Turkey Trot 2009

Although there is something not quite right about a run which is taken by many just so they can load up on calories at their later in the day Thanksgiving Feast, the Turkey Trots which are becoming more and more popular across the country do offer opportunities to "do the right thing." In the best light, a Thanksgiving morning trot of 4 miles, or so, is a superior alternative to turning off the alarm clock and simply sleeping in. And yes, it does allow the runners and walkers to burn some calories and maybe to even begin their new year early with a resolution to exercise more. If we must cast out a bait to get people off the couch and into some athletic shoes, a turkey trot, or a fun run, as this might be called on a different day, may be the ticket.

For me, these runs pretty much represent all of the above. I know my tone was derisive when I suggested these runs were simple justification for the calorie binge which is so often our Thanksgiving feasts, but let's get real. I do like a good feast and you do too; rarely are these low-cal affairs. This is my second year to run the Turkey Trot, sponsored by the San Antonio Road Runners, and I've been impressed both times with the large turnout. Race organizers estimated today's run/walk attracted some 2500 participants.

For the second year in a row I ran the turkey trot with Zenna James, a young runner who a year ago was just beginning to run with me from time to time. Four miles was ambitious for her a year ago, but she had higher aspirations - to run the Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon in 2009. Her running year had its peaks and valleys, but race by race she came closer to the half marathon. We ran the 3M Half Marathon last January as a relay, calling ourselves James² - you know, my first name is James and her last name is James. Zenna then ran a leg of the Beach to Bay Marathon Relay in Corpus Christi in May and finally the 10 miler at Ft. Sam Houston in September. An aspiring runner learns something from every race, even from every training run, and Zenna learned some valuable lessons with each of these experiences. She capped it off with the Rock'n'Roll, running on that day a longer distance than she had ever run before. She deserves to be proud of her accomplishments; today's running of the 2009 Turkey Trot gave us both a chance to reflect.

All of this is to say that a turkey trot, or the next 5 or 10k on the calendar, might be the start of something new for you if you accept the challenge. Don't just be a spectator! Run, or walk, as an active stage of your new fitness regimen and maybe you too will be running next year's Rock'n'Roll San Antonio.