert
Like anything else, have a plan today but don’t obsess over it. Take time to be thankful for all that you have and that you are a runner as it makes days like today easier to enjoy knowing that you are physically fit and active.
I am thankful for my fitness, a healthy pregnant wife, a wonderful family and killer friends. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy the day!
What are you thankful for? Did you run a Turkey Trot? What food are you most excited to eat today? Will you go for a run tomorrow to run off your meal?
- Scott
I didn’t run our Turkey Trot this year because I had too much cooking to do. I did run 3 miles on my own though and another 5 lined up for tomorrow. Congrats on a great race!
Way to still get the miles done!
I’m thankful for this little community called social media and that I was able to CRUSH my previous 5k PR by almost 5 1/2 minutes this morning. I ran my first sub-30 5k (actually 28:15!). Wouldn’t be able to do that without the runchat community’s encouragement.
Absolutely, social media has been awesome with providing inspiration and accountability.
Congrats on your race. I’m thankful for my health, despite my current injuries. I’m thankful for my family and friends. I’m thankful I’m employed, even though I’m hoping to find another job. Since today is the day AFTER Thanksgiving, I’m excited to eat a lunch-time leftover Thanksgiving sandwich – turkey, cranberry and little sweet potato. No running for me due to an ankle and knee injury, but I did do my physical therapy exercises.
Well said.
Way to be an all-star uncle running your niece’s 1st 5K with her. I didn’t do any turkey trotting, but went on a hike instead before finishing out the day with pumpkin pie and watching the Blind Side!
Hike, Turkey Trot, it doesn’t matter as long as you get out there and enjoy the day.
I was cheering on my mom and friends as they trotted:) So glad to see so many people taking part in a cool Thanksgiving tradition.
Best uncle ever!!
You are close! Next year you will be running with a stroller!