4 minute read
Annual Turkey Trot Is a Delicious Way to Start Thanksgiving Day
By Jake Ten Pas
Any way you slice it, MAC’s Turkey Trot 5K is worth carving out time for, even on a day as busy as Thanksgiving. Sure, exercise is a great way to alleviate potential guilt for the impending feast, possibly even serving to enhance metabolism in preparation for the coming onslaught of sides. Beyond that, it sets the mood and can put the extra pep in members’ steps to help them enjoy every last morsel of food, family, friends, and festivity.
“I do it because I always know that I have more energy throughout the day if I work out,” says member Amanda Park. “Thanksgiving is a long, fun day, and I want to start it out right. When I begin my day with a run, or a workout, it always ends up being a better day for me.”
Park grew up accompanying her parents to group exercise classes at MAC and then picked up running when she moved away from Portland. It wasn’t long before a jog became her new Thanksgiving-morning routine. After returning to the Rose City, and upon learning of the Turkey Trot, she was excited to combine these healthy, happy traditions into something her own kids could enjoy.
“I knew that MAC would do a great job of creating the course and making it a fun event for all families and not just me. I brought my then-6-year-old son, Joony, to run it with me, and also my younger brother. So, it was truly a family affair.”
As the goofy name implies, the Turkey Trot is about more than just exercise. Some families turn out as much for the colorful costumes, photo booth, hot cocoa and cider, and games — including giant Jenga and cornhole — as they do for the exercise.
Katie Bray says the event appeals to each member of her family in its own way — and possibly most of all to her mini golden doodle, Pippin. “He’s very proud to be trotted around and on display, and he gets to meet all the people and other dogs,” she says.
At last year’s Turkey Trot, Bray’s daughter, Daphne, walked the course with her grandmother, Laurie, and Pippin, while the rest of the family opted for a faster pace. For Daphne, 13, the snacks and cocoa are more of a motivator than exercise or family bonding. She suspects her twin brothers, Hayden and Parker, are increasingly attracted to the competitive aspect.
Bray, meanwhile, says it’s all part of the appeal. “Thanksgiving is a full-day deal at our house. Knowing that there are going to be a lot of delicious things to eat, I really like to start the day with some exercise, and then you can feel better about yourself when you’re stuffing your face for the rest of the day.
“One of my favorite things about going to the Turkey Trot all together is running into people we might’ve seen in other parts of the club. We’ve also discovered that friends that we know from other areas of our lives, like sports teams or activities, are MAC members, and that’s always fun. It just creates an additional connection.”
Whether members attend for the sense of community, social activities, or tasty treats, this year’s Turkey Trot is stuffed with just a little extra flavor. A collaboration with Smith Teamaker means that Merry Maker’s Punch will be available along with the cocoa. Instructor Jack Brennan is set to lead a dynamic warmup at 8 a.m. before the race, the Triathlon & Running Committee sponsors a water station at the onemile mark, and attendees can take advantage of a recovery station in the Turnaround after the race.
All participants who register by Thursday, Nov. 9, also receive a long-sleeved T-shirt. Everyone can take the race at their own pace — walk, jog, or run — but sprinting to sign up is highly recommended. Register at themac.com.
