Years ago I ran a turkey trot race on Thanksgiving morning. It was snowing (and also cold, as you might imagine), with blustery wind and the works, but it was a darn fun race to run. As I recall, I was bundled up to my eyeballs with scarves, hats, gloves, my husband’s sweat pants (this was before I knew about winter running gear, drywick material, and all of the other garb that makes cold-weather running somewhat tolerable.) I took my extra serving of sweet potato casserole with a smile that year, because I knew I’d earned it! Come on…you know you’re going to have seconds of something! Why not burn a few calories, have fun, and raise money for a local charity…all in one fell swoop?
Here is a short list of some of famous Ohio trots to try:
1. Ohio River Road Runner’s Club, 31st Annual 5k Turkey Trot
Miamisburg
Not your average trot, this race and expo draws more than 7000 people.
You can register until this Friday, Nov. 20th
2. Flying Feather 4-miler
Dublin
This event is close to selling out, so register soon! There will be a Kids’ Gobbler Chase, and an opportunity to support Toys for Tots and the 2nd & 7 Foundation. Bring a toy (unopened and unwrapped) and give it to a Marine Toys for Tots rep. 2nd and 7 is an organization that promotes literacy throughout Central Ohio. Proceeds from the race benefit this awesome organization.
3. 28th Annual Fleet Feet Sports Turkey Trot
Cleveland
The race starts and ends at the Convention Center, 500 Lakeside Ave. The 1-mile run starts at 8:45am, and the 5-miler begins at 9:30am. If you’re really ambitious (or planning to eat a hefty serving of pecan pie), run both!
4. I saved the best for last – the Cincinnati Thanksgiving Day race is 100 years old this year! The Runners High is posting 100 stories about the race – 100 Footprints – on its blog.
Bonus: every 100th person to register for this historic 10k through their website will get a $10 Arch Card to McDonald’s.
Martial arts isn’t just for defending yourself in a dark alley, although having the skills necessary to do so is always handy. One such method for protecting yourself is called Krav Maga, meaning “close combat” in Hebrew. Krav Maga refers to combat involving physical contact rather than the use of weapons. It was developed in Hungary and Czechoslovakia in the 1930s to protect the Jewish community from Nazi militia. The original principles are used today to teach basic self-defense skills. Bonus: Regular practice will strengthen your entire body (i.e, whoop you into fighting shape).
