The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

turkey trots

Three Best Picks for Local Turkey Trots

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Runners participate in last year’s New Rochelle Turkey Trot”
PHOTO BY JOY MALONE, JOY MALONE PHOTOGRAPHY

According to the Calorie Control Council, Americans can consume as much as 4,500 calories for Thanksgiving dinner. If you are feeling rather portly after eating your fair share of stuffing and sweet potatoes, lace up your running shoes and participate in one of these Westchester-based Turkey Trots to ward off the holiday weight gain.

52nd Annual Mamaroneck Turkey Trot and Gobbler Race

Sunday, November 18

Harbor Island Park

www.active.com

If you hate running hills or are newbie, be sure to check out this race dubbed the flattest certified course in Westchester. The race includes a one-mile run for kids 12 and under. Adults can partake in a 5K and every participant gets a turkey medal. Best of all, you get bragging rights for completing the race prior to the holiday as all of your friends and relatives complain about holiday weight gain during the Thanksgiving meal.

New Rochelle Turkey Trot

November 22, 2018

New Rochelle City Hall

www.newroturkeytrot.com

This race is the perfect 5K if you want to run with your pup or have ‘wee ones stuck in a jogging stroller. The family-friendly event features a free 200-meter tot trot for kids under five, a kids mile for children ten and under and then a 5K run or walk for adults. Students under the age of 18 receive a discount. A live DJ, face painting for the kids and local fare is available after the race. Plus there are several award categories including first dog finisher and first finisher pushing a stroller.

14th Annual Bedford Turkey Trot

Saturday, November 24

Course begins at Bedford Elementary School

www.bedfordturkeytrot.org

If you prefer a picturesque run, this race is the one for you in the quaint historic village of Bedford. You’ll pass some sprawling horse farms and take in some lovely vistas while running a challenging course. This race is not for the faint of heart but after running it, you’ll feel exhilarated and possibly exhausted. They usually cap the number of runners at 475 so be sure to register early online as there is no on-site registration.

Gratitude for Our Homes

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Tell me if this sounds familiar. You take a fun-filled vacation and it’s filled with great memories, exotic locales, scrumptious food and maybe even some quality beach time. But the second you walk in through the front door to your home, you are thankful to be surrounded by your belongings and happy to actually whip up a home-cooked meal. Maybe your house is a bit disheveled, maybe the bedding isn’t 3,000 thread count like the luxury hotel’s that you stayed at but it’s home and that in itself feels great.

I was reminded how thankful I am for my home this summer when I drove my kids back from sleep-away camp. As soon as our car passed the Chappaqua exit on the Saw Mill, my two older children started crying. Once I stopped by the traffic light on Quaker Rd, I paused and asked, “Why are you crying?” They replied in unison, “We are happy to be home.”

Nothing quite evokes gratitude for our homes like the upcoming holiday season. Thanksgiving is a time that I am especially grateful to be in my warm home surrounded with loved ones. If you are looking for a little inspiration for your holiday table, check out our Thanksgiving tablescapes articles for tips from local residents. After you’ve gorged yourself on the requisite turkey or tofurkey, sign up for one of the Turkey Trots mentioned in these pages.

For those of us with pets, I now feel like my home is empty whenever my beloved dog Arlo is at grooming or boarding. I’ve grown accustomed to him keeping me company while I type on my laptop (just as Ronni Diamondstein’s essay on Maggie Mae can attest to) and couldn’t imagine life without him even though his sock eating habit is thoroughly annoying. I’m embarrassed to say we’ve come close to losing him a few times and recently just installed a fence to keep him safer. If you are looking for ways to help curb pet loss, read Anna Young’s article on the subject.

As we head into holiday season madness, be sure to take a gratitude moment to stop and appreciate all that we have to be grateful for in our homes and New Castle.

Wishing you warmest holiday wishes,