IndyMini | Blog

The Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge is Heating Up

Summer is the perfect time to take on the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc., benefitting the 500 Festival or the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge, presented by Winners Drink Milk, benefitting the 500 Festival!

Summer brings tons of fun, outdoor activities such as swimming, gardening, biking, dog walking, hiking, and vacations. More daylight in the mornings and evenings means more time to get outside and tackle those #IndyVirtualChallenge miles.

However, along with summer comes extreme heat and humidity, making it challenging to exercise outdoors. Check out these tips to beat the heat this summer and conquer your #IndyVirtualChallenge!

Acclimate your body to the hot conditions

Any form of physical activity in the heat and humidity of the summer will be challenging at first. You may feel slower or have less energy than in cooler weather. Let your body adjust to the hot conditions by gradually increasing the intensity and length of activity. Your body will get better at cooling itself in the heat by decreasing heart rate, reducing core body temperature, and increasing sweat rate.

Choose a cool time of day

Take advantage of the long summer days by getting out early in the morning or later in the evening. Try to avoid long or high-intensity activity logging during the heat of the day, which is usually 10am-4pm. If you are active during this time, try to stay indoors or find a shady or grassy area outdoors.

Check the heat index

Before you head out, be sure to check the heat index, which combines both temperature and relative humidity.

Wear the right clothing

Wear clothing that is light in color to reflect the sun away from your body. Lightweight and breathable fabric such as polyester, cotton blends, and synthetic fabric can also allow your body to stay cool. Be sure to lather on the sunscreen and consider wearing a hat to protect your face and head.

Hydration is key

Be sure to make sure you are properly hydrated before battling the heat. Drinking water before physical activity can help to lower your body temperature and prevent cramps, lightheadedness, and headaches. Try to drink at least 8-12 ounces 30 minutes prior to activity. Drinking another 8-12 ounces for every 20 minutes of activity is also important. To replace electrolytes, recover with a sports or recovery beverage.

Slow your pace

Runners and walkers might find themselves moving a little slower or with less energy in extreme conditions. Every 5-degree increase in temperature can slow your pace by as much as 20 to 30 seconds per mile. In these conditions, slow down and listen to your body. Runners may need to take a brisk walk if necessary to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Mastering the Miles

Meet the Masters Walkers! This paw-some Challenge Team is taking on the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival, with some furry friends. Five years ago, this group of women met in a dog training class. Their friendship blossomed over a shared love of dogs, wine and good food. After … Continue reading “Mastering the Miles”

The group began walking together in March as a way to do something social, while also staying distant and safe. When the group heard about the #IndyVirtualChallenge, they decided it would keep them even more accountable and consistent. Each day, they continue to motivate each other and encourage each other to challenge themselves to increase their distance. They continue to work toward their goal despite the summertime rain, heat and humidity. Some walks are shorter than others, but miles are miles! Unfortunately, one member injured her foot and has been temporarily unable to walk. However, the Masters Walkers are such wonderful friends that the rest of the group are walking her dogs until she can return.

For the Masters Walkers, the best part of the #IndyVirtualChallenge has been their continued comradery. The women all find things to enjoy with each walk. The group has become especially adept at spotting wildlife on their walks. Eagles, deer, foxes, rabits, and geese- the Masters Walkers have seen it all! Another way this group keeps their walks exciting is by choosing a new place to walk and explore on the weekends. The dogs have even come to grow a friendship of their own, stopping to wait on the slower pups or running to greet their friends.

During a time when social interaction can be difficult, the #IndyVirtualChallenge has given the Masters Walkers and their dogs a way to stay connected, be physically active, and have some fun!

Registration for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefiting the 500 Festival, is now open. Move your body, crush your goals, and conquer 500 miles with us!

Complete a dog walking activity this week and earn this paw-some virtual badge!

Indy 500 Mile Challenge Badges

Your miles deserve to be celebrated! Indy 500 Mile Challenge participants receive badges as they hit certain distances or submit certain activities. Distance badges, 500 Mile Challenge: 5 Miles 1 Miles 104 Miles 270 Miles 500 Miles Distance badges, 100 Mile Challenge: 5 Miles 1 Miles 100 Miles Activity badges, accrued after 2 miles … Continue reading “Indy 500 Mile Challenge Badges”

Your miles deserve to be celebrated! Indy 500 Mile Challenge participants receive badges as they hit certain distances or submit certain activities.

