Month: July 2020

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 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.  

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.  

 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.  

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 States for all to enjoy!  

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. 

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. 

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:

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.