Turkey Trot 2011

Washam's, Hurst's, and Coyan's

An odd number year can only mean one thing; time for our bi-annual running in the Springfield Park Board Turkey Trot. With our families being separated across the state, Aimee and I only run the Turkey Trot every other year, but can't wait for those odd numbered years to come around. Just to put it into perspective, Aimee views the Turkey Trot as more of a "social gathering" than a race (hence the make-up for this years race).

The Turkey Trot is one of, if not, the state's largest 5k race with an estimated 8,000 runners. What we enjoy more than the large crowd is the number of friends we can see all in one place doing something we both love. In addition, we love running in downtown Springfield, and through the campus of Missouri State. I once again missed a sub 18:00 5k, but was proud of my effort and look forward to using what I learned in trying again next time. Aimee took an easier pace this year running with several of her girlfriends, one of which is 6 months pregnant. I think she might have enjoyed this race just as much as any as they coasted along together.

Aimee, Teresa, and Rachel

Here is a rundown of who we met up with at the race this year: my childhood best friend and second time 5k-er DJ and Ashley Gilmore, Justin and Teresa Coyan, Chris and Rachel Hurst, Ashley Bartelsmeyer and Rob Montgomery (ok, did not technically see them, but they were there), 5 former students: Dylan, Dalton, Sydney, Will, Krysta (who is now a sophomore in college), Richard Johnson (OMRR and MSU Runner extraordinaire), Paul Maness (always right next to me throughout local races), Bekemeier's (over the phone), Flood's (day before) and the MC Ned Reynolds (well I could hear him).

Weekly Recap 50 Miles: Monday 5 easy; Tuesday 9 tempo; Wednesday off; Thursday Turkey Trot + 4; Friday 20 long; Saturday 4 easy; Sunday 5 easy. The long weeks and doubles are upon me, Houston 7 weeks away.