It’s that time of year ladies, the Holidays are back. Thanksgiving is less than a week away and we all know what that means, lots of turkey of course! From now to next semester there is Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, New Years, Valentine’s Day, and many other celebrations in between. My favorite part of the Holidays is definitely spending quality time with my family – over our favorite Holiday treats! From mouth-watering mash potatoes to sugary sweet cookies, the Holidays are filled with lots of joy and eating.
However, every year we partake in these heart-warming festivities we forget what’s right around the corner, spring! Before we know it we’ll be switching out our winter boots for rain boots and gift shopping lists for Spring Break itineraries. If you’ve been finding time to go to the gym regularly don’t give up your dedication over the upcoming breaks. And if you haven’t been working out as much as you want to there are always New Years resolutions.
During these upcoming few weeks enjoy your free time, family, and those delicious cookies – you deserve it. But once you start developing a personal relationship with your couch and you’ve seen every “Say Yes to the Dress” rerun on TV, get on your feet and do something active in the spirit of the season.
All around Illinois, and many other states, there are countless 5Ks and Turkey Trots going on taking advantage of the last few days of decent weather! Majority of these events not only help you keep up a healthy lifestyle through the beginning Holiday months but also help others in need.
For those of you in the Chicagoland area, there are many races to choose from. Looking for a beautiful view to run or walk in, check out Turkey Trot Chicago 8k. Starting in Lincoln Park, work off that turkey and work up a sweat running along side friends or family. At the beginning of the race bring your canned goods to help support their official charity Greater Chicago Food Depository. Go here to register online.
Looking for an event that entire family can participate? Go to Long Grove for their Turkey Trot which offers an 8K, 5K, a Kids Dash, and many more family friendly activities. For everyone not sitting at the kid’s table, at the end of the race you’ll be congratulated with hot cider or beer! Join Long Grove’s kick off to Holiday fun as they support the Special Olympics.
After working up an appetite come out to Schaumburg’s 3rd Annual Half Marathon &Turkey Trot! They claim it is “One of the Suburb’s Largest Turkey Trots!” Like Long Grove, they too are supporting the Special Olympics.
As you can see, there are so many Turkey Trots happening in the Suburbs! If one of these are a little too far from you, look here for other races nearest you!
Finally, if you’re a townie like me, or plan on staying in the C-U over break, there are also many Turkey Trots in the surrounding cities. The Urbana Park District is holding a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, a fun one-mile walk or run for anybody to join. The race will be at Crystal Lake Park, plus after the race there will be free hot chocolate!
Once you go to one of these Turkey Trots and you seem to have caught the running bug, plan to register for a Holiday run! These are little harder to find but still can be a really great way to get outside before we all cozy up by our fires for Winter Break!
Enjoy your families, friends and food! Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Her Campus Illinois!