So many runners will be starting Thursday with a race, so let’s talk about making the most of your Turkey Trot. From my perspective, Turkey Trots are a fun way to kick off a day of cooking, eating, and spending times with loved ones, so I don’t take it super seriously. Instead, I see it as a fun way to jump start my morning, and I lean into that as much as possible.
Register For A Race Where You Will Be
The first step to making the most of your Turkey Trot is to actually register for the race. If you’re staying close to home, it should be fairly simple to find a local 5K (or other distance). Travelers might have to do a little digging to find something close to where they will be on Thanksgiving. So far, most of my Thanksgiving races have been near home, but the last few years, I’ve branched out.
Recruit Your Favorite Turkeys
I’m always done for a solo race, but if you can get some buddies in the mix, that’s even better. Convince your friends and family that it’s so much better to start Thanksgiving at the crack of dawn with some running (or walking). They’ll absolutely thank you for it (maybe).
Set Your Goals
Only you know what you hope to accomplish at your Turkey Trot. Maybe you want to walk the distance with your running buddies. Or you could be hunting down your next PR. There’s a chance you have to be speedy to get back to the kitchen to tend to dinner. Whatever your goals, chase after them!
Don Your Turkey Apparel
Listen. I’m all about a theme, and Turkey Trots are all about the fit. I say get those turkey hats, and Thanksgiving statement tops for maximum dedication to the event. Once upon a time, I even made race shirts for the boys.
Enjoy The After Party
Yes, I know you have dinner coming, but part of making the most of your Turkey Trot is enjoying the celebration after. Local races offer things like cranberry sparklers, light breakfasts, and music, before everyone heads their separate ways.
Have Fun!
Because isn’t that what it’s all about? I’m so looking forward to Thursday’s 5K! I’m planning to check off all these boxes with a cute tank top, friends and family, and a cool after party! It’s going to rock!
Are you running a Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving? What distance?
Join the Runner’s Roundup!
Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs, each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!
Catrina says
Now I have FOMO big time for not having a Turkey Trot in our part of the world. So much fun!
Enjoy your Trot tomorrow! I’m sure you will have a blast!
runswithpugs says
Aw! You have so many other cool events, though!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Turkey trots are so fun! Its going to be too hectic here on Thursday to do an actual race, but I am planning to get out for a run. Have fun and Happy Thanksgiving!
runswithpugs says
Still trotting! Happy Thanksgiving to your beautiful family!
Darlene S Cardillo says
I plan to check off all the boxes too.
I love dressing up… too bad that it’s so cold here!!
It helps that I’m not cooking.
I am lucky to have a quite a few races to choose from that are nearby.
runswithpugs says
We have a ton of races near where I live as well (I think six options for Thanksgiving). This year, we did something different and ran out of town. Loved it.
No cooking here either!
Jenny says
Omg that photo of little A in his turkey shirt!!! So cute.
Enjoy your race and enjoy the holiday!
runswithpugs says
I know! And now he’s taller than me!
Debbie says
I hope you had a great time at your Turkey Trot. For me, after 20+ years of putting on a turkey trot race I enjoy NOT doing it lol. We’d get up at 3 am, put on the race, clean up, and then I’d come home and make dinner. Totally enjoying not doing that anymore.
runswithpugs says
I can understand that for sure!