Thanksgiving is not a sprint, it's a marathon. Here are the stages one goes through during this annual feast.

1. Excitement

Turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing OH MY! You can't wait to stuff your face with actual good/edible food that isn't a) dining hall food or b) instant ramen/ easy mac.

2. Pacing Yourself

The big day is here, and this is most definitely a marathon and not a sprint. You have to give yourself a steady pace so you can consume the maximum amount of food and still have room for at least two pies.

3. The Finish Line

You've made it through the 12-course meal and dessert, you think that you've made it but you're wrong. Not until you've had seconds (maybe thirds) have you actually completed and won Thanksgiving.

4. Immense Regret

Almost immediately after stuffing your face for hours on end do you begin to realize the damage you've done. Realistically it'll take 2 weeks of working out to reverse the feast you just had.

5. Acceptance

Well, it is sweater season, so who really even cares what's going on underneath a bulky turtleneck. You'll also be doing the same thing for Christmas in a few weeks anyways so there's really no point in working anything off.