A Thanksgiving Message We All Need to Hear!
Every time I run down Adams Road in Kirkwood, Missouri, I can’t help but think about the Kirkwood Webster Turkey Day Run. It has been a tradition for the Spewak family for close to 20 years! Unfortunately that streak will come to an end this week. I believe I speak for most runners when I say Thanksgiving races have a very special place in our hearts. All around the United States in any given year, you will see a record number of participants in different races on Thanksgiving Day. It’s truly the one race that unites runners and walkers of all backgrounds. What I love most about the experience is that you have an opportunity of lining up with people from your community who either live, grew up, or have some connection to the city you are running in. An early experience I can remember from running the Kirkwood Webster Turkey Day Run was with my best friend Justin. We were in elementary school and decided the day before that we were going to run the race. We hopped on the treadmill the night before and gave our tennis shoes a warm up spin to ensure we were ready for the 3 mile race. I remember stepping on the starting line and feeling the amazing energy of the crowd and fans watching. The passion for the sport was born that day even though I didn’t discover competitive running until several years later. As the gun went off, Justin and I went sprinting to the front. Our only association with running up to that point was negative due to the fact running was punishment in gym and sports. This experience changed that thinking. And although Justin and I both quickly faded after 100 meters, it’s a memory I will cherish forever. In the last decade I have been fortunate to have a lot of success at my local Turkey Trot against great competitors in our area. Although we won’t be competing this year, I am confident there will be a way for us all to carry on the tradition this year. You never know who will fall in love with running in the crowd of thousands of people at your local Turkey Trot. For the sake of the sport and our communities, find a way to virtually compete or support our local races. Our Thanksgiving tradition may be delayed this year but it definitely won’t be stopped. Soon again we will line up with our loved ones, friendly neighbors, and competitors and break bread by starting this amazing holiday off with a strong workout. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. We are grateful for each and every one of you!