If there is one race in the Erie area that you really should do -- it's the Turkey Trot. Used to be that it was only a 10K, now they've added a 5K fun run/walk -- perfect for those who may not be up to the 6.21 mile distance of the 10K.

The Turkey Trot was my very first race ever -- back in 1996 -- and I was sooooo proud to have finished it. Up until then, the farthest I had ever run was about 4 miles. My father (a former runner) assured me I could do 6.21, so I signed up and I did it in just under an hour. I was thrilled and immediately hooked on running and racing.

There's always a great party after the race -- this year, for the first time ever, it will be at Rainbow Gardens (Waldameer Park) which will give us plenty of room to spread out, dance (there's a DJ), party and feast on post-race goodies (and hot coffee!). If you're so inclined, it's BYOB, I believe.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Trot, you should know that it's a BIG Erie tradition -- everyone who's anyone in the running and walking world does the Trot -- entire families can be seen doing the race together -- including lots of out-of-towners visiting for the holidays.

In past years attendance has topped 1,000 people. They're expecting 1,500 this year! One year, as I was waiting at the start line, I looked over & saw a certain (former) Erie-area Grammy star (and let me tell you, that man can run).

Rain, snow, sleet or clear skies, the Trot takes off from Beach One on Thanksgiving morning (9 a.m. for the 10K, 9:10 a.m. for the 5Ks).

Get an application here:
http://erie-runnersclub.org/turkey/info_2006.php

... and burn off some of that big turkey dinner before you even eat it.

Who needs parades and pancakes? I can't think of a better way to start Thanksgiving morning than running 6 miles with 1,500 of my closest friends.