The Turkey Trot

Our Thanksgiving Table

I LOVE Thanksgiving.  It is one of my favorite holidays.  Oddly enough, I don’t like Christmas, but I am sure we will deal with that issue in another few weeks.  But, Thanksgiving… ahh, yes, how could you not like a day dedicated to food family, food, and football?

The problem is, every year when Thanksgiving comes around I get stressed out.  This year the holiday was celebrated at my house and that didn’t help.  I spent all Wednesday cleaning and running errands to make sure we had all the essentials.  I went to bed late and then by Thursday mid-morning, I had my two parents, my two brothers, their wives and an added dog or two roaming our small house.

Turkey Trot Trail

Luckily, right before everyone arrived, my husband and I stole away to a nearby trail for a quick 5-mile, two-person, Turkey Trot.

Thanksgiving morning, all across the country, Turkey Trots encourage people to get out and start the day with a run or walk.  Or if you’d rather, you can start your morning by performing the original Turkey Trot, a popular dance in the 1920’s.

I think Turkey Trots should be required on Thanksgiving, not because it balances out an extra helping of turkey or a large piece of pie, but because it gives you time to reflect on what you are really thankful for in your life.  Thanksgiving can be stressful.  I will be the first one to admit that I was NOT appreciative of my family when everyone was crowded in the kitchen giving orders on how their side dish should be warmed and presented.  And I was NOT thankful, after dinner, when I was the only one in the kitchen cleaning all the plates.  In the minutes not spent in the kitchen preparing food and putting it up, the air was filled with too much noise and activity to pause and reflect on how blessed I truly am or recognize how amazing my family is.  But on the trail that morning, it felt easy.

My Sweet Husband

Running on the trail that morning and watching the sun come up, I thought about how thankful I was to live in such a beautiful area, how rare it was to be able to access multiple trails so close to my house.  I smiled knowing that I was married to my best friend and that we both love spending time together in the wilderness, at home, or wherever else our paths may lead.

I gave thanks that my family was healthy, that we all had a shelter over our heads and food to eat.  And I was grateful to be an American, our country has made some huge mistakes, but still we strive for freedom, equal opportunity, and the best long-distance trails in the world!

In the woods it was easy to reflect on how full my life is and how many wonderful people and places are part of my story.  It allowed me to celebrate the meaning of Thanksgiving and not just the traditions.  Now as I look ahead to Christmas, I think I might need to schedule an ultra-marathon to really appreciate the reason for the upcoming season.

Call me Betty Crocker

Dad Carving the Turkey