Meet Tessie Lloyd-Jones- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador Q&A

Name: Tessie Lloyd- Jones City/Town: Indianapolis First year of #IndyMini: 2000   Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory? Running into people I knew.   Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training? The group I train with.   Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the … Continue reading “Meet Tessie Lloyd-Jones- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador Q&A”

Name: Tessie Lloyd- Jones
City/Town: Indianapolis
First year of #IndyMini: 2000

 

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Running into people I knew.

 

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

The group I train with.

 

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

Find a group to train with.

 

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

I watch and listen to the entertainers along the way. I would love it if at sometime during the race everyone played the same song maybe the theme song to Rocky.

 

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?

Books, sunscreen and beer.

 

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

 

My #IndyMini Story: Joshua Mast

Joshua Mast Kokomo, Ind. Joshua Mast’s #IndyMini journey began in February 2018. Mast had struggled for years to quit smoking and didn’t feel he was in his best physical shape. As a new father, Mast knew he had to make a change so his daughter wouldn’t grow up to believe that behavior was acceptable.   … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Joshua Mast”

Joshua Mast
Kokomo, Ind.

Joshua Mast’s #IndyMini journey began in February 2018. Mast had struggled for years to quit smoking and didn’t feel he was in his best physical shape. As a new father, Mast knew he had to make a change so his daughter wouldn’t grow up to believe that behavior was acceptable.

 


One night, after getting home from his midnight shift at the factory, he stood in his garage, waiting for his daily conference call, which he usually accompanied with a cigarette. However, that night he decided that he was either going to purchase another pack of cigarettes, and continue with the unhealthy habit, or he was going to buy a pair of jogging pants. Mast chose the latter, and headed out into the cold, early morning to purchase the pants from a store. Since he spent money on the pants, he felt committed to getting into shape. He told his fiancé that he was going to run the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, something that seemed slightly unbelievable at the time. However, Mast turned the skepticism into motivation for his training. After all, he was making these healthy changes so that he would be around to see his daughter grow up and experience life. So on a frigid February morning, Mast headed out for his first run. He was discouraged by the walking breaks he had to do and how out of shape he felt. The road ahead of him felt long, but he was confident that he was going to cross the Indy Mini finish line in May. He changed his diet and fitness routine, going from fast food and little to no physical activity to a diet heavily consisting of greens and daily exercise.

 

On May 5, 2018, Mast crossed the finish line. He had come far to change his life in a short amount of time and accomplished an incredible goal. Mast signed up for the 2019 Indy Mini following his first race, and encouraged his fiancé to join him. He also hopes to work up to a full marathon by the end of this year. For Mast, it all started with a goal and a pair of jogging pants, but what he achieved has made a monumental impact on his life.

 

Turn your goals into accomplishments and join Joshua at the 2019 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Register now at indymini.com/register.

Meet Patty House- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador Q&A

Name: Patty House City/Town: Coalmont First year of #IndyMini: 2018   Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory? Kissing the Bricks and giving high-fives to the kids.   Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training? I think what motivates me most is doing what people don’t think I should be able to … Continue reading “Meet Patty House- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador Q&A”

Name: Patty House
City/Town: Coalmont
First year of #IndyMini: 2018

 

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Kissing the Bricks and giving high-fives to the kids.

 

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

I think what motivates me most is doing what people don’t think I should be able to do. Who would think that someone with one lung can run a mini marathon. Although. I don’t run the whole thing. I jog 3 minutes, walk 2.

 

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

Follow a training course. Follow it to the T.

 

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

“Thunder” by Imagine Dragons

 

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?

My FITBIT! Running Outfit and a way to get to the internet. 🙂

 

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

2019 Challenge Shirts and Medals

All three of the shirts are short sleeved, technical shirts with gender-specific fits. For each challenge, you must be registered for the actual challenge to receive the shirt and medal for that challenge, not just each event separately. The last day to register for the 500 Festival Greatest Spectacle and the Mini Maniac challenges and … Continue reading “2019 Challenge Shirts and Medals”

All three of the shirts are short sleeved, technical shirts with gender-specific fits. For each challenge, you must be registered for the actual challenge to receive the shirt and medal for that challenge, not just each event separately. The last day to register for the 500 Festival Greatest Spectacle and the Mini Maniac challenges and the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy is Feb. 3. Register here.

The Greatest Spectacle Challenge
Participants of The Greatest Spectacle Challenge will tackle all five of the 500 Festival running events during the spring season, including the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy (February, March & April), the 500 Festival 5K (May 4), and the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (May 4). Challenge participants will receive a commemorative shirt and medal as well as shirts and medals for the Miler Series, 5K, and Mini-Marathon! A total of FOUR medals and shirts!


