Category: #IndyMini Ambassador Q&A

Name: Kali Chemelewski

Hometown: Fishers, IN

Year of first #IndyMini: 2016

Fun fact about yourself: I’m a current Senior at Purdue and will be headed to PA School next year! With my love for running, sports, and being outside, I hope to work in Sports Performance one day- maybe as a team PA for a professional team!

Favorite place to run: I like running anywhere outside. At school, I like running around campus during classes and people watching while I run!

Advice for first-timers: First and foremost- have fun!!! The Indy Mini is a HUGE race and with that comes awesome entertainment and people! I love watching and listening to all the performers around the route and reading all the signs! Secondly, take lots of pictures and videos! Last year was gross weather-50s and rain- so I decided to have fun and take videos of all the rain and how soaked I was. There’s nothing wrong with just having fun and not racing to win.

Name:  Lisa Herron

Hometown: Greenwood, IN

Year of first #IndyMini:  2012

Fun fact about yourself: I am a power walker.  I have had to learn to own my destiny after multiple knee/foot surgeries.  In 2018, I had two cervical spine (ACDF) surgeries, that has made me listen to my body. Life is a gift. Live each day to the fullest. I am walking for my health. I have lost over 60lb since February 2019, biometrics have lowered through clean eating and exercise. I set a goal of not having to use medication to get healthy. I know genetics are against me, but I have owned it!

Favorite place to walk:  I grew up in Peru, IN.  I love to go home and walk on our farm and the walking trails to relive childhood memories.  I had to give up long distance running after my fifth knee surgery and started power walking.  In 2012, I did six half marathons power walking a 10 min/mile.  Today, my body tells be otherwise, but I am a fabulous 51-year-old! This year I signed up for the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5k 10 days post ACDF neck surgery, and had 19 weeks to go from zero to pavement. I beat my personal goal that day by 3 minutes. I have never felt so empowered in my life as I did that day. 

Advice for first-timers:  My advice is to have good music with a high beat count, use a performance jelly bean/gel for nutrition during the race, get a race fanny pack, and hydrate. I love to cross train with Zumba, Hot Yoga, and going to the gym for weightlifting & treadmill. I have also found having a workout buddy has helped me push harder on my goals. I have a motto that I have chased him since I was 9 years old, what’s one more mile?I do a race a month, and minimally walk 50 miles a week. I track everything I eat and ever mile I walk in fitness trackers.  

Name:   Shane Hillman

Hometown:  Gas City, IN

Year of First #IndyMini:  2013

Fun Fact:  The 2020 Indy Mini will be my 100th Half Marathon.

Favorite Place to Run: Silver Beach in St Joseph, Michigan, Across Long Bridges and anywhere with Fishers Running Club

Advice for first timers:  Indy Moves Pretty Fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. What I’m saying is, take it all in: the city, the spectators, the entertainment, the track and those participating with you! There’s no place like Indy. Enjoy the run!

Name: Christina Reynolds Grisby
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Year of first #IndyMini: 2007

Fun fact about yourself: The only other thing that may surpass my love of running is the love I have for dogs! If you ever happen to be out running with me, don’t be surprised if I interrupt our conversation to acknowledge any and all passing dogs. I’ll even most likely suggest some way to “steal” said dogs without getting arrested. Don’t worry! I have yet to act on this…yet, lol! I’m positive I’m the best dog mom to the best dachshund ever, Dexter and dog grandma EVER to his nephews, Rocky and Alfie.

When I’m not hanging out with my fur-gang, I’m orchestrating group runs and meet ups at local races with the local running groups I admin on Facebook, Ladies Running Indy and Circle City Runners. I’m also the local Indianapolis chapter leader of a women’s only, all paces welcome, national running group, Moms Run/She Runs This Town.

Favorite place to run: As long as it is outside, I love to run almost anywhere! My favorite runs are
usually when the husband & I travel. While traveling, one of my favorite places to run is on Rockledge Dr. along the Indian River in Cocoa, Florida with my husband. We visit there frequently and it is our go-to route anytime we want to run while visiting. Another favorite place to run and a tradition of mine, is when visiting Vegas, I always make a point to run from our hotel down to the famous Las Vegas sign and back. If I’m not traveling, you can find the husband & I frequently running in two of our favorite local
spots, the Canal Walk in downtown Indy or in the Fort Ben Harrison State Park.

