Category: 2018 Ambassador Features

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

Katie’s Story

 

I never considered myself a runner. In high school and college, I was a marching band kid and my experience with running never exceeded three miles. I always wanted to run a half marathon because I was so impressed by my friends who had done it. I felt like it was an obtainable goal, but I would always say, “well, next year maybe I’ll attempt it when I have more running endurance.” It wasn’t until 2015, when I went running with my roommate who pushed me to run four miles, that I realized I was capable of running a half marathon. Everything just clicked. I thought running more than three miles was impossible, but I did it – so I knew I could do 13.1 too! That March, I signed up for my first half marathon (which was of course the Indy Mini)!

 

Katie’s #IndyMini Experience

 

I remember going to watch my boyfriend (now fiancé) run the Mini in 2014. This was the first huge race I had ever attended and I had no idea what to expect. After experiencing the race as a spectator, I knew I had to be a participant in this race someday! I had no idea how or when, but I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The next year, I finally signed up! I fought hard during my first Mini-Marathon, but I came out disappointed that I didn’t hit my goal time. It took me a few hours (and a few thousand calories) later to finally feel the enormity of what I had accomplished. It didn’t matter if I was fast or slow, if I hit my goal or didn’t – I completed 13.1 miles and that was more than enough!

 

Once you are able to look past goal times and PRs, you realize how special this race is. At that point in my Indy Mini experience, I knew I was in this for life! I love this race and the sense of community. For my fiancé and me, the Mini-Marathon is basically a holiday – we would never think of skipping it. It’s a yearly routine; sign up, train together and peer pressure everyone (seriously EVERYONE) I know to run with us. To me, the Indy Mini is all about dreaming big, crushing goals and having your friends, family and community there to support you. There’s no place I’d rather be on the first weekend of May!

 

Katie’s Advice

 

Be conscious of your body on race day. The biggest mistake I made during my first half marathon was thinking that whatever I could do in training, I could do on race day. Race day is difficult. Between the nerves, excitement, water, etc., your body won’t necessarily feel the same as it does on training runs. Everyone has good runs and bad runs. It’s unfair when our bad runs are on race day, but when that happens, the most important thing is to just stop, look around and really soak it all in.

 

Feeling inspired by Katie’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Katie, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

Melissa’s Story

 

In the fall of 2016, after starting law school, I decided to make a change in my life. I set my sights the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, with a goal to run and finish my first half marathon. Although training was intimidating, it proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences I could have imagined. Throughout my training, I learned that my limitations were only in my mind and weren’t indicative of what I could accomplish. I learned that I am capable of accomplishing feats that I had once thought were impossible. Through perseverance and hard work, I finished the Indy Mini and loved it.

 

Melissa’s #IndyMini Experience

 

The Indy Mini was more than just a race to me. It represents the beginning of what I have accomplished and everything that I will accomplish in the future. Since fall 2016, I have lost over thirty pounds and have developed a passion for running. As I train for my second Mini-Marathon, I am looking forward to running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and kissing the bricks!

 

Melissa’s Advice

 

Trust your training, plan and have fun! If this is your first half marathon, focus on finishing rather than a specific goal time. During the race, focus on your music, smile at spectators, read signs, go for the high five, just don’t focus on the fact your body hurts with still many miles to go. You are going to cross the finish line before you know it. Don’t get discouraged, you can do this!

 

Feeling inspired by Melissa’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Melissa, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

Paige’s Story

 

In the seventh grade, I started running cross country. My best friend encouraged me to join her on the team and ever since, I have loved running. Throughout high school, I ran track and cross country and upon my first year of college, I completed my first half marathon! My runner’s high continued and never stopped – it’s something that relieves stress and helps me find joy!

 

Paige’s #IndyMini Experience

 

I wish I could say that I had an Indy Mini “story,” but the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon was always a race I wanted to run. I grew up in a suburb outside of Chicago, then when I went to college at Butler University, there was a constant buzz leading up to the Mini-Marathon. I think most of my inspiration came from my best friend, Allie, who was a 500 Festival Princess – her Hoosier roots and connection to the 500 Festival are to thank for my growing affinity for the race.

 

In particular, I love the entertainment that is everywhere! It is truly a special experience to have live music and people cheering you on all throughout the course. You can’t forget about running on the track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’s definitely not something most people can say they have done until that have run the Indy Mini!

 

Paige’s Advice

                                                                                                                                

Advice that I would give first-time participants is to actually train, but always listen to your body. You do not need to PR every race (something I am starting to realize) because listening to your body is more important. Walk when you need to, drink water when needed, and keep up on your energy with gels or chews, it will become very important throughout the race!

