Americans have had some decent ideas over the last few centuries. But one of the best ideas, better than even Thanksgiving itself, was the Turkey Trot.
What else are Thanksgiving mornings for? Breakfast isn’t really much of a thing on Thanksgiving (gotta save valuable belly space), there are no presents to open (unfortunately), and you’re mom’s doing all the cooking so there’s really not much else to do. Plus, what better day to start a day literally revolving around food than with a little exercise? It’s just such so encouraging that us Americans take the time to balance our 4,000 calorie meals with a 5K. Really warms my heart.
Goodness, is there any better display of humanity than the Turkey Trot? People willing wake up early on their day off to gather in the undoubtedly freezing cold to do the nations least favorite activity: running. But unlike other races, it isn’t just runners who show up to the Turkey Trot. There are people running and walking who still don’t exactly grasp how far a 5K actually is. People are dressed in turkey costumes and wearing turkey hats. And despite the weather and the hatred of physical exertion, everyone’s so happy because there’s the promise of a giant meal afterwards. The Turkey Trot is a magical event.
I had my first unofficial date with Jackson at the Canton Turkey Trot seven years ago. I talked to him afterward and my dad filmed the whole awkward thing. We’ve run that race every year since, watching the kids from the mile kid’s race grow up and beat us in the 5K. The second year we ran, I actually beat him with my fastest time ever. 20:05 (marathons are more my thing…). And as much as he’d like to deny it, I will never, ever let him live that down.
That humble little Turkey Trot has seen us go from two painfully awkward teenagers that barely knew one another to two still awkward adults who probably know each other a little too well. Even though I haven’t been running much lately due to an injury, We still signed up for this year’s Turkey Trot without a second thought. It’s just what we do. I’m not even sure it would technically count as Thanksgiving without it.
Through the years, the Turkey Trot has seen many members of my family at both their best and their worst. It served as a time for us to show our thankfulness in more concrete ways than just spouting out a list around the dinner table. I’d be thankful for the burn in my lungs after a hard run, for my mom and grandpa cheering for me, for my dad and brother’s classic rivalry. I’d be thankful for all the people dressed as turkeys and Jackson’s smile waiting for me at the end and just the ability to be a part of all of this. It’s my chance to remember how awesome it is to live in a world where we have a day that includes both running and giant meals as socially accepted norms.
The best part about the Turkey Trot is no matter how your race went, just being a part of an event like that is bound to put you and your family in a good mood for the rest of the day. Endorphins will be flowing, you’ll have race highlights to discuss over the dinner table, and poor-quality race t-shirts to wear instead of uncomfortable “thanksgiving appropriate” clothes. Starting your Thanksgiving off with a Turkey Trot helps to put the whole holiday perspective. Who couldn’t be in a good mood after watching a bunch of humans dressed up as America’s tastiest bird struggle through 3.1 miles?
Don’t wait until Thanksgiving dinner to make memories. Get outside and join the rest of us weirdos this Thursday morning for a little exercise and a good deal of laughter.
