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Indy Mini Ambassador guest blog – Maggie LaMar

As a consultant, I often find myself traveling for work, which means plenty of time restrictions met with limited gym equipment. When I mapped out my 14-week training plan, I realized seven of those weeks would be spent on the road. Yikes.

While the past few years have granted some more control over their schedules, many of us have obligations that we must work around. Work, family, social, and all other life commitments can be a lot to handle in the schedule and adding an additional time commitment, like training for the Indy Mini, might seem like an impossible task. It’s entirely possible to do – and still enjoy your life – with a little flexibility, creativity, and compassion.

Be honest with yourself…

Waking up 90 minutes earlier never sounds like fun and I almost always dread the alarm. But I know my motivation will be almost nonexistent after twelve hours of driving and meetings. Set realistic goals for yourself so you don’t find yourself demotivated by failing to achieve something unobtainable.

… and kind to yourself

Training for a half marathon is hard, no matter how many you do! Be kind to yourself if you miss a training day or aren’t running as fast as you would like. So many things can impact your training day, from stress to sleep to what you ate or didn’t that day. Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others!

Cross-Train

Days that you have limited time and/or limited access to equipment open the door for creative cross-training! Don’t let inexperience with certain types of equipment keep you from branching out either. There’s no shame in Googling workouts to do with the type of equipment. YouTube and Instagram are also great resources. Take advantage of the official Indy Mini training group as well! I promise if you post a pic of what you have to use, people will jump in to help you out.

Reward hard work

Better known as “treat yo-self.” Rewards are incredibly motivating! They don’t have to be financial either. A successful week of training completed could be purchasing new workout clothes, going for a walk in a new park you have been wanting to check out, participating in some extra screen time or grabbing the latest menu-hack Starbucks drink you saw on TikTok (yes, I am 29 and on TikTok).

Enlist Help

Having a partner or group to help you stay motivated and on track is another helpful tool when training for a half marathon. Shout it from the rooftops that you are training for the Indy Mini! The more people who understand what you’re doing can help you add more flexibility in your schedule. This is also a great way to break up your routine and step outside your comfort zone. Training while traveling allows me to discover new trails and sites I would otherwise miss and make connections with local runners and walkers.

Caregivers, students, those with unconventional work schedules or anyone who just feels like they can’t squeeze one more thing into their busy lives can still cross that Indy Mini finish line. Have fun and enjoy your Indy Mini experience! See you all on the track in May.

Lisa Herron has the privilege of being an Indy Mini Ambassador for the third year in a row.  Lisa has been an athlete here entire life.  She had to give up running for powerwalking after her 5^th knee surgery. She walked her first Mini-Marathon in 2012.  In 2018, her life changed after having two cervical spine surgeries (ACDF).  In July of 2019, she was released from OrthoIndy, and could barely walk 2,000 steps a day.  Through her employer, OneAmerica, she began to use their active lifestyle programs to build herself back better than ever.    Walking the Indy Mini again seemed impossible, but the word “can’t” is not in Lisa’s vocabulary.    Walking4Health has become a mantra to live by every day.  Ever step counts.  Walk, run, crawl….Just show up!

Lisa sets goals that take her out of her comfort zone.  In 2020, she completed her first sprint triathlon, has walked four full marathons, and in 2021, became an ultramarathoner.  She walked 100 miles in 26 hours 53 minutes!    

2021 was a milestone year in walking 4,901 miles.  9,514,326 steps and 10 pair of running shoes.  She set a goal to walk minimally 10 miles a day for 2021., in addition to riding her bike and doing yoga on a daily basis. 

Lisa’s tips for walking: every step counts, get fitted for good athletic shoes, and change every 500 miles.  She has learned to have endurance over speed.  

“I may not beat at the start, but will catch you somewhere in the middle, and keep going to the finish line,” Lisa said. “I have also learned that there is story to told/heard in the middle to the back of the start line. I greatly appreciate the elite athletes, but it is the athletes that have overcome a health challenge, or a life-altering event.  Pause to receive and grow from your peers.  It will change you forever.”

