If you've ever lost weight, you know it typically starts with looking at yourself in the mirror, seeing the few extra pounds that have gathered around your waist, and wanting a change. In my case, no mirror was needed — my body was telling me I needed a change.

Over the past several years, my life had been defined by the stresses of work and life as a single parent living in a city just north of Los Angeles. At work, I routinely clocked over 60 hours a week in a high-stress environment, and I found myself in the habit of winding down with several glasses of wine with dinner and dessert most nights. The only nice gym was 30 minutes away, and I was unwilling to spend that kind of time driving to work out, especially with a son at home.

Before you dig into piping hot turkey and mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving, get your run on with one of these Turkey Trots.

 

Usually held on Thanksgiving morning, these running events has grown in popularity in recent years to the point where they have become as traditional as the bird itself.

 

By Anuj Dua, Member of ClubSport San Jose

 

I ran my first Bridge to Bridge race in San Francisco this year — a 12K run that began at the Ferry Building in and ended at the Marina Green. While the run was grueling, any fatigue was well masked by glorious views of the bay and the Bollywood playlist pounding in my ears.

 

Our bodies possess many wondrous abilities, and among them is the capacity to heal itself. When we suffer an injury or infection, our bodies will respond with inflammation, a cascade of proteins that work to bring blood flow to an area to speed up the healing process and repair cellular damage. You’re undoubtedly familiar with the signs of inflammation — swelling, redness, heat, and pain — from common ailments like a bumped elbow, scraped knee, or sore throat.

I’ve spent most of my life doing sporty, athletic-type stuff. I’m a Marine Corps veteran, have a black belt in Kenpo Karate, and love obstacle course races and running really long distances on trails. But out of everything I do, yoga is by far the most challenging of all of them.