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What you should know before hitting a race before the big Thanksgiving meal
Thanksgiving may be known as a day of feasting in the United States, but it’s also a national day of running.
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Nearly a million people toe starting lines at “Turkey Trots” across the nation most years. All that running before the turkey hits the table makes Thanksgiving the most popular day of the year to race.
As you might guess, though, a good chunk of that crowd doesn’t exactly fall in the hard-core runner category. For many, it might be the only day of the year that they race.
If that describes you … well, this article is a must-read. Exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd, has some tips to get you across the finish line while making the experience fun and energizing.
So, here’s what you need to know before, during and after the race.
So, you’ve decided to wake up early on Thanksgiving for a little exercise before the big meal. First, welcome to road racing! You’re going to have a great time, especially if you follow these six tips.
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There’s no need to overthink race day. Basically, it’s left foot, right foot for 3.1 miles. So, to keep things simple, here are three keys to make the experience fantastic.
Congrats! You did it! Now, let’s talk about your next steps. (Don’t worry. These steps cover less ground than what you just traveled.)
Turkey Trots are definitely healthy and fun. Want to know a secret? Any workout can follow that pattern if you make it both a social and fitness activity done with family and friends.
So, if you enjoyed the vibe of running, keep it going! Get a buddy to join you or look for a running club. The hardest part of starting a running program is the first step, and you took that with the Thanksgiving race. Learn how to keep moving forward with these Running 101 tips.
Want to try something else? Go for it! Get some friends and try:
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Bottom line? “It’s always easier to stick with a fitness routine if you’re doing it with someone else,” states Lawton. “Make exercise fun and a social event and there’s a better chance you’ll stick with it.”
So, maybe talk about ideas over Thanksgiving dinner. After you share the story of your morning race, of course.
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