TAMARAC TURKEY TROT – 11/26/2015

As I battle this peaky knee injury for what seems like an eternity, I give thanks that I was able to run this race pain free.  It also reminded me just how different the culture of a 5K race is, compared to a marathon or half marathon.

For those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, you know that the Tamarac Turkey Trot is the race that started it all for me way back in 1996.  At this point in my running career, the Tamarac Turkey Trot is the only 5K race that I run, both out of nostalgia and tradition.  This is a very popular family institution, with 1,816 participants who obviously don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to cook their turkeys..  Lindsey and Rachel both joined me, so it was a great way to start the holiday weekend.  That being said, I was reminded just how “annoying” a large family run like this can be.

1. The slower runners and walkers are supposed to go to the back.  I guess the term slow is up for interpretation, but I can assure you I’m no Scarlet Speedster myself.  However, if you are planning on walking right from the start, you should not be up front.  It’s very frustrating to the other runners, especially since it is like a cattle call at the starting line of the race.
2. Many adults run with their kids; some of them are very young.  It’s great family bonding, and it gives everyone a very satisfying sense of accomplishment.  If you fall into this category, please stay off to the right side of the road.  Many of the youngsters cannot keep up the pace, and randomly stop several times.  I’m a big guy, and I would hate to step on a little kiddie.  I also find it interesting that many parents use this race to whip their kids into shape, as the “Drill Sargent” in many moms and dads seem to rear their ugly heads.
3. As touched in previous blogs, the ultimate showoff move involves the runners who have already finished the race.  They will run or walk in the opposite direction of the runners who have yet to finish and will do one of the following:
1. They are doing a “cool-down” run.  Yeah…right.  I guess I've never been bubbling over with that much energy.
2. They are walking towards their car.  Why not park where the other 1,800 folks parked.
3. They will shout words of encouragement like “Keep it up, you’re almost there,” or “You’re doing a great job.”  My responses are the following: “Thank you Mr. GPS,” and “If I were doing great, I’d be finished like you, but NOT being a pompous ass like you and walking in the opposite direction.”

Not really a big laundry list of annoyances, but just a reminder of what I’ve been missing by not running these shorter races.  All in all, it was a great time, and I’m especially thankful to have the physical ability to participate in this and other races.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

KEEP TRACK OF MY RUNNING ON