The Real "Turkey Trot" is Running From Holiday Stress

By Cheryl McGinnis

Thanksgiving often conjures up notions of the famous Norman Rockwell scene of the All-American family gathered around the table - the turkey is golden and the moment is depicted as one of joy and anticipation.

However, for many the contrast between that vision and reality is painful and often leads to depression.  The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be the most depressing time of the year.  

Many disappointments are the result of shattered illusions and trying to relive traditions of the past.  Sharing the holidays with family and friends is a common desire, but often we hold fantasies of the way families "ought to be" this time of year. When holidays aren't the way we envision them, we feel stressed and disappointed.   

Dr. Betty Wolfgang, psychologist at the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center , suggests that we make an assessment of what the holidays can and can't be.  Maybe it's time to begin some new traditions. But certainly it is the time to consider your health and adhere to a healthier lifestyle.

"The added stresses of shopping for presents, the financial strain, the demand for more of our time and dealing with the loss of loved ones over the preceding year makes it essential that we take extra care of ourselves.  It's hard to be positive without rest and exercise," she said.

Yet, at this hectic time of year, health and physical fitness seem to get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Ironically, it's exactly this time of year that we may need it most.

What more wonderful a gift can we give ourselves than 30 minutes or so of vigorous exercise to elevate our mood, lose weight and release anxiety?  A good, hard run usually puts things back into perspective.  And this exercise therapy is basically free and convenient. Furthermore, it gives you the chance to spend some time alone, away from the noise and commotion associated with the holidays.

While you run, consider all the things for which you are grateful.  Your health should be toward the top of that list - strong legs, strong heart, strong mind.  And don't forget to enjoy the beautiful colors of autumn that adorn our paths. 

Why not begin a new holiday tradition by running in one of the local "Turkey Trots" on Thanksgiving morning?  It will give you the chance to rethink the commercial pressure to create the perfect holiday and allow you the guilt-free enjoyment of a piece of pumpkin pie.

Some of the traditional Thanksgiving Day Runs (Thursday, November 25) that you might consider are:

•  The Thanksgiving Day Run , sponsored by the Iroquois Hill Runners and Swag's Sport Shoes.  The five-mile run begins at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater.  For more information, contact Swag Hartel at 368-2443 or pick up an entry at the store, located at 7415 Old 3rd Street in the Auburndale Shopping Center

•  The Northeast YMCA's Turkey Day Family Fun Run offers several distances.  The long course is approximately six miles, the short course about two miles, and there is a Turkey Trot for children 1-10 years old. Pre-race registration begins November 1.  Late registration after Nov. 19 and race morning from 7-7:45 a.m. Contact 425-1271 for details.

•  Fast Freddie's Festival Five Mile Foot Feast begins at 9 a.m. at the Floyd County 4H Fairgrounds on Green Valley Road in New Albany , Indiana .  Proceeds go to the Diabetes Education Program at the Floyd Memorial Hospital .  For more information, contact Jim or Camille Estes at Fleet Feet at 479-8786 or visit the store to pick up an entry form at 1500 Bardstown Road .

•  If you want a practice run, lace up those shoes and try the Turkey Run 5K (3.1 miles) cross-country run on Saturday, November 13.  The run begins at 9 a.m. at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park .  Contact 426-8950.

Cheryl McGinnis has a B.A. in English from Centre College, where she served as communications associate, cross-country coach and sports information director.  Cheryl was Kentucky 's NCAA Woman of the Year (1993) and National Inspirational Athlete of the year (1994).  She is a member of Team USA , competing most recently in both the 2004 World Triathlon and World Duathlon. She was named All-American in triathlon and duathlon in 2003. Cheryl is also a certified personal fitness specialist and spinning instructor. To contact Cheryl, call 693-7443 or email offrunnin@yahoo.com.