Distance badges, 500 Mile Challenge:

5 Miles
1 Miles
104 Miles
270 Miles
500 Miles

Distance badges, 100 Mile Challenge:

5 Miles
1 Miles
100 Miles

Activity badges, accrued after 2 miles of activity is submitted:

Walk
Run
Bike
Swim
Hike
Pedometer
Exercise Class
500 Festival Virtual Race

Participants can view their badges inside their personal trophy case. How to access:

Search your name on the results page: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/91307Make sure you’re searching under your event – 100 or 500 Mile Challenge. You can select the event from the drop down.

On your personal results, you can view your current badges. If you have received more than 2, you can use the arrows to scroll and see others.

You can click “trophy case” to see all badges you have received, and how many you have left!

Register for the #IndyVirtualChallenge and start earning your virtual badges today! Visit indymini.com/500miles to get started.

How Clif Bar Conquers the #IndyVirtualChallenge

The 500 Festival is so excited to have Clif Bar as the presenting partner of the 2020 Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge! Participants from all over the world have taken on the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival, to conquer 500 miles of physical activity now until Dec. 31, 2020. … Continue reading “How Clif Bar Conquers the #IndyVirtualChallenge”

The 500 Festival is so excited to have Clif Bar as the presenting partner of the 2020 Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge! Participants from all over the world have taken on the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival, to conquer 500 miles of physical activity now until Dec. 31, 2020. Some Clif Bar team members are even getting in on the fun and accepting the #IndyVirtualChallenge! Check out some of the incredible Clif Bar team participants below:

Ben Hall – Reliability Engineer

With all of my planned summer and fall races cancelled or moving to virtual, it’s hard to stay motivated to train as hard as I would have for an in-person race. The Indy 500 Mile Challenge is a great way to stay motivated to log some miles. Running is my favorite way to complete miles but lately I have also been getting into mountain biking at a few of the trails around town.

Clif supports our fitness in a ton of ways. I get free entries to so many races a year that I sometimes struggle to find enough other races to use up my athletic stipend (I’ve always managed to use it up though). I’ve also gotten to run some of the larger marathons with the support of Clif Bar including Boston twice and NYC.

To help me conquer my #IndyVirtualChallenge, I’ve been eating a lot of cinnamon roll Z-bars before I head out for a run!

Dave Tintelnot – General Manager

I am participating in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival, to stay active during this crazy year. It is a good way to stay motivated and keep training up. Running is my happy place, so that is definitely my favorite way to complete my miles.

Clif Bar supports our health and fitness by giving each employee an athletic stipend each year to pay for entry fees into races. Also, all Clif Bar locations have gyms onsite.

To help fuel my #IndyVirtualChallenge, I love Clif Bloks Tropical Punch and Clif Bar Peanut Banana and Dark Chocolate, made right here in Indianapolis.

Rebecca Leary – Community Project Coordinator

My husband, Shawn, and I are both participating in the #IndyVirtualChallenge because it’s good motivation to be active through the rest of the year and it’s also a good reason to get out of the house. Our daughter was born in March so she can also participate by going on walks with us. Though she really just likes napping during our walks, adding a little resistance training by pushing the stroller.

Clif Bar encourages employees to be active in many ways. They encourage us to participate in Wellness Challenges and provide many race entries.

I love the Kid ZBars as a snack to keep going throughout the day. My husband eats a Clif Bar for breakfast every morning because it gives him sustained energy for the day.

Ted Maslanka – Sanitation Manager

I am participating in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 festival, because It felt like it would be something positive to do in 2020. It has been surprising, once I started tracking, how active life is on a daily basis.

Individually, I like tracking miles while kayak fishing on water. I do miss the excitement of participating in live events, but I’ve also enjoyed setting goals and accomplishing virtual events, like the 500 Festival virtual races, on my own time. Getting outdoors and hiking isn’t anything new, but is an activity I appreciate completing with my wife, the kids, and my dog.

Fitness and healthy lifestyle, of all kinds, is a large part of the culture at Clif Bar. There is a lot of positive camaraderie, encouragement, and support at Clif Bar Baking Company in Indianapolis.

I have two favorites Clif products that help to fuel my #IndyVirtualChallenge: Clif Bar Peanut Butter Banana Dark Chocolate and Clif Bar Nuts and Seeds.

Your #IndyVirtualChallenge miles aren’t just for the summer! Register today for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival, or the Indianapolis Freedom 100 Mile Challenge, and complete your miles through December 31, 2020. Learn more at indymini.com/500miles.

