Trot off those holiday calories

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The upcoming food-heavy holidays don’t have to crash and burn your fitness and weight loss goals. Indulging in a little turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie won’t seem so devastating if you balance those calories by taking part in a traditional event with an old-fashioned name: The Turkey Trot.

Turkey Trots are fun, low-stress running events (usually a 5K or 10K run, and sometimes a mini-triathlon) geared for individuals and families that usually take place on Thanksgiving Day. Costume contests, prizes, vendors, charity drives, entertainment — all may be part of the experience. Separate events are often offered for children, too. (Active.com features a list of races around the country.).

‘It’s a perfect way to burn off calories before you get into the holiday,’ says Jonathan Pauley, managing partner of Irvine-based Renegade Racing, which puts on the San Dimas Turkey Trot and the Turkey Tri, both on Nov. 30.

‘This is the time of year when someone will grab their family members or friends and say, ‘You’ve got to do this Turkey Trot,’ ‘ Pauley says. ‘It seems to be less intimidating than doing a more competitive 5K or 10K because you have the whole holiday atmosphere.’ Though it’s a good idea to sign up ahead of time, most races offer same-day registration.

Veterans of competitive runs enjoy the events because of their low-key atmosphere, Pauley says, while newbies ‘can sort of test the waters a little bit. With New Year’s resolutions coming along and the holiday eating season bearing down on us, it’s a great way to get your training program together and give yourself a little bit of focus as you enter the late part of November.’

Setting goals isn’t a bad idea, he adds, like finishing a 5K — even if you walk it. There’s no shame in walking. Walking for an hour (a reasonable 20-minute pace for a 5K) burns about 225 calories for a 150-pound person. That’s a decent pile of sweet potaotes right there.

-- Jeannine Stein

Photo credit: Byron Moore