Minute 1: Are you running tomorrow?
Thanksgiving is the most popular running race day in America. More than 1 million folks will pin a bib to their chest tomorrow and compete in about 1,000 Turkey Trots and Gobbler Gallops. But how did Thanksgiving become associated with running in the first place? After all, tomorrow it will be cold and rainy in Seattle, 39 degrees in Chicago and below freezing in New York with gusts to 30 MPH. The New York Times explains why more people run on Thanksgiving than play football. There are a couple of good reasons, including pre-burning the upcoming feast and contributing to local charities. While weather will test the commitment of many runners around the U.S., fortunately California is getting some good news. A couple of storms have helped clear the air of forest fire smoke, so most races tomorrow are expected to go off as planned.
#MakeRoomForStuffing
Minute 2: Best low carb diet explanation we’ve seen
The average American weighs 25-30 pounds more than in 1978. Our love handles persist despite spending $66 billion per year on dieting and $27 billion per year on gym memberships. A new study explains why this is happening and how to alter your diet to lose weight and be healthier. The main thesis is that an obsession with low fat diets took root in the ‘70s and actually packed on pounds instead of shedding them. Dr. David Ludwig argues that all calories are not created equal, so the simple math of burning more calories than you consume doesn’t work for many people. As we switched from fats to carbs, our insulin levels grew and that added more fat cells. Those fat cells tend to be very hungry critters who selfishly grab calories for themselves. That leaves the rest of our bodies deprived of calories and also makes us very hungry.
#passtheprotein
Minute 3: Thanksgiving survival plan
Even if you’re not concerned with weight loss, do you want to gain weight during Thanksgiving? If you answered “yes,” scroll down to the next story. If you answered “no,” you may be in need of a strategy. Turkey Day, after all, has evolved into a giant excuse to overeat. There are enough complicated theories and formulas about the proper ratio of stuffing, gravy and pecan pie to warm the heart of an MIT professor. We like this simple advice from a dietician who outlines 3 simple tips for Thanksgiving survival.
#GobblingCalories
Minute 4: Turkey with a side of discounts
We prefer the quiet efficiency of Cyber Monday over the human crush of Black Friday. This year there are some excellent deals emerging for endurance athletes and fitness enthusiasts. We generally like great deals from great brands more than spectacular deals from C+ brands. Here are a couple that caught our eye. A new deal from ClassPass gives you a 30-day free trial if you sign up between Friday and Monday. That means free work-outs next month at places like Flywheel and Barry’s Boot Camp. We also like this 25% off plus free shipping from New Balance if you are a member of their free rewards program. Reebok is offering 50% off all apparel. Dick’s Sporting Goods is offering 25% off plus free shipping for the holiday weekend.
#whatabargain
Minute 5: The ultimate expert opinion on trail running shoes
If you spend four months hiking the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail, you wind up with excellent outdoors cred and very strong opinions on footwear. Thru-hikers used to wear big, clunky boots, but almost all have converted to trail running shoes these days. With hiking season now ending, The Trek website just did a survey of AT finishers to determine their favorite brands. Nearly 2/3 of hikers chose Darn Tough socks, but preferences were mixed on their favorite shoe brands. There are a few surprises on the list of top 8 trail running shoes chosen by AT hikers.
#walkingthewalk
Minute 6: Daily Inspiration
A quick shout-out to our favorite Thanksgiving movie of all time: Planes, Trains and Automobiles. A classic John Hughes-directed comedy featuring Steve Martin and John Candy. We could attempt a tortured analogy to running and fitness, but… Here’s a link to the best scene in the movie when John Candy unwittingly drives his car on the wrong side of the highway:
We’re glad to see you’re interested in our content. Check out the Six Minute Mile website or subscribe.