Besides spending her free time maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Lisa works for OneAmerica, and helps promote her employer’s health programs in the greater Indianapolis area.  Lisa has two grown children, Matthew and Lauren.  She is also a dog mom to ReggieMiller, Boomer and LuLuBelle. 

Our partners at Aqua Systems, the official bottled water of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, Delta-Dental 500 Festival 5K, and the 500 Festival Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group, have a very special participant in this year’s Indy Mini. Tamara Sullivan, director of digital sales and marketing at Aqua Systems, is challenging herself to take on the 13.1 miles of OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.  

Tamara initially registered for the Indy Mini in 2020 as a way to challenge herself as she approached age 50. That challenge proved to be far more significant than Tamara could have imagined. In March 2020, Tamara went in for a regular mammogram and later that day received a call to come back for a magnification the following week. After an ultrasound, it was determined Tamara had macrocalcifications. At the end of March, she had two biopsies that determined she had stage 1 breast cancer. Once diagnosed, Tamara’s fight with breast cancer began with an overwhelming number of appointments. She described it as if a haze came over her and all she could do was push forward. She underwent surgery on May 7, 2020. After the surgery, she had clear margins and was told she was cancer free. However, when she met with her medical oncologist, she was told that since she had macrocalcifications, she would need to undergo chemotherapy to ensure the cancer did not spread. She was shocked to say the least. Tamara endured radiation and chemotherapy simultaneously. She began her journey with radiation and chemotherapy on June 29. Tamara received radiation for 15 days and chemotherapy for 12 weeks. For the next year, she also received immunotherapy every three weeks.  

As Tamara endured treatment and continued her fight with cancer, she kept pushing herself to get through it all. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her husband was unable to attend any of her appointments or treatments. After ringing her bell at the end of her treatment, spending a little over a year fighting through everything, she thought to herself, now what? Where do we go from here? After being in fighting mode for so long, she didn’t understand what normal looked like, especially in a pandemic. For the next five months, Tamara struggled with her mental health. Finally, one day, she realized she needed to get help. After consulting with her doctor, Tamara got the counseling and medication to help start the conversations she needed to have to talk through everything.  

Although Tamara has not lost the weight she expected to during her Indy Mini training, she does feel stronger. Training has also improved her mental health by allowing her to focus on the training.  

To other Indy Mini participants, Tamara said she would advise creating a plan and sticking to it. There are several days when Tamara wants to stay in bed, but she knows she needs to get up and train. She has a written plan of how many miles she needs to put into training each day. Rest is so important! She is finding that as she increases her mileage each week, she said she needs to make sure she is resting more.  

Tamara is most excited to see everyone in person at the Indy Mini. Her best friend, Jodi, and one of her friends from her support group, Mindy, will also be joining her at the start line. Tamara has volunteered with the 500 Festival many times and loves everything that goes on leading into the Month of May, but says there’s something special about seeing everyone excited to kick off the month with this great event. To celebrate this incredible accomplishment, Tamara says she will celebrate by getting some rest, going out to a nice dinner, and recovering with a massage.  

Join Tamara in conquering 13.1 miles at The Greatest Spectacle in Running on May 7! Register today at indymini.com/register! 

50 half marathon, 50 states, one HUGE accomplishment. Sean Grady is just one half marathon away from completing a half marathon in each state. The 2022 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will be Sean’s 50^th half marathon finish, in his 50^th state!  

Running is nothing new to Sean, having grown up playing sports, fitness and running were naturally a part of his life. A childhood filled with athletic competition resulted in an opportunity to play collegiate football. It was several years after graduating that he picked up running as a stand-alone activity. His job at the time required a lot of travel across the county and he used running as a chance to explore those cities, while also staying healthy.  

He ran his first race, a 5K, in October 1998, to support his girlfriend who was putting on the event. Once his effort was officially attributed to a finish time, he was hooked! Slowly, he began a more structured training regime to improve his time. It took him six years before he felt ready for the half marathon distance. His first half marathon in Dallas, TX, gave him the confidence to attempt his first marathon in 2005.  

