CAFB Represents at Oakland’s First Turkey Trot

I put out the call on social media a few weeks ago to see if anyone would join me at Oakland’s inaugural Turkey Trot. I heard about the race through an email from CAFB member, Alameda County Community Food Bank, one of the event’s founding beneficiaries. My friend Susan showed some interest, especially when I told her I’d be willing to speed walk the course, seeing as how I haven’t gone running in a while.

Susan responded, “I’ll do it! I love walking and the food bank!”

Rather than heading into the kitchen early Thanksgiving morning, as I’d normally do, I laced up my sneakers and made my way to Lake Merritt. Susan and I met by the Grand Lake Theater and headed towards the large crowd. (The registration had maxed out a couple days prior.) Lots of people were feeling the holiday vibe, with hats shaped like turkeys, drum sticks, and pieces of pie.

Knowing that we would be slower than most folks, Susan and I went to the back of the line and waited for the start cue. In a puff of green smoke, we walked past the stand where Oakland’s mayor and others were cheering for us.

About an hour later, we crossed the finish line and received our medals. It felt really good to start the day with some exercise, knowing all the calories that would find their way onto my plate later. The real satisfaction, though, came from being part of an event that would help feed our neighbors. It was grounding to take a moment and think about those among us who don’t have enough to eat on a day when most of us eat way too much.