Start Thanksgiving Off Right by Participating in the Turkey Trot

By Betty Murray

No better way to start your Thanksgiving Day than with a little exercise! Join thousands of other Dallas residents in the 2012 Capital One Bank Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot in Downtown Dallas.

This is the largest Thanksgiving Day event of its kind in the country. Last year, more than 38,000 men, women and children participated. Were you there? Don’t miss out this year!

The Trot offers a 5k run/walk and an 8 mile run. The 5k is designed to accommodate every member of your family, from infants to grandparents. Even friendly dogs on leashes are invited to participate! (Dogs must be registered.) Wheelchairs and strollers welcome. The event begins at 9 a.m., wheelchairs at 8:59 a.m.

Gather your friends and family for a bit of pre-Turkey Trot training, and register for the run today! Register online or visit any Luke’s Locker location through Nov. 21. The race fee is $30 for an untimed race, $35 for a timed race. You may choose from the 5k or 8 mile course.

Getting exercise in the morning will kick start your metabolism, and get your body started burning calories. If you’re on a diet or trying to lose weight, don’t let the participating in the Turkey Trot be your excuse to overeat at your Thanksgiving dinner. Remember to drink plenty of water and eat small portions.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day with no regrets the morning after.  The Turkey Trot is a great, fun way to encourage health and fitness for the whole family. Get a group of family and friends together to run with you. With just a week left until Thanksgiving, there’s little time for training, but if it’s been a while since you’ve hit the gym, try to get out for at least two light jogs between now and Thanksgiving Day!

Fun Fact: The 2011 Turkey Trot set a world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as turkeys!

Betty Murray, CN, HHC, RYT is a Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Health Counselor, founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.