Being very competitive with himself, Sean stays motivated by striving for faster finish times. His motivation also stems from the desire to lead a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, Sean has a fantastic support system of family, friends, and fellow athletes. He also has raced several times to support local charities such as Ally’s House in Oklahoma and The African Leadership Bridge in Texas.

The biggest challenge of Sean’s 50 states goal is the logistical planning behind it. Even after the races are chosen, he has to research rental cars, airfare, lodging, and dining options. This was especially true on six occasions in which he ran back-to-back’s – a half marathon on Saturday and again on Sunday: Virginia/North Carolina, Mississippi/Alabama, Washington/Oregon, Delaware/New Jersey, New Hampshire/Vermont, Massachusetts/Rhode Island.

One he’s completed the training; the physical aspect takes care of itself. Sean says being physically prepared also helps with the mental aspect of running a half marathon. His confidence is built by the many small victories along the way and race day is when it’s time to have fun!  

Throughout his 50 states journey, Sean has traveled solo, with friends, with family, and with running partners. He prefers to share the race with someone, but the races he has planned and finished running by himself have given him a different perspective. With more time to reflect, he realizes just how thankful he is to everyone who supports him.  

The 2022 Indy Mini will be the culmination of Sean’s 50 races in 50 states accomplishment! He originally chose the Indy Mini in 2020 to represent the state of Indiana, based on feedback from past participants and its iconic lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sean also admires that the Indy Mini is so woven into the community and the city of Indianapolis. His family and friends will all be at the finish line cheering him on as he completes his 50^th half marathon!  

Sean’s advice to other Indy Mini participants is to keep moving forward! Whether in the back-of-the-pack with a costume or an elite wave Olympian, he says to enjoy each day you get to run or walk. Celebrate your victories, even the small ones. Learn from your mistakes, but move past them.  

“I’ve learned so much about myself on my 50 states journey, but you can also be content just circling the block around your home. It’s about leading an active and healthy lifestyle, accomplishing goals, and sharing that with your loved ones (and even complete strangers). We’re all in this together! Oh yeah, and smile…I often forget that, and the race photos don’t lie ;)”

As we are closing in on 32 days away from the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, our friends and partners at Franciscan Health have provided tips, tricks, and some fun resources to help you in your final month of training!

Nutrition 

If this is your first Indy Mini or if you’ve lost count of how many you have participated in, feeding your body the nutrients it needs is an essential part of feeling your best on race day. Listed below are some recipes, videos, and advice on how you and your family can gear up and feel your best for the Month of May! 

Food is Fuel 

We know training can be tough, especially when we all get the midnight craving for an entire carton of ice cream.  That’s why Pamela Johnson is here to share some favorite foods that aid in reducing pain, eliminating fatigue, and even supporting muscle mass. To learn more about foods that can help you along with your training journey and even months after, head over to the link below! https://bit.ly/3tPVRUF

Fun Snacks 

If you have a sweet tooth and want to have a good reward post-workout, these blueberry Greek yogurt pops are a great way to cool off and recharge. The recipe and ingredients list are below, as well as a tutorial video presented by Franciscan Health. Listed below are some fun recipes and tips that are fun for the entire family and great for supplementing your training. 

Fruit Infused Water 

If you can’t live without your morning juice or love a soda with lunch or dinner, try this fun fruit-infused water recipe! This recipe is great if you’re trying to limit sugar intake, or just want to spruce up your daily hydration routine!  

Training  

Choosing Your Running Shoes 

When starting your training, it is essential to make sure you are comfortable in your running/walking shoes. Dr. Christina Rowe-Bauer, a podiatrist with Penn State Health Sports Medicine says, “When it comes time to buy shoes, there are certain factors you should consider, such as foot type, running style, and terrain.” 

To hear more from Dr. Rowe-Bauer on how your shoes can make a difference in your training, click here.