 

Feeling inspired by Paige’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Paige, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

Kerry’s Story

As a stay at home mom, full-time student, and new runner, finding balance in my training has been difficult.  Especially since it’s hard to find time away from my kids to get out for a training run. However, I do this for my kids. To be healthier and able to play with them more is why I started working out. I was tired of being the first one to get tired and building up my endurance has helped me keep up with my 4- and 6-year-old kids. Originally, my goal was triathlons, but with the contest win last year, it switched to just running, and I haven’t gotten around to the triathlon bit… at least not yet.

 

Kerry’s #IndyMini Experience

I almost compulsively enter contests. Last year, Channel 13 (who sponsors the event) had an entrance for the Mini as a prize and I entered thinking it would be 6-8 weeks from the contest, but it was only four weeks from the prize being awarded to the start of the race. So I had to go from a couch potato to a half marathoner in a month (I really don’t recommend it, but it was survivable). This year, doing the Miler Series has been so great and getting the training runs that far apart has really helped me to increase my distance and pace in a safe and reliable manner. I’m hoping to cut almost an hour off of last year’s Mini time!

 

Kerry’s Advice

 

Honestly, the only other races I’ve ever done are the fun 5Ks (like with sprayed color, or slides and silly things like that). Though my experience with the Mini did seem more community-based than those 5Ks.  When I was doing the Mini last year, other runners would talk to me, and give me encouragement if I needed it and it felt like we were all doing this together instead of a bunch of individuals just going the same way.

 

Feeling inspired by Kerry’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Kerry, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

Andrew’s Story

I run for my family and students, they both mean the world to me. When my son Bo was born in 2016, I got back into running. While he napped and my wife needed rest, I took advantage of that time. As a physical education teacher for an IPS school, I am an advocate for exercise and sports. When dozens of my students wanted to play soccer, but the school didn’t have any funding for teams, I was bothered that they didn’t have athletic opportunities. I made it my mission to make a difference. Through training and the 8-Hour Endurance Race, I ran 40 miles under eight hours and raised $1,000. Each mile was worth $25 and contributed to the funding of three soccer teams that including covering costs of equipment and registration. Running allowed me to give children the ability to play sports and build positive character traits. The time leading up to that achievement was equally as valuable. I spent my countless hours of training with my son. He rode along with me in his stroller and it was cherished “dude time.”

 

I run to show my students that being active is an important part of life. I run to show my son how to accomplish goals. This year’s Indy Mini comes with extra motivation; my wife, dad, and friends are running. Watching them train has been so motivating. My wife hates running, but she’s up to nine miles in her training! I am looking forward to seeing her cross the finish line and accomplish something she never thought she’d do. With her, I hope to do great things and qualify for the Boston Marathon!

 

Andrew’s #IndyMini Experience

When I moved to Indianapolis, I was told that I had to run the Indy Mini. Considering I’ve been here for four years and this will be my fourth year running the race, you could say that I’ve enjoyed it. As I learned about the programs that the race funds for students, I’m even more eager to continue the tradition. Running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is pretty great, but the Mini-Marathon’s impact on the community is much greater. The registrations are literally funding physical activity in schools across the city and that is everything to me.

 

Andrew’s Advice

My advice is simple. Just be you. Don’t worry about being passed or what other walkers/runners are doing. Just focus on being you and having a good time. Take it all in.

I’m so glad that you are joining in on the fun and thank you for helping fund running programs and initiatives for my students and others through your Mini-Marathon registration.

 

Feeling inspired by Andrew’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Andrew, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing his training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

 

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

Michelle’s Story

 

This year is not only my comeback race, but it’s also going to be a life-saving race for my younger sister. On the very day that I found out I was chosen to be an Indy Mini Ambassador, my younger sister was given a scary medical prognosis; she is morbidly obese and her weight is taking a toll on her life. Her doctor said that if she didn’t lose weight soon, her days would be numbered. From that point on, my sister has dedicated her life to becoming a healthier individual and it was my mission to help in that fight.

 

Of course, I had my concerns about the pressures and strain of training for a half marathon, but my sister was bound and determined to use the Mini-Marathon as a tool in her weight loss journey. Little by little, she has lost a total of 45 pounds since November and is more mobile than she has been in 20 years. Her progress is keeping her right on track to meet the Mini-Marathon cut off time. She is happier and healthier than ever and continues to prove her doubters wrong. Her doctors are impressed and her colleagues are even calling her a “health nut.” This year, the Indy Mini is going to be the race that saved my sister’s life, and for that, I couldn’t be more proud and excited to be the ambassador that crosses the finish line with her.

 

Michelle’s #IndyMini Experience

 

I’ve been a runner since middle school. So, many years ago, when a good friend of mine talked me into the running the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, I didn’t hesitate. I fell in love with the race and ran several years in a row thereafter. This is my comeback race, and it’s been the perfect way to redirect my healthy lifestyle.

It’s difficult to pinpoint my favorite part of the race, but this year’s race is on the weekend of my birthday. There is no better way to celebrate than with 30,000 other like-minded people, doing what we love.

