Race Recap: Mile High United Way Turkey Trot (round 3)

We've started decorating for Christmas but I haven't quite wrapped up Thanksgiving. And I wonder how many times I can write a recap about the same race. I guess as many times as I run it, right?

We celebrated our third Thanksgiving in Denver and ran our third Mile High United Way Turkey Trot just a few blocks from our house in Wash Park with about 10,000 other people. The past two years we've had pretty great weather for Thanksgiving, this year we weren't as fortunate. It was about 25 degrees when the race started at 10:15am, snowing and windy and the roads were pretty slick.

During our warm-up run down to the start line we had an opportunity to get our bearings on the slick, snow-covered roads. We were pretty surprised by how much snow was on the roads since the race organizers had sent out an email the night before recognizing the weather conditions and announcing they would be working to keep the course clear. While it was a bit disappointing, that's how it goes when you race in the winter and you just have to be a bit more careful. (Tip 1: stay clear of painted lines and markings on the roadway - they're slicker than the pavement.)

Not only does this race bring out a lot of runners and walkers, but many people in the neighborhood typically spectate, creating parties on their front lawns and bands on front porches. The crowd was smaller, but there were a few diehards out there with music, which was much appreciated as we were being pelted by snow and wind!

With my family in town for the holiday they all bundled up and came out to cheer for us, which was a huge treat since we don't have any family in Colorado to support us at races. You can't help but find the effort to smile through the snow when your niece and nephew have their hands out for a big high five! The four mile course boarders the park before doing a partial loop within it, so we were able to see them twice. I am thankful they came out for us!








Woody finished with his fastest time yet for this race, I finished with my slowest. But I'm okay with that because I still got out there, put in a good effort and didn't fall! (Tip 2: Oiselle's new Power Stretch Mittens will keep your hands warm & toasty!)

I met up with Woody at the Great Divide beer garden and we picked up a great, if not somewhat random, selection of goodies at the post-race expo including LED lightbulbs, Silk Almond Milk and this year's pint glass. Then we hurried home and almost froze on the way as we started to cool down again. Thankfully there was hot coffee waiting for us!





This was my last race of the year which means I need to start thinking earnestly about 2016. I'd love recommendations for your favorite 5k's to 10-mile races.

Do your Thanksgiving traditions include a Turkey Trot? * Do you have any races still this year?

Turkey Trottin’ in Denver

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Who started the day with a Turkey Trot?! We ran our first United Way Mile High Turkey Trot today, which was the 40th annual running of the race! It was a huge event that we both enjoyed.

The crowd was huge – 10,000 registered – and the weather was beautiful! A bit chilly, especially waiting at the start, but once we were out running the sun warmed me up right away. The race goes around and in one of the biggest parks in Denver, Washington Park. Before today we had only driven around the park, so we weren’t really sure what to expect on the inside!

I did have a little Race and Learn session with this one. There are supposed to be four corrals. The fastest runners go out first, then runners who are fast but not quite as competitive, then the slower runners and lastly, the families, walkers, strollers and dogs.

From what I read on the website I thought I should go out in the 3rd corral and be towards the front, but once I got in there it was evident that not too many people pay attention to the distinctions. I jumped in the 2nd corral and spent the first 3/4 mile dodging walkers, a few strollers and other slower runners. Of course, this took a lot of energy so it hurt me a bit in the end, but overall it wasn’t too bad!

The crowd was pretty fantastic. There were people out on their front lawns cheering, drinking, and a few garage bands that moved out to the front yard for the morning! I think the 10:15am start time and sunny day helped to bring out the crowd and but it seemed like it’s a pretty big family tradition for a lot of people in Denver.

Two of my Oiselle teammates were there too. Laura started in the first corral and Julia was one of the awesome volunteers! I think she had one of the best spots too – she was in the beer garden! I have to say, I think that if awards were given for the best post-race beer garden, this would take the top spot! There were three local craft breweries – Renegade, Great Divide and Wynkoop – giving out free beer to all the runners (21+, of course!) And they all have great beer.

Unfortunately, as of the time of the writing of this post, results weren’t yet available but the race was a great start to our first Thanksgiving in Denver! Maybe we’ll do it again next year!

Did you run on Thanksgiving? * Do you shop on Thanksgiving or Black Friday? * How are you spending the rest of your long weekend?