A record-breaking 42 #IndyMini Ambassadors are training, recruiting and inspiring others in preparation for the 42nd running of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. We’re sharing their stories through a series of blog posts; 2018 Ambassador Features. Here is one of their stories.
Emily’s Story
Running became a part of my life as a high school rower and it was a way to cross train. In college, running became my way to step away from the books and relax. I got involved in running half marathons after a childhood friend convinced me to join her for a half marathon through Virginia wine country. Running and wine, how could I say no? After that first race, I was hooked and I’ve run seven half marathons and my first full in Chicago this past October. Since moving to Indianapolis, running has become my way to explore and connect with the city. From the Central Canal Towpath to the Monon and the Cultural Trail, our city has miles and miles of new places to explore by foot. When I travel, I always make room for my running shoes. Some of the most memorable places that I’ve logged miles are around Hyde Park in London, along the Nervión for the sunrise in Spain, and up Aksla Mountain to enjoy some rare Norwegian sunshine. Running gives you a unique perspective on the world, as it lets you take in more of the city and feel like a local – not just a visitor. When it’s just you out there, putting one foot in front of the other, you get in tune with the pulse of the city.
The sense of community that I felt at the Indy Mini helped push me to help to re-launch Tow Yard Running Club, a free community based running club that promotes a stronger culture of “Fun, Fitness, and Philanthropy.” Running has brought me not only fitness and health but a sense of pride and passion.
Emily’s #IndyMini Experience
I’ve run the Mini-Marathon twice and the 5K once. I’m excited to tackle the Miler Series and the Mini-Marathon this year. As a Virginia native who relocated to Indianapolis, I didn’t fully grasp the concept of Hoosier Hospitality until I ran my first Indy Mini that following year. It wasn’t my first shot at running 13.1 miles, as I’d run a handful of races before, but it was the first time that energy and support of other runners, walkers, and spectators was palpable. While running through the neighborhoods on the way to the track, I was amazed at the number of residents cheering on participants, not as strangers, but as fellow Hoosiers. I can’t pinpoint one part of the race that made me fall in love with the Indy Mini, but from kissing the bricks to the chocolate milk at the finish to the Circle City Cloggers, to running down Speedway’s Main Street, all of these little details are what make the Indy Mini a magical race and the perfect display of Hoosier Hospitality. Since I didn’t grow up a Hoosier, I had to learn what it was all about, and the Indy Mini played a pivotal role in learning the Hoosier way of life. Three years straight of running the Indy Mini and I’m already counting down the days until May 5, 2018!
Emily’s Advice
Trust the process and enjoy the celebration of race day. No matter what the clock says when you cross the finish line, you did something that not many people can say they did…you ran the Mini-Marathon! Remember my favorite motivational quote: “Someday you won’t be able to do this…today is not that day.”
Feeling inspired by Emily’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here.
Emily, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing her training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!