Grand Junction makes a Turkey Trot Tradition

From year to year, the holiday season is ripe with traditions that may vary from one family to the next. Your knitted sweater may fit a little more snug than it once did, and your wine-savvy aunt has switched from boxed to bottled, but the adoption of new traditions doesn’t stop there for residents of Colorado’s Western Slope.

This year marks the seventh annual hosting of the Turkey Trot 5k in Grand Junction, Colo. Before donning the elastic waistbands for festive meals, over 1,200 runners and walkers took to the streets of downtown Grand Junction on the morning of Thanksgiving.

“It’s kind of a funny thing, because a lot of people now have replaced big events, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with running at our race,” said Mandy Harter, the head event coordinator for the Turkey Trot. “This race started with good intention amongst a small group of people, and I’m happy to see it grow from year to year.”

Even in it’s infancy, this festive 5k began with purpose. The event benefits the Grand Junction Firefighters Foundation.

“This is a great way for our guys at the station to get out into the city in a very different way,” said Stacey Foster. As a wife of one of the firefighters in station 2808, Foster says that her husband gains inspiration for his work from being able to interact with the people he protects.

On some of the busiest streets of Grand Junction on any normal day, the Turkey Trot transforms the downtown area into a spirited five kilometers of cardio.

“Next week I’ll run the Winter Sun Run in Moab, Utah so this is my daily workout and a tempo run,” said Sam Van Pelt. “Every year I run this race with my brothers with a competitive attitude, and I always forget how many smiling faces and happy families come out despite the cold.”

Some come in costume, some with personal records in mind, but everyone comes and contributes to the solidification of a new tradition. 

Find the Grand Junction Turkey Trot on Facebook

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Adopting a Natural Running Form

Along with the classic runner’s sweet tooth, one of the hardest things to correct is your running form. I found this video featuring two nationally renowned runners, Sandi Nypaver and Sage Canady, in which the natural forms of running are demonstrated.

For runners who are partial to the short, quick runs, being on your toes might be a habit of yours. For the longer distance runners, a bad habit to break might be the relaxed form of sitting too low in your stride. Watch as Nypaver and Canady identify some of the most common erros in running, and edit them accordingly.

The tips within the video are great for any level of runner. Take some of this advice and take time to consciously edit yourself on your next run. 

Happy trails.

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Songs to Add to your Workout Playlist

Ankle-high socks, moisture-wicking shirts, knee-high socks, single or double-knotted shoes. When it comes to running gear, I’m not one to have very many stipulations. In fact, I only have one stipulation and that is: I will not run with headphones in, thus I do not run with music.

Because of this, I often daydream of an alternate running universe where running with headphones isn’t so bothersome for me. In celebration of this alternate universe, I’ve recently made note of a few songs that I’d add to my running playlist if I had one. These songs may never accompany me on my own runs, so perhaps, they’ll find a home with you.

For a quick pace: 212 by Azealia Banks

For the fast runner, or the runner with a short stride, I imagine this might be your anthem. With quick beats to set your stride to, this upbeat hip-hip anthem will help you keep pace, as long as you don’t mind Banks’ potty mouth.

For the casual run: White Teeth Teens by Lorde

If you’re not racing the clock, or the setting sun, Lorde’s smooth vocals and secondary instrumentals might be the perfect background noise for your run. This young, Kiwi has a knack for poetic lyrics and a calm, raspy tone that might not be enough to get you pumped up, but it’ll keep you engaged as you make progress along your pre-destined or impromptu path.

For the classic runner’s sole: Real World by Matchbox 20

With an ever-present guitar strum, this ‘90s hit from Matchbox 20 might encourage you to wear a scrunchie or that throwback pair of neon Nike running shorts once belonging to your hip dad. Don’t stop yourself from singing along, either. It could help with your ability to control your breath. 

Theoretically speaking, I would think that a workout playlist of any kind should match the tempo you're trying to keep. Faced with a uphill slope, fatigue, or ideal weather, the music you listen to should aid in keeping you going. As for me, I'll continue singing the choruses of songs in the confines of my own mind.

Check out this article, "The Top 10 Workout Songs for November 2013", from The Huffington Post. They weigh in on the best tunes to listen to during your run with artists ranging from Rihanna to the U.K. band, Bastille.  

Happy trails.

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Staying Motivated for your Workouts

During this time of year, there are a number of things that might keep you from changing into running clothes and log some miles for the day. The devil on your shoulder—picture a hairy, couch-potato version of Danny DeVito—might try to convince you to indulge in some sweets, catch up on the last few episodes of Modern Family, or stay in the warmth of your bed because it’s a cold, dangerous world out there.

With that being said, it’s a good thing we all have that ideal, healthy version of ourselves sitting on the opposing shoulder to urge us into our workout routines day-to-day. While we’re on the subject of the fit version of yourself, it should be said that you should remind yourself of your goals every so often. When you’re losing track of the progress you want to make and the goals you’ve set, take a break from the calorie counting and workouts schedules to revisit your ‘fit-spiration’, if you will.

Some common ways of maintaining your motivational levels involve making a vision board with quotes, photos, and other miscellaneous items that urge you to keep going. A less crafty version of a vision board might include a hand-written list of five reasons you want yourself to stick to your workout regimen. Keep your vision board or list in a visible place.

Pushing past the days where you’re sore or are tempted much more towards snacking versus running, can be made easier with reminders from your ideal self—the angel on your shoulder. Be sure to give yourself a cheat day, and if all else fails enlist your fitness guru friends as workout buddies. This way you feel a little more accountable, if not nervous as to what insane push-up routine they might put you through if you miss a workout.

If you're looking for some more tips on staying motivated, browse this article from giaim.com 

Happy trails.

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You're Reason Enough

Many odd weeks ago, I was stopped mid-internet-surf after coming across one of the most inspiring of poems. In their most common form recently, it was scrawled in a artsy font atop a quaint photo of a dark and winding road. Despite the status quo presentation it came on, the pome was really quite moving and while I couldn’t find it to share today, I can explain why it resonated with me.

The poem was centered on reasons that might moticate you to run. A couple lines included, “Run because you’ve fought with your partner”, “Run because you’ve got the time”, and “Run because you haven’t any time at all”. The underlying motif, is that we shouldn’t need to talk ourselves into something we value so deeply.

When you’ve stopped your watch at the end of a run, and your body still feels like it’s in a continual state of momentum, though you’ve been walking or several steps now, you’ve accomplished something. Run because you’re capable and because you love to.

You’re reason enough.

Happy trails. 

Check out Miles of Happy blog for fun tips and photos that any runner would enjoy

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