About the shirt: The front of the emerald green shirt says “500 Festival Greatest Spectacle Challenge.” On the back is the total distance of the challenge, and Indianapolis, Indiana surround the upper part of the gear, with “Five Races. Total Dedication.” Across the middle. Below the gear are the event logos for the Miler Series, Mini-Marathon, and 5K.

About the medal: Matching the color of the shirt, the ribbon of the medal has the Greatest Spectacle Challenge, the total mileage (35.2), and the 500 Festival logo. On the front of the medal is the mileage and name again, with challenge cut out in black. The gear and message from the shirt (Five Races. Total Dedication.) is at the bottom of the medal. The border is diamond plating like a car. On the back is the year 2019 and Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Mini Maniac Challenge
Mini Maniac Challenge participants will take on all 32.1 miles of the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy in February, March, and April, and the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in May. Mini Maniac participants will receive a commemorative shirt and medal in addition to the shirts and medals for the Miler Series and Mini-Marathon – a total of three medals!

About the shirt: The front of the white shirt says “500 Festival Mini Maniac Challenge.” On the back is a gear like the other challenge shirts but this time it has 32.1 miles at the top and across the middle are the distances of each of the milers as well as the Indy Mini. And beneath the gear is the two event logos: Miler series and Mini-Marathon.

About the medal: Just like the shirts, all the challenge medals follow a similar design. The ribbon on the Mini-Maniac Challenge medal is red, gray, and white to match the theme of the shirt, and has the name of the challenge, total mileage, (32.1) and the 500 Festival logo. The shape of the medal resembles the Pagoda at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with challenge cut out at the top and bricks printed through the middle around the gear. The back also has 2019 and Indianapolis, IN, written in white.

The Mega-Mini Challenge
Mega Mini Challenge participants will conquer both the 500 Festival 5K and OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on race morning (May 4). Participants who register for the challenge will receive a commemorative shirt and medal as well as shirts and medals for the Mini-Marathon and 5K!


About the shirt: The front of this blue shirt says “500 Festival Mega Mini Challenge.” The back follows the same design as the other shirts, with the total mileage (16.2) and Indianapolis, Indiana across the top of the gear. The quote in the center is “Two races. One Day” with the event logos below.

About the medal: Like the other challenge medals, the ribbon colors match the palette of the shirt, and has the name of the challenge, event logos, and total mileage around it. At the top of the front side of the medal, the word challenge cut out and bricks printed through the middle around the gear. The back also has May 4, 2019 and Indianapolis, IN, written below the gear.

Meet Jacob Lyerla- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador

Name: Jacob Lyerla City/ Hometown: Milroy, IN First year of the #IndyMini: 2016   Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory? Completing my first #IndyMini in my manual wheelchair. Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training? Joe Rogan. Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the … Continue reading “Meet Jacob Lyerla- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador”

Name: Jacob Lyerla

City/ Hometown: Milroy, IN

First year of the #IndyMini: 2016

 

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Completing my first #IndyMini in my manual wheelchair.

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

Joe Rogan.

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

Just do it.

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

Podcasts, JRE specifically.

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?

Wheelchair, book, and dog.

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

Meet Shawn Heiser-2019 #IndyMini Ambassador

Name: Shawn Heiser City/ Hometown: South Bend, IN First Year of #IndyMini: 2018   Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory? Actually all the course support stands out. But the last stretch of the race, both sides of road lined with folks cheering you as you finished. Q: Who or what motivates you the most … Continue reading “Meet Shawn Heiser-2019 #IndyMini Ambassador”

Name: Shawn Heiser

City/ Hometown: South Bend, IN

First Year of #IndyMini: 2018

 

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Actually all the course support stands out. But the last stretch of the race, both sides of road lined with folks cheering you as you finished.

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

My #ComptonCrew! We have a local run group created by members of our area Fleet Feet Ambassador group that supports, encourages, and motivates!

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

Don’t wait! #IndyMini is such an amazing experience! The overall organization, motivation, and support is like no other race I have ever ran.

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

“Gasping for air” – by Shawn Heiser
Haha! I don’t listen to music.

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?

Sunglasses, radio, alcohol.

