Name: Lisha Watts
City/Town: Shelbyville, Indiana
First year of #IndyMini: 2017
Q: What is your favorite #IndyMini memory?
My favorite #IndyMini memory is my first one in 2017! I had heard that the race was incredible from the spectators and entertainment along the course to running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but experiencing it myself was beyond words. I’ve lived in Indiana almost my entire life and that was my first time inside the IMS! I now have ran 20 half marathons and while each one has been awesome in its own way there really is nothing that compares to the Indy Mini!!
Q: Who or what motivates you the most during training?
My family is my biggest motivation! My husband is my biggest supporter and I am so excited to run the Indy Mini with him for the first time in 2019!! My kids are also a huge motivation and it’s exciting to watch them develop a love for running through events like the 500 Festival mini mini!
Q: What advice do you have for people considering running the #IndyMini for the first time?
My advice is to go for it! I didn’t start running until 2016. In fact, prior to that, I would joke about how I would have to be chased in order to run!! I trained for my first half marathon after being asked to do it by my mom and at that time I couldn’t run for more than a minute. I don’t back down from challenges though and I am pretty determined person. The great thing about the Indy Mini is that it’s a very run/walk friendly course. There is also a lot of fun along the way to distract you and it makes the miles go by a lot faster! Crossing the finish line and earning that finisher’s medal will give you such a feeling of pride and satisfaction!! Just be warned, you will want to come back year after year! I also recommend taking part in the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy. It’s a good way to keep you motivated during training and hey it doesn’t hurt getting extra bling when you complete all three runs!
Q: What’s your favorite song to listen to when running?
My playlist has a wide array of different songs on it! Anything from country, to hip hop to contemporary Christian music. My current favorite song to play is “This Is Me” from the Greatest Showman soundtrack. I’ve been known to play it on repeat during a 5K for a little extra motivation! I also love “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood and “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?
My husband and kiddos
My running shoes
Skinny pop and chocolate.
Make 2019 your best year yet! Register now for the #IndyMini.