Maybe it’s to allow for guilt-free indulgence around the dinner table this afternoon. Or perhaps it’s about family bonding, but more central New Yorkers are lacing up their running shoes on Thanksgiving morning and going for runs before the feast.
"We tell ourselves that it’s offsetting that gluttony. 'Oh, I can have those massed potatoes now, I did that Turkey Trot this morning,'" said Liz Knickerbocker, with the running store Fleet Feet
Starting off the Thanksgiving holiday by running a road race is becoming an increasingly popular tradition. There are aptly-named Turkey Trot races this morning in Baldwinsville, Syracuse and Fayetteville, to name a few.
"Everyone has the day off; no one is in a hurry. Lunch and turkey isn’t until two o’clock or six o’clock or later, so people have that morning time together and you feel a little guilt free when you’ve run or walked a couple miles together in the morning," said Knickbocker.
Running is becoming more and more popular. And that includes late fall and even winter races.
Knickerbocker advises people to not push it too hard this morning, especially for novice runner.
"Maybe you’ve grabbed your cousin who is staying with you and they don’t run, and they’re like: 'Yeah, I’m gonna do this,'" she said. "Just remember to take it easy and have fun out there. Don’t try to win, you’ll end up hurting yourself and ruining your whole turkey day."
She also advises runners to dress for about 15 degree warmer than the air temperature, to allow for your body to warm up, without overheating.
