Running for Turkey (again)

Thanksgiving is all about being thankful. Well it's mostly about being thankful and partly about being gluttonous. I have found there is no better way to start Thanksgiving morning than with a solid Turkey Trot. I have run the one in Lansing several times and the Detroit Turkey Trot once. This past week my husband and I ran the second annual Morgantown Running Turkey Trot.

Morgantown, West Virginia is my adopted hometown. While I didn't grow up there I did attend college and law school at West Virginia University, and my parents there now. Going back there always feels like going home. It's my happy place.  I was fortunate this year to join my entire family (including all three of my siblings and their spouses and children) at my parents' house for the holiday. It's not too often that we're all in the same place, and I was counting my blessings.

On Thursday morning  my husband and I headed to the WVU track for the start of the race. It was much colder than last year - temps in the 20s - but we were ready to go.  The cold didn't appear to deter participants, and we started out on Morgantown's best course.  Morgantown is an EXTREMELY hilly city, and I love running the hills in that town. This course, however, is perfect for those who aren't as enthusiastic about the hills. There is a solid mile down hill from the WVU Coliseum to Star City, WV on Monongalia Boulevard. The last two miles are on the flat Mon River Trail. For a hilly city, it's probably the flattest course that can be mapped. 

Me rocking the mock (with the Coliseum in the background)
 
Pre-race with the hubs. He loves it when I do this.

My husband broke 30 minutes for the first time during a 5k, and I couldn't be more proud. It was a tough run (maybe because we split a bottle of wine the night before), but he gutted it out. The race finishes at the Seneca Center, home to Morgantown Running. There were a lot of spectators at the finish, and it was a great way to kick off the long holiday weekend.

 After gorging myself on turkey and related Thanksgiving delights the following morning I ran my favorite three mile loop around WVU's Evansdale campus. As opposed to the turkey trot course it's one of the hilliest loops I can find, and it felt amazing. It felt so good, in fact, that I ran the first (and steepest hill) twice. 

 Despite my best intentions I only ran twice during my time at home. I did, however, spend quality time with friends and family. This week it's back to my regular running schedule. I've got some of my mom's delicious banana nut bread to run off.

Comments

  1. ErinDecember 3, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    Woo-hoo! Way to go Chris! We found the cold equally motivating here in Lansing - PR's all around, although our group was split as to whether we would go for another cold weather race.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SamanthaDecember 3, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    You should definitely go for another cold weather race. It's motivating! :)

    ReplyDelete

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