Emily Ambriz is a proud Hoosier with a deep appreciation for Indiana traditions. Her father, an avid race fan, always instilled in his children a particular passion for the month of May by attending the IPL 500 Festival Parade and the Indianapolis 500. Some of her earliest memories during the parade include the Indianapolis Police Motorcycle Drill Team and waving to her favorite drivers including Michael Andretti, Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan.
In 2016, her mother and stepfather ran the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon for the first time. Throughout the years, she has waited at the finish line for friends and volunteered for the race with various organizations. After supporting friends and family for years, Emily decided to take the leap of faith. As part of her commitment to herself in the new decade, as well as a 25th birthday gift to herself, Emily decided to register for the 2020 Indy Mini and the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy.
Emily’s motivation stems from her supportive friends and family who continue to hold her accountable to the goals she has put in place. Her best motivator, Emily’s mother, constantly pushes her to be her best self no matter what the circumstances. She is determined to finish this race for her.
As part of her training, Emily is participating in the 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy. She recently completed the 3-Miler race held on February 9. Though the temperature and the course hills were a challenge, Emily enjoyed seeing so many people working toward the same goal. Her mother gave her some words of wisdom, to run her race and not the person’s next to her. A great reminder not only for Emily, but for all participants to value all of your training and to continue pushing yourself. Emily even hit a personal record!
Transitioning from supporter to participant has been much harder than Emily had anticipated. Unpredictable weather and staying committed to training has shown challenges at times. However, the community she has found in preparation for the Indy Mini has been helpful in overcoming any obstacle she faces.
Her advice to first time runners or walkers would be to do your research and continue to do it throughout your training. The 2020 #IndyMini First Timers Facebook group has been an excellent resource for Emily. A community full of supportive runners, it is the perfect resource for asking questions and viewing running videos and article from experienced runners. Emily has learned how to improve her times while avoiding injury, proper form, proper fuel for her body and the importance of proper recovery.
Take the leap of faith and join Emily at the 2020 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Register now at www.indymini.com/register. You can also join the 2020 #IndyMini First Timers Facebook group at HERE.