Turkey Trot races can be a ton of fun, a great way to celebrate the holiday with the masses and can jump start the winter “get back into shape” mindset. Fortunately, many of these races attract a wide variety of competitors, many of which are not even currently exercising. So, these tips are directed towards those individuals.
1) Update your footwear: If your shoes are greater than a year in age or show wear on the tread, then it’s time to get new shoes ASAP. Choose a high-quality shoe store where an actual shoe-fitting can be done. Just remember, if you’re not paying at least $75, you’re probably getting a lower quality shoe.
2) Start with run-walk intervals, especially if you’ve not run in a good while: Start with intervals of three minutes of walking and then one minute of running. Consider training every other day for the first 2 weeks, then you can start to train daily. Each week, you can phase out some of the walking and add more running. Your ratio can go from 2:1, then 1:1 and eventually, to a majority of running. However, if you don’t consider yourself a big runner, there’s nothing wrong with doing intervals during the race or simply just walking the race.
3) Set realistic goals: It’s less than four weeks to Thanksgiving, and you’re not even exercising. Thus, your goal is to simply to get to the finish line. Don’t put an emphasis on your time either. Enjoy the process of training, getting back into shape and accomplishing a goal on or around Thanksgiving day.
4) Get the race-day wardrobe ready: Pay attention to the weather report a few days before the race. Don’t forget about something to keep your head warm as well as high-quality socks and gloves, especially if the temperature is going to be in the 40s or lower.
5) If you want to do this race with company, then find some friends and family who have a similar pace to you: Don’t plan on competing in a race with a peer who is much faster or slower than you. This can certainly steal your joy and/or put you at risk for injury.
As always, let us know if we can be of any assistance to you!
