No Joke: Train for a 5K Turkey Trot in Less Than a Month!

Looking for something fun to do this Thanksgiving that’ll help you negate some of the guilt you might feel over binging on turkey and mashed potatoes? If so, or if you’re simply looking for a fun new challenge to take on, why not sign up for a local Turkey Trot or Thanksgiving Day run? These 5K runs can be a bit challenging, especially for those who don’t typically run, but you can train and prepare yourself for one in less than a month! Here’s how.

Find a Trot in Your Area

Start by registering for a run in your area; these are held in most major cities across the United States, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding one within driving distance near you. Keep in mind that you will most likely need to register ahead of time, though some will accept day-of registration.

Gather an Accountability Group

If you’re nervous about the thought of taking on a 5K alone or simply want some extra accountability, encourage friends and/or family members to sign up with you. These runs usually occur in the morning, so remind them they’ll still have the rest of the day afterwards to enjoy Thanksgiving meals and spend time with loved ones!

Follow the 3.5-Week Plan

There’s a great 3.5-week plan that’s available online and is specifically designed to help you get in shape for a 5K. This plan alternates days of cardio and strength training to help you build up your endurance and strength over the course of a few weeks. You’ll begin the training by gradually increasing your amount of running time from 25 minutes to 40 minutes during the first week—and by the end, you’ll be completing 45-minute runs and full body workouts with relative ease. So long as you follow the plan and give it your all, you should have no trouble crossing that Turkey Trot finish line with pride.

Make it Happen!

Once you’ve completed your training, all that’s left to do is to show up and run your heart out on the day of the race! Keep in mind that it’s perfectly acceptable to slow down to a jog or even walk if you need to; you’ll likely find that many people walk the majority of the race. The key is to take pride in crossing that finishing line and doing your best!

Completing your first 5K is a great segway into striving for other health and fitness goals, and what better way to start than with a Turkey Trot?

Source: https://www.movewith.com/earnthefeast?utm_medium=greatist&utm_source=affiliates