Clif Bar Brings the Fuel For Your Miles

The 500 Festival is thrilled to have Clif Bar as the presenting partner of the 2020 Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge! The Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival, is a virtual program where participants will complete 500 miles of physical activity from now until Dec. 31, 2020. Participants can complete their mileage in a … Continue reading “Clif Bar Brings the Fuel For Your Miles “

The 500 Festival is thrilled to have Clif Bar as the presenting partner of the 2020 Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge! The Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival, is a virtual program where participants will complete 500 miles of physical activity from now until Dec. 31, 2020. Participants can complete their mileage in a number of ways, such as running, walking, wheelchair, swimming, cycling, fitness classes and more.

Clif Bar offers a variety of organic, plant-based energy products to drive performance– the perfect fuel to crush your #IndyVirtualChallenge miles! Looking for a pre-workout snack with sustained energy to get you going? Try the original Clif Bar! For quick energy to keep you going during a workout, grab a Clif Shot or Clif Bloks. To build and repair muscles post-workout, go for the Clif Builder’s Bar. There’s a Clif product for all of your #IndyVirtualChallenge needs!

Clif Bars make the Indy 500 Mile Challenge even better! Just ask 500 Festival Running Ambassador and Special Olympics Athlete Andrew Peterson.

Registration for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by Clif Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival is now open! Show us which Clif Bar products fuel your challenge on social media by using #IndyVirtualChallenge.

Staying Cool for the Summer

As sweet as summertime is, the summer months can also bring some serious heat. Hot temperatures and humidity can be challenging for outdoor activity, especially running or walking. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, outdoor exercise may be Check out some of these helpful tips to beat the heat and crush those #IndyVirtualChallenge miles! Get out when the temperatures are cool Long summer days can … Continue reading “Staying Cool for the Summer “

Man Running on Side of Road

Get out when the temperatures are cool

Long summer days can be extremely hot. However, mornings and evenings tend to be more generous with cooler temperatures. Try getting your activity completed in the early morning hours or after sunset for some relief from the summer heat. Be sure to check your local news or favorite weather app to be aware of changing temps or incoming storms!

Wear loose fitting, light colored gear

Wearing loose gear, such as synthetic fabric, that doesn’t hug your body can allow a breeze to cool you off while exercising in the heat. Light colors can reflect the sun away from your body, rather than absorbing it.

Hydration, hydration, hydration

Perhaps the most important key to beating the summer heat is staying hydrated. Hydration is essential for combating the summer sun, especially when exercising. It is important to remember to stay hydrated before, during, and after your physical activity. Try drinking at least 8 ounces of water or sport drink every hour before exercising. You may also want to consider bringing fluids with you on your run or walk with a water belt or pouch. If you prefer not to carry fluids, consider stashing water bottles along your route or stopping at water fountains. Check out Runner’s World hydration page for more helpful tips.

Thirsty man drinking water during training in park

Run near water, in the grass or in the shade

Bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans can create a cool, slight breeze to cool you off while exercising. Running or walking in the grass or in the shade can also help conquer the heat. Asphalt tends to retain heat and radiate it back upward, sweltering you in the summer heat.

Smear the sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must in the summertime. Not only does sunscreen combat harmful ultraviolet rays, but can also keep your skin and body temperature low. SPF 30 or higher is recommended, even on overcast days!

Adjust your pace

Though it may not be preferable, adjusting your pace could be necessary. Every five-degree rise in temperature above 60 degrees Fahrenheit can slow your pace up to 20 to 30 seconds per mile. If you’re a runner, you also might want to consider mixing in some walking to cool off.

Take a Hike!

What’s your favorite way to conquer your #IndyVirtualChallenge miles? Try going for a hike! Hiking is a fun and unique way to see some of the world’s most beautiful places while staying physically active. Enjoy the outdoors with friends and family while safely practicing social distancing. Check out some of the top hiking spots in Indiana and the United … Continue reading “Take a Hike!”

Indiana Hiking Spots

Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, Tunnel Falls –Clifty Falls State Park
Cowles Bog Trail- Indiana Dune National Park
Hemlock Cliffs National Scenic Trail -Hoosier National Forest
Turkey Run -Turkey Run State Park
Three Lakes Trail – Morgan Monroe State Forest

