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.