Tomorrow marks Thanksgiving, and I can’t believe we are here again. I am excited to have a day with family, friends, and food. For us, it’s always a nice day, giving all of us a nice break on the way to our winter holidays. Here’s how I spends my Thanksgiving, runner-style.
Head On Out For That Turkey Trot!
Maybe you’re toeing the line at an official Thanksgiving race, or maybe you’re taking a spin around the neighborhood. It doesn’t matter how you gobble through your wobble, but start the day with movement. For me, physical activity prepares me for the figurative marathon ahead. This year, we are keeping it local, but I’m looking forward to the miles just the same.
Clean Up + Get Comfy
When you’re done with that run, treat yourself to a nice shower and get in your comfy clothes for the morning (Confession: if I am dealing with the turkey, I will usually prep it after a good hand wash, and before my actual shower. Raw poultry is gross.) Athleisure is the name of the game. Morning is the perfect time to cozy up with a coffee and watch some of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Use the time for some stretching.
Time For Prep
Whether you’re cooking meal, visiting as a guest, or skipping the day entirely, you’re going to need to eat. After your breakfast and stretch is a good time to get going. I always work from a list to get myself organized, but however you do things is just fine. I plan to have almost everything done on Wednesday, so Thursday will be stress free.
Into The Real Clothes
I like to change gafter cooking, even if it’s into another casual outfit. Thanksgiving is a day of wardrobe changes, for some strange reason. I also like getting a family photo at some point, so I can usually get the guys to put on something nice.
Eat, Drink, + Be Merry
Yum yum! Time to dig in! I’m all about the stuffing and gravy and cranberries and wine! I’m all about it!
Take A Walk
After the feast and the inevitable cleanup, I’m always down for a family walk. Not because we need to work anything off, but because it always feels good to move a little after a huge meal. This year, we will get to bring Luna (it will be cool enough for her), and we might be able to check out some holiday lights in the neighborhood.
Chill Out
Yup, it’s time to relax. Generally, that means it’s time for some football and/or a couch nap. All are welcome to enjoy. It’s pretty much inevitable before the guests go home, and a great way to soak up more family time.
Pie On The Couch Before Bed
We usually eat on the earlier side, so by evening, I’m hungry. A piece of pie on the couch in my pajamas is the perfect way to end the day. By this time, I’m so very ready for bed, so off I go, full and happy!
will you take on a turkey trot? Are you cooking or visiting or catering? Anyone else for a post-meal walk?
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Now I wish that we had Thanksgiving too!
Your plan for the day looks lovely – I would definitely join you for that Turkey Trot and then gobble all the stuffing and gravy and wine!
Enjoy!
Sounds like a great plan! We will probably do a family run in our neighborhood this year. Our nearby turkey trot is not really convenient and was super crowded the last time I did it. We are hoping to see my parents for Thanksgiving (and they would do most of the cooking) but now my dad has a cold and I think we need to postpone. So not sure what we will actually eat since we haven’t bought anything!
You have to prioritize running. When I hosted I just prepped on the weekend. Otherwise luckily the races are very early here and you still have time to travel. You just make it happen. Ask relatives to have a later lunch.
We are catering. And yes I’m doing a Trot. And most likely a walk later.
Happy thanksgiving to you and your fam.
What I love about your day is the combination of running, cooking, good food and quality time with the family! We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving but it sounds like such a beautiful day! Wishing you the best day tomorrow!
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We are hosting 18 people tomorrow so there won’t be too much chilling out. I am grateful to be hosting again! There will be a group run in the morning though with my squad for some stress relief
Yes, all of the above 😉 I have most everything done the night before, just leaving the potatoes (which I do first thing in the morning, then stash them in a crock pot) and the final “stuff the bird” ritual (the hubby gets that honor). We head out for the Trot and have plenty of time to clean up (ourselves and the kitchen) before the final hour before we serve dinner (baking the corn casserole and making the gravy). Down to a science, LOL.
Well, I’m taking your advice- I ran a turkey trot and am now drinking my tea in sweatpants and my “Live Easy, Run Hard” sweatshirt. Soon I’ll be doing food prep. We usually eat, go for a walk, and then have pie. My only question is, do I have to change into nicer clothes? Okay, okay… I’ll put on a different shirt. But I might wear sweatpants all day, heh heh.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
That is such a nice way to spend Thanksgiving!! We didn’t turkey trot this year, but we did go for a nice walk after dinner – it was nice to enjoy some slightly warmer weather today! Hope you and your family had a great day!
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Your Thanksgiving sounds lovely! We visited family this year and I was thrilled when an after-dinner walk was suggested. And pie is always a favorite!