National Hiking Spots

Alabama- Stephens Gap
Alaska- Thunderbird Falls Trail
Arizona- Navajo National Monument
Arkansas- Falls Branch Trail
California- San Clemente Beach Trail
Colorado- Manitou Springs
Connecticut- Tunix Trail
Delaware- Cape Henlopen State Park
Florida- Little Talbot Island
Georgia- Three Forks at Long Creek Falls
Hawaii: Papakolea Beach
Idaho: Mineral Ridge Loop
Illinois- Starved Rock State Park
Indiana- Turkey Run State Park
Iowa- Wildcar Den State Park
Kansas- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Kentucky- Raven’s Run Trail
Louisiana- Louisiana State Arboretum Trail, Chicot State Park
Maine: Moxie Falls, Moxie Gore
Maryland: Billy Goat Trail
Massachusetts: Bash Bish Falls, Mount Greylock Reservation
Michigan: Grand Haven Waterfront Trail
Minnesota- The Oberg Mountain Loop
Mississippi- CCC Camp Trail
Missouri- Drover’s Trail, Prairie State Park
Montana- Woods Gulch
Nebraska- Cowboy Trail
Nevada- White Domes Loop Trail
New Hampshire: West Rattlesnake Mountain
New Jersey- Van Campens Glen, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
New Mexico- The Jemez Falls Area
New York- Watkings Glen State Park
North Carolina- Crabtree Falls Loop Trail
North Dakota- Prairie Dog Town Trail
Ohio- Hebron Trail, Ohio Canal Greenway
Oklahoma- Bugle Trail at Osage Hills State Park, Pawhuska
Oregon- Sweet Creek Trail
Pennsylvania- Bushkill Falls, Stroudsburg
Rhode Island- Colt State Park, Bristol
South Carolina- Woods Bay State Park
South Dakota- Good Earth State Park
Tennessee- Laurel Falls
Texas- Lost Maples State Natural Area East Trail, Vanderpool
Utah- Lower Emerald Pools Trail, Zion National Park
Vermont- Stowe Pinnacle Trail
Virginia- White Oak Canyon
Washington- Naches Peak Loop
West Virginia- Babcock State Park
Wisconsin- Peninsula State Park
Wyoming- Beauty Lake Trail

When you complete a hike activity of at least two miles this week, you’ll also earn this awesome Take a Hike badge!

Do you know someone who wants to join you in tacking the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge or Indianapolis Freedom 100 Mile Challenge? Registration is now OPEN! Conquer the #IndyVirtualChallenge together and register today at indymini.com/500 miles.

Miles Made Together

Tammy Seitz Sturgeon is conquering the Indianapolis Freedom 100 Mile Challenge with a very special walking partner. As a house manager for Happiness Bag Inc., a recreational and educational oriented facility designed for individuals with disabilities, Tammy is passionate about helping others. She works with two men who have 24-hour staffing, ensuring they have their everyday needs met, such as medications, … Continue reading “Miles Made Together “

Tammy Seitz Sturgeon is conquering the Indianapolis Freedom 100 Mile Challenge with a very special walking partner.

As a house manager for Happiness Bag Inc., a recreational and educational oriented facility designed for individuals with disabilities, Tammy is passionate about helping others. She works with two men who have 24-hour staffing, ensuring they have their everyday needs met, such as medications, hygiene, and more. When Tammy decided to take on the Freedom 100 Mile Challenge to motivate her toward her fitness goals, she invited her friend “J”, whom she cares for, to join her.

Tammy and “J”, who loves to be outdoors, have been conquering the #IndyVirtualChallenge miles together by walking/rolling. “J” is also a Virtual Special Olympics athlete. The Virtual Special Olympics includes different levels for individuals to participate according to their level of ability. He is rocking the Virtual Special Olympics by walking/rolling meters and participating in ball toss and catch.

Do you want to join Tammy and “J” in tackling the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge or Indianapolis Freedom 100 Mile Challenge? Registration is now open and you can even backlog your miles starting on June 22. Register here: indymini.com/500 miles.

500 Festival Princesses are Teaming Up for the #IndyVirtualChallenge

The 2020 500 Festival Princess Program has accepted the #IndyVirtualChallenge! The 2020 500 Festival Princesses have teamed up to conquer the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge as a way to stay physically active and connected with the 500 Festival. Check out a few of our 500 Festival Princesses on their journey to conquering 500 miles below: … Continue reading “500 Festival Princesses are Teaming Up for the #IndyVirtualChallenge”

Nicole Zellers

I am participating in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge as a way to push myself to stay active this fall and continue to recover from a knee injury. My motivation to join the challenge is to stay active and compete with my mom to hold each other accountable. Plus, the 500 miles associated with the Indy 500 and the Month of May is a fun bonus. So far, I have completed my miles by walking, swimming, and biking. Biking has been my favorite so far because I can bike for several miles and see a lot of my neighborhood on a trail. I would encourage everyone to take the challenge because it’s a fun way to stay active with a very supportive community surrounding you. My advice to participants is not to be too hard on yourself if you have a period of time where you aren’t able to complete as many miles as normal.

