by Kelsey Fields
The Holidays are upon us! In order to prepare for the mounds of mashed potatoes and over abundance of sweets I stick to a very strict regimen. First, I pull out all of my maternity pants from the bins in basement storage, and second, well, that’s it. Just the maternity pants.
It’s hard to find time to offset all of those wonderful, creamy, pumpkin-y calories. In between Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, football, and the rounds of food and cooking, you’ve got Grandma Sweetie asking you way too many personal questions–No, Grandma Sweetie, I am not pregnant with Fields boy number three, I just really enjoyed your cooking today.
As much as I love all of the family time and Grandma Sweetie, I tend to get a tad overwhelmed in these circumstances. When I get peopled out, my usual solution is to pound the pavement or throw in an Insanity DVD. However, during the holidays, I always feel guilty for pulling myself away from family time when we only get to be together a few times a year.
This year, I think I have solved my dilemma. I am going to keep my sanity by working out, and I am going to make my whole family join me. Get out your turkey costume Sweetie, because Thanksgiving morning we are going on a Turkey Trot!
A turkey trot is race that occurs on Thanksgiving morning. It’s usually a 5k distance (3.1 miles), but it can be any length. Many people run it for fun in costumes, but they can be competitive as well. Traditionally, turkey trots are held because Americans anticipate indulgent Thanksgiving feasts and run to burn off calories before the big meal.
Looking for a new tradition and this sounds right up your alley? Here’s a list of Turkey Trots happening near SWMO on Thanksgiving morning.
Branson Turkey Trot 5K
- Joplin Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile
- Mount Vernon Mountaineer Turkey Strut 5K
- Pierce City Pilgrims Run 5K
- Springfield Turkey Trot 5K
- Ozark Turkey Scramble 5K and 10K
- Eureka Springs Don Gammie Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
- Rogers Pinnacle Country Club Turkey Trot 8K
- Rogers SDIA’s Turkey Trot for Heroes 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Imma get real with you for a sec. Running a 5K burns around 300 calories. The average American eats 3000 calories on Thanksgiving day. Turkey Trot or not, you’re gonna need those maternity pants. No shame.
SWMO Moms fitness category, which is full of healthy tips for all women, is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series.
Their mission is to celebrate health and wellness, outdoor adventures and wildlife conservation in the beauty of the Ozarks. Programs are designed to include activities for people of all ages, backgrounds, fitness levels and areas of interest. CLICK HERE for more information or give them a call at 417.873.5214.
Kelsey is an elementary teacher (just finished her first year!), a Beachbody certified Insanity instructor, avid runner and yoga enthusiast.
When she is not working out, you will find her cheering on the Denver Broncos, substitute teaching and spending time with her family. She is wife to Blake and mom to busy 2 year-old son Max and 1 year-old, Mick.