Turkey Trot 5k

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with family and I hope your Thanksgiving was great too.  It started off with a Turkey Day Trot 5k, ventured through turkey, mashed potatoes, apple pie and wine, continued on its way through more and more and more food and wrapped up with a hike and a bike ride.

Post Turkey Trot!
I was excited to
finish 72nd overall!

Jason and I participated in a 5k race on Thanksgiving morning.  It was in the mid to upper 40’s by our 9 a.m. race start time.  The race was capped at 1,000 participants and started in waves by pace time.  We decided to line up in the front of the 8-9 minute pace group.  After the first two rounds, of sub 7s and 7-8s, we took off.  The race took place at a large park and we immediately started on the north end on a paved trail.  I kept Jason in my sights during the first mile but he eventually made his way out of my view.  I settled into a just slightly hard pace.  I was rewarded with a 7:49 first mile.  The second mile wound its way around a second small park area and around a small pond and I again ran just under 8 minutes.

As I made my way into the third mile, I was disappointed to see a steep, drawn out hill in front of me, just like the hills in my half marathon a week ago.  However, this time I had altitude to contend with and it usually knocks me out.  I continued with very small steps up the hill and I was sucking in air like there were only a few liters of it left for everyone.  I wanted to stop and walk so badly but I told myself I was the one holding me back, not the hill.  I made it to the top and transitioned quickly to an all downhill half mile finish.  It was on gravel and I enjoy off-trail runs so it was a nice way to finish the race.  As I came through the finish line, I saw that I ran around an 8:24 in the last mile.  For as steep as the hill was, I was actually very happy with that time.  I finished the 5k in 24:35, at a 7:56 mile average.  I finished 72nd in the race!  I was the 3rd in my age group for females.  Overall, I am excited and pleased with my results!  Jason finished ahead of me and was 46th overall!

Enjoying an obstacle at a mountain biking park!

My great race effort was likely negated by my indulgence in Thanksgiving dinner and the days after!  I enjoyed great food in the company of family, but also made sure to make time for other activity.  We went on a long hike one afternoon and a bike ride one morning.  And a little Black Friday shopping helped burned a few extra calories too.  It helped me feel a little less guilty about all the food!

How did you spend Thanksgiving?  What was your favorite indulgence?  Did you find ways to stay active?  If you didn’t get the opportunity to participate in a Turkey Trot, look for races around Christmas weekend to stay active this holiday season!

Miss FitGab