I started off my Thanksgiving with a 5K in some gorgeous weather. The Annual Turkey Trot in Troy, NY had about 5,000 participants — a record year. We ran through the streets in balmy temperatures. Come now, 55 degrees in Upstate NY is a Thanksgiving present if I ever had one.
I felt really good during the run evening though I had done no training whatsoever. My time was all right. But the Turkey Trot isn’t about prepping for a marathon. It’s about families coming out to support their loved ones and friends and giving thanks for the bodies that run and walk and eat and love. The Turkey Trot has become a tradition for my cousin and me, and the whole fam showed up at the finish line to cheer us on. There were people of all ages running, some wearing turkey hats, others wearing t-shirts for various causes. We passed a solider running in full uniform, complete with a pack and a large American flag. I got a little choked up watching so many runners cheer him on as if they knew him, as if he were fighting personally for their right to run. Later in the race I saw a woman in a wheelchair pushing herself along the course. Speeding is more like it! This woman ran a 5K essentially with her arms in a little over 30 minutes. Pretty incredible.
I love the enthusiasm and friendliness of the crowd. The Turkey Trot is not so much a competition as a celebration. Which is why everyone gets medals 
.
That’s my cousin and our longtime family friend. We took a bunch of pictures next to the statue of Uncle Sam.
My cousin and her kids.
And now it is time to get ready for food-related portion of our scheduled activities. We are shortly off to my aunt’s house for dinner. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
