Lessons From My First Turkey Trot

I didn’t get into running on a regular basis until I turned 30, but I still remember my first race – a turkey trot – back when I was in college in Michigan the late 80’s. The race was in my hometown of Flint, where I had come home to visit my family for the holiday. This race is a popular hometown tradition, in fact, this is the 59th year of this event!

I had absolutely no clue what I was doing, but a friend invited me along and I agreed.   I was nervous because I wasn’t a runner and really didn’t know how this whole thing worked.  When the race started, I started running as fast as I could (rookie mistake!!)  and within about 2 minutes I was gasping for air and had to walk much of the rest of the 5k. I felt awful, like I wanted to puke.

I remember getting back to my parent’s house. Full of accomplishment but also exhausted; I think I might have even taken a nap.  I also remember feeling like I had been given carte blanche to eat to my heart’s content (which I would have done anyway).

That was my last run for many years.  It would be a long time before I would catch the running bug.  That first experience wasn’t enough to win me over. I  wish I had a picture – or medal – to commemorate the occasion.  Looking back, I never would have guessed that the girl who had no idea how to pace herself and practically keeled over would somehow become an obsessive runner who has completed nearly 50 half marathons!

So here’s what I learned:

• Don’t be afraid to try something new
• For the love of God, don’t go out of the gate like a Kenyan in your first race!
  
• Just because you fail at something the first time, doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Try again!
• Running on Thanksgiving DOES entitle you to eat everything!

There is no turkey trot on my schedule this year, but I still enjoy running on Thanksgiving to clear out a few hundred calories so I can eat more! May you all have a wonderful active holiday with family and friends!

This was fun to participate in the BibRavePro Thanksgiving Linkup! Check out Chris' post about how he celebrates Hawaiian style!