Month: December 2022

Why I Mini is an interesting story, and I ask you to stay with me. So, grab your popcorn and buckle up…. here we go… 

2018 was the last time I ran the Indy Mini, and it was my 2nd time running it and I LOVE the race and everything it stands for. I live right outside Louisville, KY, and don’t mind driving 2 hours for the race…that’s how much I love the race. 

Well, 2018’s race was a little different, I was in a lot of pain when I ran it, and like most runners, I just thought it was typical overuse injuries. It would turn out that my C3 through C5 vertebrae were compacted and pushed against my neck. Later that year, (Christmas Eve, to be precise) I would have spinal fusion surgery…so 2018’s Indy Mini still is the last of my 11 half marathons I have done. 

After having the spinal surgery, I had to take all of 2019 off from fitness to recover. Then, as I was slowly making my way back in 2020, my life would be altered in ways that I am still in the wake of dealing with. 

On January 28th, 2021, I tested positive for Covid. I became one of the few who would become a Covid Long Hauler. It is coming up on 2 years and I permanently have Asthma, Covid Brain Fog, and Covid Migraines (which are much worse than my previous normal migraines ever were). Every three months I have follow ups with my Neurologist, Cardiologist, and Pulmonologist. I don’t remember from January to May of 2021 because I had a 103.1 fever. During this time, I got up to over 280lbs and had taken home oxygen (on top of plenty of hospital visits) for 6 months because I couldn’t get my oxygen levels above 80.  

I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on September 29th, 2021, and had a goal weight of 170lbs, and now weigh 160lbs with 3% body fat, and am proud of the hard work I have put in in coming back from all the aforementioned I have gone through since 2018. 

While I am signed up and doing The Greatest Spectacle Challenge (The Miler Series, the 5K, and the Indy Mini), when I line up on May 6th, 2023, it will be a 5-year return journey, both as an Indy Mini Ambassador and an Indy Mini participant. It is my comeback half marathon. You may see me shed some tears of pure joy along those beautiful 13.1 miles and I will definitely be stopping to kiss those gorgeous bricks! Ever since I started racing 12 years ago, I always race in a Superman shirt with my children’s handprints in puffy pants with their ages on the back (I like to think they are pushing me when I get tired). I will be easy to spot, so please feel free to say, “Hi” and let’s get a picture together! 

This is Why I Mini. 

Much Love, Corey. 

Are you taking on the iconic OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon this May?  

Training for a half marathon takes drive, determination, and focus. It’s important to prepare and practice your strategy prior to conquering your race. 

The 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy, is the perfect training series to help you prepare and feel confident stepping up to the start line on May 6. The 3-race series – a 3 Miler (Feb 11), 6-Miler (Mar 4), and 10-Miler (April 1) – helps you gauge your training progression, practice your race day strategy (hydration, pacing, fueling), meet running friends, have fun, and earn some swag. 

Here are some tips to help you prepare for each race and conquer the Miler Series with success:  

Preparation:  

• Register early! You can register now through Feb 5 and pay just $65 to take part in all three events, known as the Podium Series. You can also sign up for each Miler Series race independently for the lowest price online, or you may register on site for an additional cost (Please note, you must be registered for the full “Podium Series” to receive the shirt and medal). 
• Give yourself plenty of time to train. Be sure to find a training plan that properly guides you to take on each distance. Be careful not to ramp up your training too quickly, this can cause injury.  

Race-Day:  

• Plan your pace. After crossing the start line, it is essential that you maintain a pace that you can hold throughout the duration of the race. Know what pace is best for you and be mindful not to start the race too quicky.  
• Dress properly. The Miler Series takes place during the tail end of the winter months, so temperatures can be cold. Make sure to dress according to the weather, feel comfortable, and bundle up if it’s cold! 
• Meet a running buddy! Find other participants around you who will help you stay on pace and maybe even make a new friend.  
• Practice hydration. It is essential to stay fueled and hydrated throughout a long-distance race. Practice stopping at water stations, what we like to call Pit Stations, to ensure a smoother and safer race experience.  
• Get excited! We hope the Miler Series will not only serve as preparation, but also spark your excitement to cross the finish line at the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 6! 

If you’re considering the Miler Series, be sure to check out the Challenges during registration! Participants may elevate their experience by bundling the Miler Series with other 500 Festival races to conquer additional mileage and earn more gear!