Tips for creating your own Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving Day
Tips for creating your own Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is a holiday where family traditions take center stage. The big Thanksgiving feast is a given, but there are other traditions that mark the day. You might start the day gathering around to watch a Thanksgiving Day Parade and end your day watching football. One tradition gaining in popularity is squeezing in a walk or a run to help justify that extra slice of pie. In fact, back in 2018, more than 1 million people signed up for a commnuity Turkey Trot, making Thanksgiving the most popular day of the year for racing.
These popular Traditions will look a little different in 2020. Gatherings may be a little smaller with takeout meals being a popular Thanksgiving solution. As for Turkey Trots, many races have gone virtual. There are plenty of organized races to choose from, but if you’re feeling creative and are looking for a more personalized Turkey Trot this year, try creating your own! We have a few tips if you want to design your own Thanksgiving Turkey Trot this year.
Design Your Route
Most Turkey Trots are 5k run/walks, which is a little over three miles long. But don't feel constrained since your Turkey Trot can be any distance you want! If you’re a more experienced runner, go longer. If you’re brand new to running or just want to walk your course, shoot for one mile. You can use mapping apps on your smartphone or computer to help you measure the distance. Plan on having your start/finish in the same location so you don't have to get transporation. Using your home or a nearby park with paved paths are great options for a stress-free trot.
Set The Challenge
A lot of people look forward to runs like these as a way to push their limits, whether that's a challenging distance or a personal best time. If you have a few weeks to plan, set your goal and plan out some practice runs to help you meet your goal. Share your goal with family and friends. They can help encourage you – or may be inspired to join your challenge with their own Turkey Trot.
Race Day Meals
It's important to have the energy to run your Turkey Trot. There may be a big Thanksgiving meal coming post-race, but that doesn't mean you should skip breakfast. To avoid adding cooking to your task list, have a comforting and energizing breakfast delivered. If you're planning a longer run, you may want a bigger meal, so plan accordingly!
Stay Safe
It might be tempting to invite a big group to join in your Turkey Trot, but we recommend keeping your race as small as possible. Check with your local state’s guidelines on how to best protect yourself while running outside. If you’re feeling ill, postpone your Turkey Trot for another day when you’re feeling better. But if you're ready to go, be sure to stretch and stay hydrated!
DIY Bibs and Medals
A big part of the ritual of these races is getting your official race bib. Experienced racers can pull out a bib from a previous race – or you can create a personalized bib for your personalized Turkey Trot. We used pieces of craft felt to make durable bibs than can be used over and over. This is a fun activity especially if you have kids who want to join you in your race. The same goes for race medals – get creative with how you celebrate your big achievement! You can also design race tshirts, finish lines and spectator signs!
Enjoy the Day!
Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving are especially exciting because you have the big Thanksgiving dinner to use as motivation to finish strong. Bob Evans can help you with your post-race eats. If you’re planning a few weeks out, you can order a Farmhouse Feast to be picked up in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Our dining rooms are also open on Thanksgiving day with holiday breakfasts and special Thanksgiving meals. However you decide to build your Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving, we’d love to see it – share with us on social media using #bobevans!