Worried about those extra calories on Thanksgiving? Well, I’ve got the answer to what ails you! Before the parade; maybe after you put the bird in the oven; whether you are visiting friends and family or not….you can work off those calories in one of the many local “turkey trots” around the state!

What’s a “turkey trot”, you ask? A 5K race on Thanksgiving Day (the distance may vary, but not usually), it’s a great way to begin an exercise regimen, or at least alleviate some of the guilt we feel on the big day! There are lots of excuses to be made for not partaking in this kind of event, but they’re easily overcome, and I challenge you to do so! **

Maybe you’ve never run a race before. That’s alright! At the event, there will be those who are very serious racers that will be timing themselves but there will also be those participants who are there just for the health of it! These races are all inclusive. There are walkers, runners, people with canes, parents with strollers, even small children. If this is your first time, please don’t be intimidated. A 5K is approximately 3.1 miles, and there should be no requirement that you maintain a certain speed or finish in a certain time frame. If you choose to stroll for 3 miles, just follow the crowd. I’m sure you’ll find yourself in great company!

Maybe you’ll be in a different city for the holiday. That’s OK too. Many of these races will be held in public downtown areas or neighborhood squares. There are usually thousands of people walking, running, cheering, and guiding. Especially if you’re alone, this is a great alternative to taking a walk on isolated neighborhood streets. Whether you are staying at a friend’s home or at a hotel, getting some exercise in this manner could be a much safer alternative! You may also get a chance to see some of the sites!

Didn’t register for the race? Not to worry! Although I don’t encourage this as regular behavior (the proceeds usually go towards a charity or similar organization), do it anyway!! The course will probably be held on public streets. If you are not worried about being timed for official race purposes, take advantage of the opportunity to join the community on what should be a crisp Florida morning!

Look, we all know there is a great deal of indulgence on turkey day. So, enjoy some fitness before you feast. Don’t let your nerves, your unfamiliarity with the neighborhood, or any other reason get in the way of getting a good work out on Thanksgiving day! You’ll feel better as you sit down to dinner and maybe it’ll kickstart a new habit and a healthier lifestyle!

Here’s a schedule of races around the state on Thursday. Good luck and have fun! Gobble gobble!

**It’s always a good idea to check with a doctor before starting any strenuous exercise program.

There’s no better tradition on Thanksgiving Day than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.  Are you kidding?  It’s the beginning of the holiday season!  Growing up, we all knew, if you couldnt enjoy it standing on the freezing sidewalks of NY, the only alternative was to watch it on TV.  My friends, things have changed!!  We are now able to bask in the balmy Orlando weather as our fan favorites float by!  

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a monumental annual NYC event.  There will be an anticipated 3.5 million people lining the streets, more than 50 million people viewing at home, and more than 10,000 participants as the 2011 Macy’s Parade winds through the nearly six-mile route of Manhattan.  Arguably the biggest parade in America, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade NYC  started in 1924 and comes with lots of expectations.  Today it’s known for the famous giant floats, but it started very differently. 

In the 1920s, the Macy’s department store employees were first-generation immigrants.  They were proud of their new American heritage, wanted to show their civic pride during the Thanksgiving holiday with the type of festival their parents had loved in Europe, so they formed their own parade near the flagship store in Herald Square.  (just an aside, I envision this to look like that scene, early in the movie Godfather II…you know the one!!  …but I digress…) The employees made floats, played instruments, and borrowed animals from the Central Park Zoo.  They would march from Harlem to 34th Street dressed in vibrant costumes.  At the end, Santa Claus would come out to the balcony of the store and be crowned “King of the Kiddies.”  Over the years, the animals would be replaced by large animal-shaped balloons, originally created by the Goodyear.   My personal favorite, Felix the Cat made his debut in 1928.  Felix was originally filled with air, but by 1930, helium and safety valves were implemented to keep he and his friends afloat for longer period of time.

During the 1930s, as the Parade became more popular, it was broadcast on local New York radio.  After it was featured in the movie, Miracle on 34th Street, in 1947, it became an institution!!  The parade was then broadcast on network television in 1948, and the rest, as they say, is history!!  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade became a part of Americana.  Today’s parade features musical performances from Broadway shows, some of today’s most popular musicians, and the Radio City Rockettes.  There are 15 balloons (recently, a new one every year), 12 marching bands, 27 floats, countless musical performances, and celebrity appearances so this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup should be as exciting as it always is….but you wont have to bundle up! 

This year (and since 2001), viewers can line the streets of Universal Studios Florida as the parade comes through with all the fanfare for which it’s historically known!  …and they dont skimp!  There will be all the balloons, floats, marching bands – even Santa!  Add 20 degrees to the thermostat and it’s an event even Scrooge would attend!  Afterwards, stick around and enjoy another holiday tradition, a tree lighting with music and display of lights around Universal’s Holiday Village!  Guests can buy gifts and walk around with holiday treats for the whole family.  It’s just the perfect place to get in the spirit of the season!    

For prices and other details go to:  http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Holidays/Overview.aspx

You can catch the parade live nightly (at dusk) on:
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 at 5:30pm
December 5-9, 12-16, 19-25, Jan 1 at 5:00pm
December 26-31 at 8:00pm