race report: run turkey run 5k {11.22.18}

Another year, another Turkey Trot.

We are very lucky to live in an area with tons of races, even in traditionally colder months (sure, we back off in the summer, but even then, you will still be able to find 5Ks on most weekends). This year was no exception, and I had my choice of approximately five races within 60 miles of my house. Since we were expecting about a dozen people, I opted to stay close to home: the Run Turkey Run 5K, not ten minutes away.

Couldn’t be easier.

I opted to pick up our packets the day before at a local sporting goods store. Since this race is small and there is a shirt cut off, I wanted to make sure we got our preferred sizes. It wasn’t terribly out of the way either.

The 5K was scheduled to start at 7:30 AM, with a fun run following at 8:30. Little man wasn’t interested in 3.1 miles, so I asked Mr PugRunner if we would mind driving him over around 8:00. The course is open and the field is fairly small, so he would have no problem parking for a few, passing little man to me and then heading home to put our turkey on the Big Green Egg.

This also meant that when the RD put out the call for volunteers, I was able to offer my time prior to the event.

I arrived right at 6:00 AM, layered up against the cold. I was assigned with another volunteer to packet pickup, but while we were waiting for the crowds to show, we worked on unwrapping the medals. It’s always amazing how much work goes into the set up and preparation: the medals were spinners so in addition to the plastic packing bag, they were also wrapped in a tight cling film. This was near impossible to remove while wearing gloves, and my fingers were quite numb when I relinquished my spot to the next round of helpers.

We got all the shirts and bibs passed out and when it came down to just new registrants, I was released to hit the portapotties and strip off my outside layers. I chose to run in a tank and shorts with gloves. It was sunny and once I get moving, I tend to get super hot. Since the temps were going to be low 50s, I thought I could get away with it.

Plus, I wanted to show off my Raw Threads turkey tank. Yes, I can admit that.

I knew the race was gun timed, but I didn’t really take too much time choosing my spot. I positioned myself in the middle of the runners, just like always, and figured I would do my best to cross the start line quickly.

Run Turkey Run is a fairly easy out-and-back course in one of our huge golf resort communities. The course is open to traffic, but one lane in each direction is blocked off for runners. There aren’t usually many cars in that area anyway, especially not first thing on a holiday morning, so safety was not a concern in the least.

There was one water stop located at about mile 1.25, offering cups to runners going and returning.

It was cold but sunny. I did warm up enough to remove one glove, but not the other (Raynaud’s can be fickle sometimes).

I had a nice kick at the end and finished in my fastest 5K time in FOREVER. I even ran faster than last year’s Turkey Trot (in the pouring rain at a different location). It was just the boost I needed.

Mr PugRunner and little man were waiting at the finish line and we did the handoff after I got my medal.

In addition to bottles of water, the race handed out Cranberry Sparklers: cranberry juice, ginger ale and champagne. It was better than beer or mimosas and I quite enjoyed mine!

At 8:30, the kiddos lined up for their run. Little man wanted to go by himself, so I stood back to wait for him at the finish.

He came through strong!

There were a few hiccups with the updating of results, so we hung around for a little while until things came through. I ended up placing much better than I imagined, and it really was just the cherry on the top of the day.

It was a great way to start our Thanksgiving. I loved being able to help out, run and be home in plenty of time to clean up and cook for our guests.

Did you Turkey Trot or Gobble Til You Wobbled?
Cocktails after a race… yay or nay?