Warming Up and Cooling Down 

The time spent training and preparing for your runs and walks leading up to race day is so important. Implementing a quick warm-up and cool down to your routine could help you feel more prepared and even help you burn a few extra calories. Adding a quick HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout or even static stretching could improve your overall performance.  

To learn more about the dos and don’ts of warmups and cooldowns, click here to hear from some Franciscan Health partners!  

Self-care  

4 Keys to Emotional Well-Being 

Between work, meetings, social plans, or even juggling your kids’ schedules, it can feel like there is never enough time in the day. But making sure you are taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical fitness. Richard Davidson, the founder of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has four great tips on how we can all make time to prioritize ourselves every day. Learn what he has to say with the link here.

Take Time for Me Time 

Sometimes unplugging from the day can be challenging but it can also be the best thing for you! Experts at Franciscan Health are sharing the ways that you can create “me time” in your everyday. “Simply closing your office or bedroom door for 30 minutes can give you the time you need to recharge,” says HealthDay News. To find out how you can add those easy embellishments into your day, click here to learn more.  

The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon has a long history of bringing runners, walkers, volunteers, and families together from all over the world. It is a time when people focus less on issues that may be at the forefront of their minds and connect with thousands of people to run 13.1 miles and celebrate the Month of May in Indianapolis. It’s when countless hours of training, preparation, and excitement all lead up to that moment when one finally crosses that coveted finish line. When Grant County native, Emily McIntire, decided she would start hiking a few national parks with friends, she never knew how it would start a life-long passion for fitness, running, and eventually help save someone’s life. 

Being Hoosier-born, Emily McIntire has recently found a new love 500 Festival and all the festivities that encompass May, but it was in 2020 when she registered for the Mini for the first time. McIntire shared, “I helped in 2019 by watching gear for some friends who were running. Even though that year was miserably cold and rainy, it looked like so much fun and there was such great energy everywhere.”  

Soon after, she began running and quickly became a fan. “I used to see runners and think ‘that could never be me,’” she said. “In 2018 I started working with a personal trainer so I could go out to Utah. I hiked all five National Parks and pushed myself farther than I ever had before. I started thinking that it was time to get serious about being healthy.” Emily also said that she loves a challenge- in April 2019 she signed-up for the “Couch to 5K” app has been hooked since.  

Besides spending her free time running, walking, and training with friends and family, Emily is a full-time registered nurse here in Indiana. Early in life, she was set on going into journalism, but after a few anatomy classes in high school, her future changed forever. Emily says, “Nursing for me is a perfect blend of logic/science with the art of making a connection with your patients.” In addition to choosing a heroic and much needed profession, Emily recently became a hero in another way: she recently became a kidney donor.  

“I don’t have kids or siblings, so I didn’t worry that anyone else might need it. For me, the workup included lots of blood work (14 vials at a time!), EKG, CT scan, chest X-ray, and 24-hour urine collection. My surgery was laparoscopic-assisted, so I had three tiny incisions for ports and one bigger horizontal one, low on my abdomen.” For Emily, the decision was easy, but she now wants to help encourage others to consider being donors through a process called paired donations. “This is one of the things I want people to know about the most,” she mentioned, “If you want to donate to someone but your blood type is incompatible (or for any other reason), but you are approved as a donor, you can still help your person!” 

She even told us, “If you want to donate but aren’t a match, there is a whole pool of people in the same boat. When you step up to donate, your team can look at this group and find someone for you to give to, and someone to give to your recipient.”  

Emily is looking forward to this May and many others to follow. When asked if she has any advice for those looking to get into running and fitness she said, “Honestly if I can do it, anyone can. I was never athletic in school. I never thought I could do it. I had to learn that races are about competing with yourself, not everyone else. I still struggle with that sometimes! But, if you run even a little bit, you’re a runner in my book!”  

As most of us are counting down the few weeks left until the days of warmer weather, racing, and getting back to missed Indianapolis traditions, it’s stories like Emily McIntire’s that remind us that these 500 Festival events touch everyone’s lives in different ways.  

