At first glance, it would seem there are fewer reasons to participate in the Long Beach Turkey Trot than reasons not to. For starters, waking up early on a day off is always a bad idea, especially when that vacation is the face-stuffing extravaganza known as Thanksgiving. Whether you decide to walk or run the 5K or 10K, that much physical activity before noon is never the best way to enjoy a free Thursday morning. Even the killer view of the Pacific Ocean, the Belmont Pier and the Queen Mary won’t help with that inevitable sideache and insatiable thirst. But the payoff is knowing that by getting your heart pumping, you’ve earned that second slice of pumpkin pie and third glass of wine, which is even better than the free T-shirt given to those who preregister. Registration proceeds benefit the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Action Team (CAT), so you know that you’ve done your part on this day of giving. Exercise and peace of mind? Okay, maybe getting up early makes sense every now and then.
Thu., Nov. 27, 9 a.m., 2008
