Turkey Trot 2024
COVID-19, “ The Rona Era”
It’s time for the Turkey Trot! This year, BGR Boston’s theme was “ Running Turkeys”. Everyone had something on that represented a turkey. From gloves, hat, socks, shirts, tutus. We were very Turkey outed. We normally have pre race shenanigans in the parking lot with spiked coffee and jello shots. Last year we had our music blasting and we did a pre warm up stretch in the parking lot. This year, the Franklin Park Coalition folks wanted us to be featured. We had a spot near the club house instead of in the parking lot.
It was cold out on Thanksgiving. Everyone assumed it would be warm because the sun was out, the sky was blue. Oh no, there was a wind with a chill in the air. I didn’t realize I needed hadwarmers. It was cold. Sadly, we didn’t have any pre race shenanigans this year. KB and I set up the tent with our snacks. This year were had to advertise one BGR’s sponsor partnerships. Core Power and Hydration drink mix. They sent us a free shipment. We had to have our pictures in with the product. Looking at BGR nations webpage, it became clear that everyone had our sponsorship free goodies for their Turkey Trot.
Oh, so back to the Trot theme. I didn’t have time to get any costume. I wore my Virginia Tech Orange “ Gobble Gobble Bitches shit. Along with my orange REI running pants. And an old Franklin Park Turkey Trot hat, it was black. I looked Thanksgiving running festive.
Some of the ladies had extra Turkey stuff. I got a Turkey hat, that I swiped out the old Franklin Park hat. I kept my Mitten Paws on. Love them.
The ladies came and represented with their costume. And course, not to brag we won best group costume. Unfortunately it was so cold that I couldn’t feel my feet. Running the 5k, I kept up with KB. She is training for the Tokyo marathon. We she walked , I walked. When she ran I ran. At point, she told me my breaths sounded too hard. I didn’t realize I was breathing hard, instead of steady calming breaths.
The cold air and inclines were not joke this morning. I finished in 32 minutes. I was proud of that. Also what I love about this race is seeing folks in the running community that are apart of my community. Trailblazher, pioneers, Black Men Run, Black Girls Run, Heartbreakers, and other urban and black and brown folks that are apart of my running community.
To add to this joy, I was quoted in the Boston Globe.
This is the best way to start Thanksgiving. This is apart of my new Thanksgiving tradition since 2013. Ten years strong and counting.
