To Trot or Not to Trot!

Three years ago we started an impromptu Thanksgiving run because the closest 'official' Trot was over an hour away. We rallied  ~8 runners and as we jogged across our finish, declared it a Trot! Last year, we Upped the Annie by sending an evite, and had  ~25 people including kids show up. So this year we could possibly accrue an even larger crew! But as the time grew closer, I frankly didn't think I had the energy to rally people, get the word out,  etc, etc.

Before I threw in the towel though, I decided to ask the other co-host neighbor her interest level. Well, she fired back 'I'm always up for a Trot!' and 'I'll bring muffins and fruit!' and that was all I needed to hear.  Having a co-rally & host for the Trot made the difference.

This is what we did to organize 'The Trot':
1. Sent an evite to friends interested in getting some exercise before a day of feasting.
2. Created the course with gmap-pedometer.com
3. Posted a flyer at my kid's preschool
4. Ordered 2 'kraft's of coffee to pick up from Starbucks Thurs am
5. Put out a table for the suggested $10 dollar donation and/or canned goods to bring for Meals on Wheels
6. Have a small prize for hardest runner & stickers for kids

That's it! I'm glad were deciding to Trot this year.  I'm (almost) convinced it can be an easy way to create a rewarding tradition for the family and community.