~ Written by Elizabeth Yetzer
Crossing the Ford Bridge this
morning on my run I noticed the beautiful fall leaves have mostly fallen off
the trees, the air was crisp, and I realized we are quickly approaching the
season of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year; I
love the opportunity to spend time with the people I love and of course eat
some delicious food! Thanks to the addition of Jeff (Bekah’s husband and
co-owner of Mill City) to our family, running a Turkey Trot has become a family
tradition. Although I tend to think of Thanksgiving as a day of relaxing and
eating, I have found starting the day with a Turkey Trot is incredibly
energizing, rewarding, and an amazing chance to reflect on all that God has
blessed me with.
The alarm clock goes off at 6:30
AM. I could dismiss it and decide to sleep in- after all, it is a day off. Instead, I remind myself that I am waking to
an “Opportunity Clock” and that I am healthy enough to race a 5K with my family
and friends. Until I arrive, I am not completely convinced that I made the right
decision, especially when I realize it is below freezing. Once I arrive I am
engulfed with an indescribable energy from the crowds of people that have
decided to start their Thanksgiving in a similar manner. There is a story for
each athlete that steps to the line- some come to the line with an intensity
and drive to reach a Personal Best, some come to share an opportunity with
family and friends that starts their day in a healthy manner, and some come
with the goal of completing their first race.
I have had a variety of Turkey Trot
experiences. I hate to admit it, but one of my fastest 5K’s has been in a
Turkey Trot- I tend to thrive in low key race environments. On the opposite
spectrum, I have also walk/run a 5K with a family friend striving to complete
her first 5K. She had recently recovered from Breast Cancer and was determined
to start exercising and try to take better care of her body. The last 100
meters of that race are steps that I will never forget. There was such a sense
of pride and celebration of life that effused from her, that you couldn’t help
but be nearly paralyzed with gratitude. It is a memory I will never forget!
Upon completing any Turkey Trot
race the community celebrates each individual’s achievement and leaves with a
sense of gratitude that may not be felt if one had stayed in bed. I cannot
encourage you more to sign up with family or a friend. There are Turkey Trots
throughout the Twin Cities. Below I have a few links to Turkey Trots in
Minneapolis and St. Paul. Additionally, there are many throughout the metro and
you can search the last link for a race near you. Whether you are looking to
improve your fitness, find a healthy way to start your Thanksgiving, or help
raise money for a charity, I am sure running a Turkey trot will deepen your
sense of gratitude on this day devoted to giving thanks!
·
Life Time Fitness Turkey Trot 5K- Downtown
Minneapolis- http://www.turkeyday-5k.com/page/show/370479-minneapolis
·
St. Paul Turkey Trot- 8 AM- 5k and 10K- Upper
Landing Park (by Science museum) http://www.zapevent.com/listactivities.aspx?eventid=3929
·
Thanksgiving Day Giving Thanks 5K- Como Lake- http://charitieschallenge.org/html/thanksgiving_day_5k.html
·
Other races in the Metro- http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?Rank=Month&Month=11&State=MN&Page=2
