It’s almost time for the Turkeys to Trot. The 2nd annual ASU Turkey Trot will take place this coming Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10:00. As per tradition, the awards will be pumpkin pies. The race location is on the mall in front of ASU’s University Center, registration from 9:00-9:45 and race start at 10:00. Events include a 3 mile competitive run, a 1.5 mile fitness walk, and a 1-mile kid’s run so bring the whole family and enjoy the morning. Full details are posted at http://www.angelo.edu/asufit.

The San Angelo community seems too have caught long distance running fever, based on the number of folks who made the trip to San Antonio this past weekend to race the full and half marathon events there. Based on the results page, there were 20 San Angelo runners in the marathon and 66 signed up for the half marathon. Marathon finishers also included former Central High runner Whitney Perkins, who posted a 3:13 time on her first marathon attempt to win the Female 20-29 age group. Full results are posted at http://results.active.com/pages/page.jsp?eventLinkageID=125801&year=2009

Former Goodfellow triathlete Kathy Rakel turned in a great performance at the Clearwater 70.3 half Ironman World Championships, finishing 34th overall among the females in a time of 4:25. Her bike split was especially amazing – 56 miles at an average speed of 25.2 mph. Congrats Kathy on an outstanding performance! You can follow Kathy via her blog at http://kathyrakel.blogspot.com/

Mark your calendars for April 18, 2010 for Striders Duathlon. This year’s event will be the Texas State short course championships (5K/30K/5K). That designation should attract some fast duathletes to give our local heroes some solid competition. The long course duathlon national championships will also be in our neighborhood (Oklahoma City) on July 11th. Details regarding that event are not yet posted, but it will also be a qualifier for the World long course duathlon championships (location TBA).

If you missed my latest Standard Times column, it’s posted on the web at http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/nov/13/throw-your-routine-a-changeup/. The take home message … put a little variety into your workouts and “surprise” your body to achieve better fitness. Shiner Bock arm curls don’t count …

Picture of the year: Jeanette Passons, 9.5 months pregnant, and still working out. Here’s wishing everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. Be safe out there!

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 21: Turkey Trot Run and Fitness Walk, Angelo State University, http://www.angelo.edu/asufit

December 12: Run Run Rudolph, www.roadlizards.org

January 2: ECVFD 1/2 marathon, www.roadlizards.org