Turkey Trot tips: Earn your pumpkin pie with a holiday race

Turkey. Mashed potatoes. Stuffing. Cranberry sauce. A traditional Thanksgiving meal is characterized by overindulgence and we haven’t even mentioned dessert.

However, your hard work in the gym doesn’t have to go out the window on Thanksgiving Day. Make a Turkey Trot your pre-meal family tradition and know that you earned that piece of pumpkin pie.

Cities across the country host Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving morning, featuring family-friendly (and sometimes dog-friendly) races that usually range from a 5K to a 10K. Plus, there’s no pressure to set a personal best—it’s all about having some fun with your relatives and friends on a holiday. Check out active.com to find a race in your area.

Here are some easy ways to make the most of your Turkey Trot once you’ve added it to your holiday plans:

Pick a race that’s close to home. When you’re looking for a Turkey Trot, convenience is key. You might be tempted to join the big city race that everyone goes to, but trust us, it’s not worth it. You don’t want to spend an hour trying to get out of the parking lot post-race, when your turkey is in the oven back home.

Don’t skip breakfast. Yes, you’re going to enjoy a large lunch (or dinner … or both) after the race, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the morning meal to save up the calories. You’re going to need energy to make it through that 5K, whether you’re an experienced runner or just walking the race. Start your day off right with some lean protein, such as two eggs, and some good carbs—think whole wheat toast.

Be sure to hydrate. Turkey Trots are generally short races, but you still need to drink plenty of water. Start by having at least 16 ounces of water with your breakfast. Then be sure to monitor how you feel as you run because it’s easy to forget about hydrating in cold weather.

Bundle up. Speaking of cold weather, a Turkey Trot might be one of the coldest races you participate in all year. Check the weather before you head out to the start line and wear the appropriate gear. Compression pants, water resistant shoes or an insulated coat could mean the difference between being cold or comfortable. This Shield Max jacket will keep you warm and dry with a thermal Dri-FIT lining, plus it has a removable facemask and a removable hood. Nike Element Shield Max women’s running jacket, on sale for $119.99, footlocker.com.

Most importantly, have fun! Turkey Trots aim to bring family and friends together for some fun before the big meal. Embrace that spirit, stand out from the crowd and bring a smile to someone’s face with by dressing like a turkey for the big race. What’s more fun than that?

• Go all in with a full-on turkey costume. Johnny-O Turkey adult costume, buycostumes.com, $49.99.
• Make mouths water as you run past. Cooked Turkey adult costume, buycostumes.com, $89.99.
• Keep it simple with just a touch of Thanksgiving flair. Turkey headband, buycostumes.com, $8.99.
• And finally, something for the little ones. Lil’ Gobbler infant/toddler costume, buycostumes.com, on sale for $39.99.