 

Michelle’s Advice

 

Nothing is impossible! Never doubt yourself and never, never, NEVER let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. You can achieve amazing things if you think positively, train properly and NEVER give up!

 

Feeling inspired by Michelle’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Michelle, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

 

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

Kyle’s Story

 

It all started with a New Year’s resolution when I woke up and decided to make a positive change in my life. I used the idea of a “clean slate” as a basis of encouragement to start running. At that point in my life, nothing was going my way; I was surrounded by negativity and bad influences. I wanted to be a good influence in my family, learn about myself and test my capabilities. Once I incorporated running into my life, a new chapter began. I never thought that a four-mile run would be the foundation of an entirely new lifestyle. My connection to the running community kept me grounded and humble, which I needed most when I endured a house fire. My competitive nature will never stop me from becoming better than I was yesterday. I believed in myself, said goodbye to negativity and put in the time to become a better runner. Since my resolution, I have completed three Mini-Marathons, traveled across the Midwest to smash PRs and continue pursuing a lifestyle that incorporates running each day.

 

Kyle’s #IndyMini Experience

 

My connection to the Indianapolis 500 carved a special place in my heart for the 500 Festival and the Indy Mini. As a past IndyCar crew member and an avid fan, the 500 Festival extended my love for the city, the people and the racing. During my time as an Indy Mini Ambassador, I have had the opportunity to connect with so many people and inspire others through my passion to motivate. I feed off of the pure inspiration and adrenaline that that the Mini-Marathon provides.

My favorite part about the race is the challenging 2.5-mile trek around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It gets hot, but kissing the bricks makes it all worth it. The photo opportunity is something that is only available to Indy Mini participants and Indianapolis 500 winners! As the finish line nears, the crowd that lines the stretch of Victory Mile adds fuel to make it to the end.

 

Kyle’s Advice

 

For all first-time participants, my advice to you is to enjoy every little bit of this race. I want you to go out there and dance to the music, take pictures, make memories and remember the experience forever. When it comes to training, stretch before and after your runs, strength train three times per week, rest when necessary and stay hydrated. Make sure you balance your slow runs with training that tests your limits. Your participation in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is inspiring others, including me! You’re in the race, now let’s cross the finish line and celebrate together!

 

Feeling inspired by Kyle’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Kyle, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing his training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!

A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features.  Here is one of their stories. 

 

Jessie’s Story

 

About three years ago, I started running, a major decision for someone who was overweight and had previously refused to run for any reason. I was at the start line of a race that I planned to walk. Unintentionally, I started running with those around me. In that moment, I felt powerful and strong and during that race, the running/walking combination gave me the spark to dedicate myself to a healthy lifestyle. It was the beginning of my ten-month journey to my goal race, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

 

Each year, my Indy Mini story evolves like another chapter in a fantasy book, yet none of it is make believe! My very first Indy Mini was about a bucket list challenge, an unimaginable feat that I would cross off of my list! I was determined to achieve a healthy, happy version of myself and prove that I could accomplish a goal with support from my family. As a result of reaching my personal goals and inspiring others; my mom, aunt and husband are now participating in the 500 Festival 5K!

 

My second year of running the race was targeted toward testing my limits. In 2017, I ran a 5K PR, but missed my half marathon PR by about five minutes. I immediately registered for the 2018 races again with the intention to improve my time. This year, my the race is about more than my time, it’s about community, too! My family is participating; my husband in the 5K and the Mini, my mom, two aunts and cousin in the 5K, and another cousin and aunt in the Mini-Marathon! Two close friends and I are supporting each other online from three different states as we train. The community of Indy Mini Ambassadors has been a phenomenal bonus to the whole experience. I am also running this year for my awesome buddy, Tristan, who inspires and motivates me to keep going. #IRun4Tristan

 

Jessie’s #IndyMini Experience

 

As a native of the Indianapolis area, I always dreamed of participating in the Mini-Marathon one day. When I started running and training, the Indy Mini was my goal race! I had such a blast on race day and met my goal of under three hours without stopping during the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway section. No race compares to the community course atmosphere – whether it’s the volunteer support, the fun factor, an awesome poster, a little cowbell or some great jams, they all give me an extra boost! I compare every other race to the Mini-Marathon. It’s the Gold Standard and definite bucket list item.

 

Jessie’s Advice

 

Enjoy the race! This is the most amazing experience – the crowds, entertainment, other participants and the IMS all contribute to the takeaways. Take out your earbuds, keep your head up and be aware of all the excitement, that is energy, to keep you going. If you are struggling, go for that high five, hit the power-up button poster, thank a police officer or volunteer, or dance – it makes a world of difference. If the race doesn’t go as you planned, enjoy the party.

 

Feeling inspired by Jessie’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Jessie, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!