Scheduled Breaks, Races, and other Random Updates

• 5Ks happen on Thanksgiving!  Is this an American way of justifying gluttony?? I like my pie cheesecake, so I ran one--- Didn't come near cracking the top three, but I had a good race (report coming soon), and had a GREAT time playing with my boys afterwards at a swim park. Much needed fun together!
• This is a week off of running for me. FIRST time I have ever scheduled a week off (not counting after a marathon- but that has never been more than 6 days). Really, I have no idea if I can even make it that long. In the last few months I have been running steadily 6-7 days a week, but about 8 runs a week. 
• I plan to spend some time on my bike and took the boys for a ride today, (oldest on his bike, two youngest in a trailer). Five miles on a bike is just not enough to satisfy my adrenaline addiction! Still, I was thankful for a chance to get outdoors with NO rain.

Have I mentioned it's been wet in western Oregon? This part of Dorris Ranch is closed off until further notice.

• Looking at a possible winter trail race...Crazy people do that type of thing, don't they?
• Thanksgiving here was an AWESOME, multi-family feast. Our contributions were green bean casserole, rolls, 2 cheesecakes (chocolate/coffee & sour cream w/blackberry), and a veggie tray. My proudest moment was when my oldest son read his half-page report about why the Pilgrims came to Plymouth. God has been so good to us this year, and always.
• There is going to be a giveaway here soon. I've never done one before, so I'm kind of excited about it!
• I am on twitter now @Raina_runs.  Please come find me!!!!  Help me figure out what I am doing? J

Have you ever taken a scheduled run break? 
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Did you race in a Turkey trot or other Thanksgiving race?

Looking forward to a few things:

Some new shoes!!!

I LOVE my Brooks PureConnects, but can hardly wait to see how the PureConnect2  (And the other Pure shoes) will feel (available December 1st) !

The PureDrift, available January first,  promises to be fun and freeing-- I will keep the sock liner in, but without it the shoe will be zero-drop. 

And...also looking forward to some of this:

  

A little bit of easy trail running at one of my newest favorite spots: Dorris Ranch. 

There IS a trail once you get through the filbert orchards. I like the soft ground under the trees, which is less traveled (and not as muddy yet).

Ah...
Just me and the squirrels.

I am REALLY going to enjoy volunteering at this RACE on Sunday! 

Usually I race it, but I know it will be a blast to help out (with a friend!!) instead this year. :) I am coming fully caffeinated and will be ready when the all the crazies rush my table to register day of race.

And...who ISN'T looking forward to this? 

(But not until after a 3.11 mile run, maybe???) .

I am so blessed to have my health and my family to spend Thanksgiving with. God has been very good to me this year (always!!), and I am thankful. 

 How about you?

What are you looking forward to? 

Do you have any special plans for Thanksgiving Day?