Advice for first-timers: Always have fun and take lots of pictures! Once you figure out how to incorporate fun into running, head to your local running store and buy high quality socks. As a new runner many years ago, this was one of the things that took me many blisters, bandaids, and years passing to figure out. You may spend $12 and up per pair of socks, but you’ll thank yourself for it later. Once you have the socks figured out, make sure you get fitted properly for running shoes. Do not pick out the prettiest or most stylish running shoes. These shoes should serve a purpose and that is to get
you through your training and races injury free. If you’re lucky enough to find those stylish running shoes that serve the above said purpose as well, consider yourself lucky. What may be the best running shoe for your best running friend, may not be the best running shoe for you. Remember, function over style!

Just like your shoes, what nutrition may work for your best running friend, may not work for you. Figure out what works for you, whether it be race gels or more natural foods, prior to race day. This should also include your hydration. There are many products out on the market. You don’t want to rely on the race water stops for a product that may not suit you. Race day is not the day to find that out. You should be testing these out on your training runs. Training runs are not just for the mileage, but to try out your shoes, socks, nutrition, & hydration strategies. As much fun as running can be, the reality is, running is hard. To get you through these tough times when it is hard just to get your foot out the door, find a running group. The accountability, the motivation, and most importantly, the friendships you’ll gain are immeasurable.

Name: Kevin Anspach
Hometown: Mooresville, IN
Year of first #IndyMini: 2015

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love to be outdoors! I love everything from hiking to swimming, and everything in between. I am known to spend the day just hiking through the state parks.

As a kid I loved playing sports, swimming, and climbing rocks. Not much has changed, other than being a few decades older ( and a few more aches and pains afterwards ). Instead of sports, I now enjoy running. Instead of climbing rocks, I now enjoy obstacle course racing. I have never been an indoor person, and I am pretty sure that will never change no matter how
old I get. Age is just a number!

Favorite place to run: My two favorite places to run are on my local country roads. The scenery is refreshing as I run along the streets. If I am downtown, my favorite places to run are along the canal, the zoo loop, and along the white river on the dirt paths. Of course, in the month of May, my favorite place to run is around the IMS track!

Advice for first timers: If it scares the heck out of you to sign up, that means you need to do it! Definitely find a good training plan for the pace you want to keep, and do not skip a workout! The couch is not your friend! Sitting for long periods of time is one of the worst things you can do to your body. To fuel your training and keep your body’s performance at it’s peak, find a food regimen that works towards your goals. I personally have been a big fan of the Paleo eating regimen. I don’t consider that a diet, just clean eating. The one alteration I do make to the Paleo regimen is adding dairy. Make sure you have rest days built in to your workout plans. Your body needs that time to recover and stay healthy. And most importantly, have fun with it!!

Join Kevin at the 2020 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 2, 2020! Register now at www.indymini.com/register

Name: Andrew Bartolacci
City/Town: Indianapolis
First year of #IndyMini: 2014

 

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Watching my wife and dad finish the race.

 

Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training?

My family, my students, and my personal goals.

 

Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the first time?

Just do it. Commit. There’s no way you’ll regret it.

 

Q: What’s your favorite song to listen to when running?

“Eye of the Tiger”

 

Q: If you were stranded on an island (and had everything necessary to survive), which three items would you also like to have with you?

Foam roller, hammock, and pillow.

 

Make 2019 your best year yet! Register now for the #IndyMini.

 

Name: David Beaty
City/Town: Indianapolis, Indiana
First year of #IndyMini: 2015

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Running with my mom.

Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training?

My teacher Ms. Housefield.

Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the first time?

It’s the most amazing feeling when you cross the finish line

Q: What’s your favorite song to listen to when running?

“500 Miles”.

Q: If you were stranded on an island (and had everything necessary to survive), which three items would you also like to have with you?

Garmin, AirPods, zoomfly shoes.

Make 2019 your best year yet! Register now for the #IndyMini.

Name:  Megan Knigga Sheets
City/Town: Indianapolis, Indiana
First year of #IndyMini: 2007

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

In 2006 my beloved Nana passed away after a very long and devastating battle with lung cancer. By the winter of that year, I was lost in more ways than one. I had become very depressed and withdrawn. I remember watching the Mini-Marathon participants during my tenure as a 2004 500 Festival Princess. I remember seeing the pride that filled the finisher’s faces and just simply being in awe of their accomplishment. I decided that as a whole, our family needed a goal and something to work for during 2007. So as a Christmas gift I signed my whole family up for the Indy Mini. At first, all 10 family members were very unhappy with me since I come from a family of non-runners. But having the mini to look forward to and train for gave us a common goal and something other than our grief to focus on. Watching all 10 members of my family cross the finish line that day in May in 2007 is by far my proudest Indy Mini moment. I am very proud to say that I have signed up for 12 Indianapolis Mini-Marathons…trained for them…and most importantly…crossed that finish line 12 times. Each time I sign up for the mini I know my Nana is sitting right there on my shoulder…urging me along.

Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training?

