LifeTime Turkey Trot Chicago 8K
Shockingly, no turkeys took part in this race.
My First Turkey Trot
Unlike most of my Chicago-based races, this one took place north of the Loop in Lincoln Park. More about having fun than chasing a PR.
Turkeys
Shockingly, no turkeys took part in this race.
Regaining Calories, With Interest
I burnt a lot of calories during this race, which made me very happy. I regained all of them back — with interest — later that night at Thanksgiving dinner.
Finding Out About the Race
This was my first Turkey Trot, found through school. By then I'd enrolled at Chicago Booth for my MBA and was in my first quarter, just getting acquainted with the running club. One of the members floated this race, and I signed up without really coordinating with anyone else who might be running.
The Race
A very chill race — less about chasing a PR and more about having fun, running with family, kids included. The weather was pretty nice for a morning that fell on Thanksgiving: chilly, with clouds completely blocking out the sun.
The route split for those running the 5K and the 8K, the latter of which I was doing. It started in Lincoln Park on Cannon Drive, heading south towards the Lincoln Park Zoo. Right before the entrance, you break left towards the Lake Shore Trail and spend the first 3K heading north, Lake Michigan on your right and the skyline on your left. A little after the 3K marker, you turn around and head south. Around the 7K marker, you re-enter the park on Cannon Drive and make your way to the finish line, just a few feet from the start.
The whole trail was flat, making for a very smooth 8K. Because the weather was nice and the race was short, I didn't get too tired and finished without slowing to a walk. Finally, since I'd burnt a lot of calories, I had the perfect excuse to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner that night!