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

Meet Savannah Hill- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador

Name: Savannah Hill City/Town: Carmel, Ind. Year of first #IndyMini: 2017   Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini Memory? My favorite memory of the #IndyMini has to be standing on the start line of my very first mini in 2017. I was with my best friend, we were going to run it together. Ever since I can remember, … Continue reading “Meet Savannah Hill- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador”

Name: Savannah Hill
City/Town: Carmel, Ind.
Year of first #IndyMini: 2017

 

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini Memory?
My favorite memory of the #IndyMini has to be standing on the start line of my very first mini in 2017. I was with my best friend, we were going to run it together. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to run a half marathon at 16. My mom was an avid runner, and I wanted my first one to be with her. After my mom suffered a debilitating injury and was forced to quit running, I decided to run a half marathon in her honor. I was 13 at the time, so naturally I wanted to do it with my best friend. 6 months after we decided to do this, we were standing on the start line of the Greatest Spectacle in Running. I was pretty nervous, but mostly excited. I can still picture myself in my mind, how it always seemed so far away until now. But now, I’m about to accomplish what I’ve been waiting to do for years, and I couldn’t wait to make my mom proud.

 

Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training?
My mom motivates me a lot for my at home runs, and definitely helps me to make and stick with a training plan that will work for my goals and time frame. My biggest motivator has to be my Cross Country team the amazing people make me look forward to the runs, and my competition makes me train harder.

 

Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the first time?
My advice would be to choose to do it. I would say that running is 70% a mental sport. No matter how ready you are physically, a bad mindset can ruin a race. So you need to go in with your head high and your confidence up. Because you can do it, if you put your mind to it.

 

Q: What’s your favorite song to listen to when running?
“High Hopes” by Panic at the Disco

 

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?
I would need hair ties, a soft blanket, and probably the game of life.

 

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

Meet Megan Creasser- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador

Name: Megan Creasser City/ Town: Indianapolis, IN First year of #IndyMini: 2018   Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory? The support from family, friends, and the people of Indianapolis! The spectators are amazing and their motivation helped me cross the finish line. I loved being able to finish my first half marathon and meet … Continue reading “Meet Megan Creasser- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador”

Name: Megan Creasser

City/ Town: Indianapolis, IN

First year of #IndyMini: 2018

 

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

The support from family, friends, and the people of Indianapolis! The spectators are amazing and their motivation helped me cross the finish line. I loved being able to finish my first half marathon and meet up with my good friend, Lisa. She supported and guided me through my first mile, and it was an amazing feeling to finish my first 13.1 miles and find her at the finish!

 

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

I run for mental health and confidence! Running has helped my depression and anxiety. I feel free when I run.

 

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

Trust your training and enjoy the experience. The entertainment and amazing spectators will motivate you to cross the finish. Enjoy the beautiful city of Indianapolis and HAVE FUN!

 

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

It truly varies, but anything by the Foo Fighters definitely gives me motivation!

 

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?

My family! My husband Jeff and my two sons, Caleb and Lucan.

 

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

 

Meet Corey Queen-2019 #IndyMini Ambassador

Name: Corey Queen City/ Town: La Grange, KY First year of #IndyMini: 2017 Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory? Meeting Meb at my first Indy Mini. He was so nice and I was legit star struck!   Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training? My beautiful wife, Damary, and our 4 … Continue reading “Meet Corey Queen-2019 #IndyMini Ambassador”

Name: Corey Queen
City/ Town: La Grange, KY
First year of #IndyMini: 2017

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Meeting Meb at my first Indy Mini. He was so nice and I was legit star struck!

 

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

My beautiful wife, Damary, and our 4 Blessings: Ayanna, Annabelle, Adrianna, and Jorel

 

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

Enjoy the massive amounts of support from the wonderful people of Indianapolis….and stop to Kiss the Bricks!!

 

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

ʺWalk on Waterʺ – 30 Seconds to Mars

 

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?

1)A blank journal to write in; 2)A telescope to look at the stars up close; 3)Bourbon (I AM from Kentucky!)

Make 2019 your best year yet! Register now for the #IndyMini before prices increase on January 15.

Meet Christopher Day- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador

 Name: Christopher Day City/Town: Yorktown, IN Year of first #IndyMini: 2001 Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory? Running and Finishing with my wife, Molly, – still her ONLY half marathon!   Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training? The potential to inspire others, especially those that are overweight like myself!   … Continue reading “Meet Christopher Day- 2019 #IndyMini Ambassador”

 Name: Christopher Day
City/Town: Yorktown, IN
Year of first #IndyMini: 2001

Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?

Running and Finishing with my wife, Molly, – still her ONLY half marathon!

 

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

The potential to inspire others, especially those that are overweight like myself!

 

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

BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN!

 

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

It always has been Foo Fighters- “Everlong”, but somehow The Greatest Show has snuck in there!

 

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?

My running shoes, my Garmin watch, and my smartphone with unlimited WiFi – Otherwise, how would anyone know when I complete a workout!?!

 

Make 2019 your best year yet! Register now for the #IndyMini before prices increase on January 15.