Sydney Meyers

I’m taking on the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge because it’s a great opportunity to still be involved and feel connected with the 500 Festival without the in-person experience in May. All of the 500 Festival Princesses are my motivation! Everyone is so excited and sharing their accomplishments with each other. I have been biking and running to complete my miles, but biking has been my favorite because it is something my dad and I like to do together. My cousin is also taking on the #IndyVirtualChallenge as well. I would encourage someone to take the challenge because it is a fun way to exercise and know that others are doing it with you! To Challenge participants, I would encourage you to find someone to do the challenge with you to keep each other accountable.

Meg Schleter

I’m participating in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge to “challenge” myself to meet my fitness goals and stay on a schedule. I want to feel healthier and practice healthy habits! My motivation to take on the challenge has changed since signing up. After signing up, I broke my foot and am now non-weight bearing, but I still want to keep up with the challenge and push myself to be able to take on recovery more easily. I’m still able to get my miles in, it just looks different! I have been using an upper body ergo-meter (arm cycling machine) and swimming with my arms to get my miles in and so far, it’s been enjoyable! Swimming is my favorite because I used to be a swimmer in middle school and always had a fun time with it! I look forward to being able to cycle and then eventually run later on this year. Along with the other 500 Festival Princesses, one of my best friends from home is also taking on the challenge with me. I would encourage someone to do the challenge for themselves and for their health! Especially during the difficult time that the world is going through, this challenge can provide you with a fun and health-focused activity. It’s been proven that exercise can make you feel better emotionally as well, and I know I have relied on movement when I feel like I am in a funk. My advice is to make a schedule and stick to it, but also to listen to your body and know when it needs a break. Also, never skip stretching! Something I have implemented is to “reward” myself after I have reached a certain milestone (for me, 100 miles) with something I’ve been wanting to buy or do, which can give you something to look forward to as you are getting started.

Are you up for the challenge? Take on the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge or the Indianapolis Freedom 100 Mile Challenge today! Registration is open NOW and you can backlog your miles starting on June 22! What are you waiting for? Sign up at: indymini.com/500 miles.

96 Years and 100 Miles

We have been overwhelmed with the positive response we have received about the newly launch Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge and Indianapolis Freedom 100 Mile Challenge! It’s been so inspiring to see everyone’s personal journey to their 100 mile or 500 mile goal. Our participants come from across the globe and are a full range … Continue reading “96 Years and 100 Miles”

Our participants come from across the globe and are a full range of ages. Each one has their own reasoning for joining, from needing some extra fitness motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic to some friendly virtual competition between loved ones they have been separated from.

At 96 years old, our oldest participant, Phyllis Hart, is also grandmother to the 500 Festival’s Jen Lowe! Phyllis is ready to take on this new virtual challenge and got excited when she learned of this opportunity. Her retirement community was thrilled for when they learned she was the oldest participant and are cheering on their impressive neighbor.

“All my life I have tried to walk,” said Phyllis. My late husband and I use to walk around our neighborhood or at the mall often. As years progressed, I’ve been a member of the YMCA and attended classes at our local senior center which offered me the opportunity to have exercises specifically tailored towards those my age and work out with my peers.”

Check out what Phyllis has to say about this new fitness experience!

What made you interested in joining the virtual challenge?

I thought the virtual challenge sounded interesting. My daughter, granddaughter-in-law, and granddaughter (who works for the 500 Festival) were all doing one of the challenges and I wanted to join them. I wanted to have another achievement to strive for. And, I thought it would be helpful for me to have something positive to focus on during these times.

What’s your favorite way to exercise/get your miles in?

My preferred exercise would be to take a walk outside when it’s not too hot. It feels so good to be outside moving around. In addition to walking, I do the stationary bike for ½ a mile daily and attend a seniors exercise class 3 times a week where we do a variety of exercises and stretching. I don’t have a set schedule so it’s not rigid but does prioritize exercise.

What advice would you give other participants to encourage them toward their goal?

Do something every day! Don’t overdo it and know your capacity. But do something every day.

Join us in cheering on Phyllis as she works toward her goal of 100 miles! She’s started her journey and intends to keep powering through until the end of the year.

“I’ve already started tracking my miles and got a new pedometer to help me keep on top of it. It’s nice to look at my daily progress and see where the differences are and what I’ve accomplished. I estimate that I will reach my 100 miles in 2-3 months. I plan to keep going even after I’m passed my 100 miles until the end of the year. I didn’t want to sign up for the 500-mile goal as I thought it might be a bit much for me, but you never know where the road will take you. I’ll keep exercising and we’ll see.”

Interested in participating in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge or the Freedom 100 Mile Challenge? Registration is open NOW and you can even backlog your miles starting on June 22! Sign up today at indymini.com/500 miles.