If you would like more information on how to become a donor, go to https://www.kidney.org/transplantation/livingdonors/incompatiblebloodtype for more ideas on how you can help.  

To join Emily for the 2022 Indy Mini, register at indymini.com/register! 

How do you get ready for a … Mini-Marathon?

I remember someone asking me once how far the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon was and when I told him it was 13.1 miles – a half marathon – he replied, “That doesn’t sound ‘mini!'”

He had a point. For most of us, it isn’t a “mini” distance, but that shouldn’t keep us from going for it. Having done the Indy Mini maybe 35 times – probably more – I was able to develop a routine for preparation for the event, that helped me to not only get ready for the race, but to be pleased with my results. 

First and foremost, keep in mind this: except for maybe 30 people who are going to toe the starting line on May 7, you aren’t going to win. But you can accomplish. 

I had three goals every time I ran (and in recent years, walked) this race, listed in order of importance for me:

A. Don’t hurt yourself. The kind of running we find ourselves doing to get ready – i.e. long slow miles – is repetitive over such a long period of time that you open yourself up to overuse injuries. Establish a routine of training that alternates between long, slow miles, and some sprints when you can push yourself. As I got older, I came to realize there were days when my training was just as well served by working out on an elliptical trainer or stationary bike.  You don’t have to run 13.1 miles today. You don’t have to run it next week or even  a week before the race. The farthest I ever ran in preparing for a Mini was 11 miles, and that was usually 7-10 days before the Mini. After that I tapered. It was about getting ready.

B. Finish. Early on in my Mini-Marathon pilgrimage, I ran every step. As the years began to pile up, and the pounding those knees, hips, and ankles were taking began to take their toll, I reached a place where I accepted it was not a matter of running every step, although many of us can and will. It’s about getting from the starting line to the finish line. Sometimes when I would train, especially on a longer run, I would envision where I was on the Mini-Marathon course in connection with the miles I had run. During the race, don’t drive yourself crazy doing the math in your head about how much further you have to go – at least until Mile 8 or 9. By then the greatest part of the course is behind you. Also, enjoy the experience! There is a lot of great entertainment along the way from garage bands to high school bands to singers to flag corps. When you run by the little kids holding out their hands for high fives, smile and give them one. Make sure you take on water and Gatorade whenever possible. You don’t have to drink all the water, just a little, and pour the rest of it over your head or down your back. It’s amazing what a lift that can give you. Also, maybe bring a snack. A lot of times I will have a protein bar that I’ll start out carrying and take a bite or two out of it as the race goes on. 

C. Finally, your time. If you take care of your training, if you hydrate, and if you nibble a little bit along the way, your time will take care of itself. I say that for older runners and walkers like myself. If you are young and want to go for a fast time, or if you are older and want to go for a fast time, do it, but listen to your body.

Training for the Mini and running/walking it is about preparation and perspective. You are doing something that most of the people you meet in life would never try. Work hard, listen to your body, mix up your workout routines, and enjoy both the process and the day.

Andrea Vellinga says running saved her life. It has been over 10 years since Andrea’s life was forever changed. On August 13, 2011, Andrea’s life was forever changed when she was critically injured when the stage collapsed in high wind prior to the Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair. As a result of the accident, part of her skull had to be removed and she remained in a coma for weeks.  

But she hasn’t let her injury keep her from her love of running.  

Andrea has been running since she was eight years old. She participated in the Indy Mini at least eight times and has even conquered the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K since the accident. Prior to the accident, Andrea had been training for an all-women’s half marathon. Running is truly a passion of hers.  

“I may be crazy, but I actually like it!” Andrea said.  

Though she faces many challenges, Andrea still perseveres to pursue this passion.  

