Emily Maxie
Over the years, my family has done a couple holiday-themed runs (a 4th of July 10K and a Santa Hustle half marathon). But we’ve never done a “turkey trot”—a Thanksgiving-themed fun run.
This year, my family has decided to venture out early Thanksgiving morning for the Grateful Gobbler 5K, and I’m super excited! Not sure if you want to be out in the cold on Thanksgiving morning? Here are some reasons why you should consider it!
Over the years, my family has done a couple holiday-themed runs (a 4th of July 10K and a Santa Hustle half marathon). But we’ve never done a “turkey trot”—a Thanksgiving-themed fun run.
This year, my family has decided to venture out early Thanksgiving morning for the Grateful Gobbler 5K, and I’m super excited! Not sure if you want to be out in the cold on Thanksgiving morning? Here are some reasons why you should consider it!
Help the Needy
In the spirit of thankfulness, most turkey trots raise money to benefit people in need. The proceeds of the Grateful Gobbler go to an organization that’s working to end homelessness in our region. Joining together to support such a worthy cause will leave you feeling good all day long (and the endorphins of exercising won’t hurt your mood either).
Make Room for Turkey
Did you know that the average Thanksgiving meal contains about 2,500 calories? Though Thanksgiving is definitely a day for indulgence, you can feel better about your splurges if you start your day off with some activity. An added bonus? When the tryptophan hits you mid-afternoon, you can take a cat nap guilt-free knowing you got up early to work out.
Have Some Fun
As with most theme runs, most turkey trots attract fewer intense athletes and more “regular people” than most organized runs. That makes the turkey trot a great, non-threatening introduction into the world of races.
Added bonus? Dressing up! I don’t know why, but I adore races where I can get creative and wear a costume. At first, I didn’t think there were many options for Thanksgiving costumes, but I stand corrected. Doing a simple Google search for “Thanksgiving run costumes” showed me tons of different options. Here’s a site that has a ton of Thanksgiving and Christmas running costume ideas. (We may or may not be making my hubby and uncle dress in full-body turkey suits...)
In the spirit of thankfulness, most turkey trots raise money to benefit people in need. The proceeds of the Grateful Gobbler go to an organization that’s working to end homelessness in our region. Joining together to support such a worthy cause will leave you feeling good all day long (and the endorphins of exercising won’t hurt your mood either).
Make Room for Turkey
Did you know that the average Thanksgiving meal contains about 2,500 calories? Though Thanksgiving is definitely a day for indulgence, you can feel better about your splurges if you start your day off with some activity. An added bonus? When the tryptophan hits you mid-afternoon, you can take a cat nap guilt-free knowing you got up early to work out.
Have Some Fun
As with most theme runs, most turkey trots attract fewer intense athletes and more “regular people” than most organized runs. That makes the turkey trot a great, non-threatening introduction into the world of races.
Added bonus? Dressing up! I don’t know why, but I adore races where I can get creative and wear a costume. At first, I didn’t think there were many options for Thanksgiving costumes, but I stand corrected. Doing a simple Google search for “Thanksgiving run costumes” showed me tons of different options. Here’s a site that has a ton of Thanksgiving and Christmas running costume ideas. (We may or may not be making my hubby and uncle dress in full-body turkey suits...)
Are you going to do a turkey trot this year? Let us know! Comment below or tweet us @adventuringMISS using hashtag #dontsweatit.