The Huinker Family Blog: Turkey Trot 2012 Recap

Welcome to the annual Huinker Turkey Trot post - created this year by the winner's (Tony's) fiancee (Tara). This year's trot took place the weekend before Thanksgiving as Tara and Tony were back from California for an extended visit. It was an excellent weekend filled with lots of family fun. We had an absolutely amazing day to run this year, and I think this year's trot qualifies as the best ever...even in the midst of our self-tourture, watching the kiddos have a blast was smile-inducing! On Thanksgiving, we headed up to my parents' house...about 1/2 hour after arriving, we took part in a second Turkey Trot - this one hosted by my sister and including the entire neighborhood. The Telemark Road hills were undoubtedly a factor as was the wind...I was feeling pretty good until the last 20 feet when I was passed by my brother - seriously...he never runs...not fair! :)

2012 HUINKER THANKSGIVING TURKEY TROT

Top 10 things to remember

Tony 5:29

CJ 7:18

Pandy 7:23

Tara 8:08

Brian 8:48

Beth 8:53

Max 9:18

Popsicle 10:18

10. First 3 to cross the finish line were NOT the Huinker kids. Apparently we all married/engaged "up."

9. Max started to cry on the last turn as he got passed by Brian and Beth. He was bummed because he thought he was going to get last, but he bounced right back when he learned that he beat Grandpa Roger!! (12 times his age)

8. Speaking of Grandpa Roger - this was his 1st trot that he participated in - AND RAN THE WHOLE THING!! way to go "popsicle"!!!

7. Poor Gracie had no idea what to expect since last year she was sleeping in the car. When Grandpa started the countdown at the beginning of the race, everyone pushed off their runners block while Grace stood there in tears not knowing what to do. She stayed back for awhile with Ivy, but eventually warmed up to the idea!!

6. The besties, Mya and Olivia were inseparable during much of the race. This meant holding hands for nearly 3 laps. Tara was able to run behind them for a short while, capturing video - and caught Mya telling Olivia "I feel like I'm going to die" on the 3rd lap. That we all did, Mya. I predict these two will have official times next year and it will most likely be the exact same:)

5. Brian was NOT a happy participant when the tradition was tweaked a bit this year. Instead of running AFTER lunch, we decided to run BEFORE, due to nap schedules. By him not throwing up on lap 2, we're hopeful he will consider making this a permanent change.

4. Tony took off running as fast as he could right out of the gate. Unfortunately for the rest of the runners, he continued at that pace for the 2nd lap, 3rd lap, and the 4th lap as well - never minding the mental torture he put the others through when he lapped them.

3. Coming off a pretty strict and impressive 1/2 marathon training program, Chris and Amanda both finished withe respectable times. Amanda did get beat by Chris - which I'm thinking will be quite the motivator for next year - but my prediction is that Grandpa "Popsicle" will secretly train all year and blow everyone away.

2. Beth and Tara were proud to finish, enjoyed watching the kids, hated getting lapped, and needed a drink ASAP after the race.

1. In summary, no one threw up, all runners had a smile on their face within 5 minutes of finishing, Grandma "Patski" was a proud supporter/photographer/babysitter/nose-wiper, and were are blessed once again with great memories of the Huinker Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.

.....till next year.