“My challenges since accident are my weakness on the left side so, my run now is basically a fast walk, but it’s something. Plus, I don’t have the energy I used to, but I can overcome that, thank God. My brain injury and recovery seem to be very rare because a brain injury can happen at any point, for any reason, and I’ve said if I can get people just to exercise at all, I’m happy” 

Her daughter Lydia has been by her side through it all. Andrea says she wants to set an example for Lydia and keeps running to ensure she is around for Lydia as long as possible. Her father’s support has also been trivial in Andrea’s journey. She says the main reason she runs is because of his influence, and he is even running the Indy Mini with her this May. 

“I’m extra excited for this year’s Indy Mini because I’ve realized how running basically saved my life. Because doctors told my parents that night (of the accident), I may heal because of what good shape I was in.”  

“I just feel I accomplished something when I finish any distance so 5k is no different to me than half marathon and at this point I’m grateful to even be here to try!” 

Her advice to other runners, “Think of how important it is to be healthy and to be around to see what your future could be because no one has any clue.”  

When you think of legends within motorsports, one family has been around for generations paving the way in historic wins and setting records across the world. The Andretti family has helped celebrate the city of Indianapolis and bring attention to the Racing Capital of the World for years, but in 2017, John Andretti and the rest of his family was about to face an unexpected battle with colon cancer.  

In honor of John Andretti and his larger- than- life legacy, the foundation “CheckIt4Andretti” has decided to start a Mini with a Meaning team for the May 2022 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Mini with a Meaning teams run in honor of a particular foundation that raises awareness across the state of Indiana and the rest of the country. Members of the 500 Festival team talked with members of the Andretti family to talk about their Indy Mini training, John’s passions, and battle with cancer, and how they hope to increase awareness of the importance of screenings in the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. 

“John started racing go karts at a very young age with his dad, Aldo” said Olivia Andretti, daughter of John and Nancy Andretti. “From there, his love for racing took off and they loved spending time at the track together. John would drive anything with wheels – two  wheels or four wheels, it didn’t matter as long as it was fast!” Indianapolis also has a special meaning for Nancy and her late husband John because the two met at Cardinal Ritter High school and were inseparable ever since.  

When asked to describe John in a few words, it was hard to pinpoint his passions and love for philanthropy in a few sentences. “It’s hard to describe John because he had so many facets to his life! Racing was his passion and he loved to drive all different types of cars from sprint cars, to drag racing, to NASCAR and IndyCar – he did it all! He was deeply involved in charity for Riley Hospital for Children and St. Jude Children’s Hospital and always enjoyed visiting the kids. Most of all, he fiercely loved and supported his family – whether that was going to the racetrack or attending a cross country meet or horse show for his daughters, he was always there.”  

In January of 2017, John’s colonoscopy came back positive for cancerous polyps. Olivia mentioned, “When John went public with his diagnosis, the response was incredibly supportive. John decided to use the hashtag #CheckIt4Andretti on social media to raise awareness for the importance of colonoscopy screenings and encourage others to get checked, just as he had.” 

CheckIt4Andretti started as a hashtag to raise awareness and is now a foundation in honor of John with a two-part mission: to save lives by increasing awareness of the importance of screenings in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer, and by providing funding to high-risk, low-income patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or too young for insurance to cover the cost of screening. 

With his legacy in mind, Olivia said that the CheckIt4Andretti Mini with a Meaning team would be the perfect opportunity to showcase the organization and bring the awareness to a much larger stage. “And as Andretti’s, we of course always love a good race (whether it’s on foot or in cars)!” The family emphasized how important colon screenings are to the Indianapolis area because participants make up a large portion of those who are eligible for colonoscopies, especially with the screening age being lowered to 45. The Andretti family says “We want everyone to know this! Colon cancer is preventable with easy screening, the prep is not as bad as you think, and the colonoscopy is painless and takes very little time.” 

With the Month of May approaching fast and the Andretti family preparing for a new racing season, John’s life will be remembered in new lights, especially during the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Olivia left us with one final remark which was,” While John is no longer with us, this foundation will continue his legacy of helping others and saving lives.”

Join the CheckIt4Andretti team in taking on the Indy Mini on May 7! Register today at indymini.com/register.