In order to keep motivated I think about the finish line during all of my training runs. The elation and pure joy of crossing that finish line after conquering 13.1 miles can’t be replicated and that is what keeps me motivated. This year I’m also using my friends to motivate me as well. We are sharing workouts via social media and seeing their progress makes me want to get out there and crush my workouts.

Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the first time?

Sign up. Make a schedule of training runs and stick to it. You have to carve the time out for yourself. You can absolutely do this. I understand having outside responsibilities; I am a full-time night shift nurse, wife, and dog mom to 4, including a puppy. But I make the commitment and I understand that my training time is sacred “me” time. Running a mini sounds so daunting, but break it up in chunks. I break it up in 5Ks. This makes the distance seem less intimidating and it works for me. Once you finish the Indy Mini you will undoubtedly sign up for it the next year because race day is so exhilarating. The 500 Festival puts on a top-notch race and it’s incredible to see the city and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from such a new and unique perspective.

Q: What’s your favorite song to listen to when running?

My number one song for motivation is “This is Me” by Kala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble. It is the best song for starting runs. According to iTunes here are some of my other most played songs, “Shark in the Water” by VV Brown, “Now That We’ve Found Love” by Heavy D and the Boys, and “Love Man” by Otis Redding. My music tastes are actually pretty eclectic. It’s not uncommon for my playlist to go from Katy Perry to Fleetwood Mac and then to Jason Aldean. I will listen to pretty much anything with a good beat for training runs. I love finding new music so if you have something new, send it my way!

Q: If you were stranded on an island (and had everything necessary to survive), which three items would you also like to have with you?

Diet Coke, Chick-fil-A, and my dogs. I’m very food motivated and I’m very obsessed with my dogs. I would be happy as a clam if I had these things on that island. I’m fairly certain that my loved ones would also say these things are the things that sustain me in everyday life, not just what I would require if I was stranded on an island.

Make 2019 your best year yet! Register now for the #IndyMini

Name: Cynthia Marshall
City/Town: Camby, Indiana
First year of #IndyMini: 2019

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Going to the expo in 2018 and meeting Meb Keflezighi. I loved the atmosphere and the excitement everyone had for the Indy Mini and the 500 festival. I knew right away this was something I wanted to be a part of in the future.

Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training?

Black Girls Run Indy group. They make sure I get my long runs in on the weekend and keep me motivated throughout the week.

Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the first time?

Don’t be intimidated by the large crowd. That’s what has stopped me from signing up in the past. Everyone is there to support each other. It doesn’t matter you run, walk, or have to crawl to the finish line. You have a whole city of runners rooting for you!

Q: What’s your favorite song to listen to when running?

No particular song. But I always listen to something upbeat and inspirational to cleanse my mind and spirit while I run.

Q: If you were stranded on an island (and had everything necessary to survive), which three items would you also like to have with you?

It’s definitely not an item but I would have to say my daughter! I couldn’t imagine being anywhere without her. Having her by my side would be all I would ever need.

Make 2019 your best year yet! Register now for the #IndyMini

Name: Kevin Anspach
City/Town: Mooresville, Indiana
First year of #IndyMini: 2015

 

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Running around the track at IMS for the first time. The history that exists on that asphalt motivates me to power through the rest of the miles. Of course, finishing my first #IndyMini after losing 80lbs was unforgettable! It was an incredible, life changing journey for three years, that was complete when I crossed the finish line.

 

Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training?

My wife has been my support through all of my newest and latest challenges, even though she thinks I’m crazy! I talked her into running her first #IndyMini and am so excited to see her at the finish line! My coach, Michael Winn, has helped me hit my target goals and gave me the knowledge needed to be successful at running. My biggest motivation will always be to stay as healthy as I can, in honor of my father and older brother who passed away too early.

 

Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the first time?

If it scares the heck out of you to sign up, that means you need to do it! Definitely find a good training plan for the pace you want to keep, and do not skip a workout! The couch is not your friend! To fuel your training and keep your body’s performance at it’s peak, find a food regimen that works towards your goals. I personally have been a big fan of the Paleo eating regimen. I don’t consider that a diet, just clean eating. Make sure you have rest days built in to your workout plans. Your body needs that time to recover and stay healthy.

 

Q: What’s your favorite song to listen to when running?

I generally don’t run with music, unless I am on the treadmill. If I do, it is a workout station on iHeart Radio. When I am running outside I like to take in my surroundings. ( And listen for approaching dogs.. )

 

Q: If you were stranded on an island (and had everything necessary to survive), which three items would you also like to have with you?

Running shoes, oofos recovery sandals, and lots of sun tan lotion!

 

Make 2019 your best year yet! Register now for the #IndyMini