Burn off extra calories at a homegrown Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving is a time for bringing family and friends together, sharing in what we are thankful for. This will be my first time in 15 years I will not be in Colorado to run with friends and my peers. Luckily Thankgiving Day races can be enjoyed in almost every community. I have found a 4 mile race in my hometown in which I hope to build on that tradition and make a few more friends.

One thing is for sure, I am thankful I am able to be running.

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The season kicks off this weekend with two of the area’s highly competitive races. But, you don’t have to be competitive to join in the fun. Turkey Trot races are a great way to kick off a healthy start to the holiday season. Don’t be surprised to see a few costumed runners out there and most races have a kid’s or shorter race with them.

13 Nov 2010

36th Longmont Turkey Trot
2 mile or 10k
Longmont

Results for the the 10k and the 2mile are posted at BoulderRoadRunners.org

14 Nov 2010

Panicking Poultry
5k Run/Walk and 1 mile kids race
10:15am – Boulder at the Rez

THANKSGIVING DAY

Turley’s Turkey Trot
5k Run/Walk
10am – CU Pott’s Field, Boulder

South

Anthem Turkey Trot 5k & 10k
5k, 10k Run/Walk and 1/2 mile Kids Race
9am – Broomfield

The 3rd Annual Arvada Fitness 5K Turkey Trot
5k Run/Walk
8am – Arvada

The Turkey Chase
10k – 9am
5k – 9:15am
Arvada

Make room for more pie by running both!

Mile High United Way 37th Annual Turkey Trot
4mi – Corral Start
10:15 – Wash Park, Denver

North

Loveland Turkey Trot
5k
8:30 – Loveland

Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run
4 mile and kids fun run
10am – Fort Collins

Find more races around the state at RunColo.com ColoradoRunnerMagazine, or RacingColorado.com

On a run a few weeks ago, I ran by a row of young trees lining a road that had failed to relinquish their leaves to the season. I thought it odd at the time, but given the warm weather, not surprising perhaps.

Lately I’ve really been feeling the effects of living. The delicate balance of work, family, social, community and of course running isn’t quite in-sync.

As I started on my run today, I recognized the stress built up in my shoulders and paid particular attention to relaxing them, running with ease from the core, and relaxing the mind.

I ran by the same row of trees and again noticed their reluctance to let go of their recent past. Their leaves brittle, dry and an appropriate hue of brown for the season.

“Why wont these trees just let go?” I thought.

In many ways the trees were like myself. In the fall of my lifestream, a Master’s runner, I had a great season of racing last year. I was fit. But now I am slow coming back from a broken foot bone back in May, brittle, inflexible and yearning to regain the consistency and flow in my running.

A fair reminder to myself.

Let go of my expectations, pre-conceptions and my comfort zone. Not just in my running but throughout my life and career path. If there is one thing living in Colorado has taught me, trust in the seasons. Patience and perseverance will be rewarding.

Its timely that the coming week is about giving thanks. Thanks for the big and the small. Enjoying a run in late-November in shorts and a t-shirt. Laughing with my family, watching them grow. Enjoying the morning light on the flatirons. And perhaps, hopefully soon, I will again be able to push the mind and body to its full potential.

In-Step is planning an After Thanksgiving Fun Run from the In-Step store to start at 9am on Friday, November 27th. The plan is to have a 5k distance starting and ending at in-step, followed by a 15 minute core class. We’ll either have light refreshments at the store for afterward or we’re working on partnering with a nearby restaurant for some yum-yum’s.

Put it in your calendars now if you would like to join us! It’s FREE!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/event.php?eid=206080925055&ref=mf

In-Step is a family owned business opened in late August 2009. Specializing in custom insoles that are build on location while you wait, as well as selling running/walking shoes, apparel and accessories.

Visit their website at http://www.instepbldr.com

A Benefit for Community Food Share is the Feeding America food bank for all of Boulder and Broomfield counties.

Please bring a canned food item or monetary donation to the race!
Remember $1=4 Meals

Date: Thursday November 26, 2009

Events: 5k start time 10:00 AM New, faster Course!

Place: CU Potts Field. Chip Timing.

Entry fee: $10 Race day fee: $15

Walk-in registration ends: Noon WED 11/25/09

Fleet Feet Sports Boulder
Boulder Running Company
Solepepper Sports

Online at Active.com

Age Group Awards & $5 Turley’s Gift certificate to all finishers.

Free Kids 12 & under track races. Weather permitting following the 5k. No registration required.

Start/Finish Area
Located in the CU Research Park, north side of Colorado Ave. between 30th Street & Foothills. Follow the signs for Free Parking Park at the CU Research Park.