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! 

Jeanne Martin has a very special relationship with a young girl named Brinley. Part of the I Run 4 organization, Jeanne dedicates each of her runs to Brinley, a vibrant, lively girl who has been diagnosed with spina bifida.  

When Jeanne was 43 years old, her and her sister conquered the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. 

After the Mini-Marathon, she joined a Facebook group called “I Run4 Michael”, a community organization of runners who dedicate their runs/workouts to someone who can’t, bringing a level of purpose and commitment to a whole new life. The group also creates meaningful, long-lasting friendships with buddies and provides hope, support, and inspiration. Jeanne was inspired and in awe of the buddies in the group and hearing the stories of runners running for those who can’t. She was determined to be paired with a buddy of her own.  

One day in 2019, something incredible happened. Brinley’s dad posted an unforgettable video of her walking with a homemade walker made of PVC pipe from the school bus to the front of her school.  

“I am just filled with emotion every time I see that little, tiny girl, trying so hard, and fighting for each and every step and the pure excitement pouring out of her once she finally made it to the door. WOW,” Jeanne said. “In March 2019, that little girl’s victory became the drive behind every single mile I walked or ran, or jogged (or crawled), they were in her honor.” 

That year during the Mini-Marathon, Jeanne left her running group and decided to conquer the 13.1 miles on her own. It was not an easy feat though, as she battled the rain, puddles, and soaking wet feet. She recalls even crying during mile 10, as she didn’t think she could finish the race because it seemed so hard. But then she wondered if her pain came close to the pain Brinley endured in her walk.  

“That memory and a little extra CrossFit training sealed the deal,” Jeanne said. “I was going to finish it strong and running the entire time.” 

With the permission of Brinley’s parents, Jeanne wrote her a thank you letter and sent her a bag of goodies from the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo, as well as her shirt and medal from the race.  

“I just wanted her to know how amazingly special she is and how her story and her life are so impactful for others.”  

“From then on, if I ran a 5K, 10K, or anything involving a medal, I send her the goodies and the winnings.  But the Mini-Marathon, that’s the special one because that’s the longest distance I’ve ever done or have any desire to ever do. I am hoping someday I’ll be able to take her on that journey with me, by pushing her in a stroller and having her there to cross that finish line together!” 

Nearly 50 groups performed for participants of the 2022 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K on May 7. But one fan-favorite electrified the crowd, Zeus the robot with Indiana Robot Show!

Based out of Indianapolis, Zeus the Robot is an 8ft LED Robot and bilingual DJ ready to create an electrifying environment for your event. Our participants loved seeing Zeus dancing and cheering them on along the route!

Learn more about the Zeus and the Indiana Robot Show HERE.

Booking information: Djjesusramirez317@gmail.com

The green flag has been waved and participants from all over the world are racing toward their goals for the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc., benefitting the 500 Festival and the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge, presented by Winners Drink Milk, benefitting the 500 Festival!  

We are so excited to partner with American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc. for this year’s Challenges. American Dairy’s own Brooke Williams, director of communications, is participating in this year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge! See why Brooke is participating and how American Dairy Association Indiana can support your 500 or 250 Mile Challenge goals. 

“During the pandemic, through the 500 Festival, I participated in the Hoosier Holiday Challenge, presented by Khamis Fine Jewelers, benefitting Gleaners, and enjoyed striving toward a goal during a somewhat mundane time. Any time I’m needing a workout boost, I enjoy the mindset of working toward a goal, and this seems right up that alley for a summer reset. 

This time of year, my favorite way to log miles is mixing it up between Peloton classes and long morning walks. 

Health and wellness are a top priority for American Dairy Association Indiana. Indiana’s dairy farm families and my colleagues share the same passion, providing products that lead to the healthiest lifestyle while encouraging physical activity. They know I have access to the dairy products I need, and the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge fills the other side of that bucket! 

Everyone has heard the importance of three servings of dairy a day, but not everyone may know the research behind the “Refueling with Chocolate Milk.” There’s nothing better than chocolate milk (on ice!) after a workout. 

The American Dairy Association Indiana is proud to partner with the 500 Festival on this challenge series. The summer months can often be filled with travel and relaxation, but there’s no better time to get into a healthy routine, than with a challenge encouraging us to get active through the fall, too!” 

Learn more about the sports nutrition benefits of dairy and ways it can help fuel your miles here!

Indy Mini Ambassador guest blog – Maggie LaMar

As a consultant, I often find myself traveling for work, which means plenty of time restrictions met with limited gym equipment. When I mapped out my 14-week training plan, I realized seven of those weeks would be spent on the road. Yikes.

While the past few years have granted some more control over their schedules, many of us have obligations that we must work around. Work, family, social, and all other life commitments can be a lot to handle in the schedule and adding an additional time commitment, like training for the Indy Mini, might seem like an impossible task. It’s entirely possible to do – and still enjoy your life – with a little flexibility, creativity, and compassion.

Be honest with yourself…

Waking up 90 minutes earlier never sounds like fun and I almost always dread the alarm. But I know my motivation will be almost nonexistent after twelve hours of driving and meetings. Set realistic goals for yourself so you don’t find yourself demotivated by failing to achieve something unobtainable.

… and kind to yourself

Training for a half marathon is hard, no matter how many you do! Be kind to yourself if you miss a training day or aren’t running as fast as you would like. So many things can impact your training day, from stress to sleep to what you ate or didn’t that day. Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others!

Cross-Train

Days that you have limited time and/or limited access to equipment open the door for creative cross-training! Don’t let inexperience with certain types of equipment keep you from branching out either. There’s no shame in Googling workouts to do with the type of equipment. YouTube and Instagram are also great resources. Take advantage of the official Indy Mini training group as well! I promise if you post a pic of what you have to use, people will jump in to help you out.

Reward hard work

Better known as “treat yo-self.” Rewards are incredibly motivating! They don’t have to be financial either. A successful week of training completed could be purchasing new workout clothes, going for a walk in a new park you have been wanting to check out, participating in some extra screen time or grabbing the latest menu-hack Starbucks drink you saw on TikTok (yes, I am 29 and on TikTok).

Enlist Help

Having a partner or group to help you stay motivated and on track is another helpful tool when training for a half marathon. Shout it from the rooftops that you are training for the Indy Mini! The more people who understand what you’re doing can help you add more flexibility in your schedule. This is also a great way to break up your routine and step outside your comfort zone. Training while traveling allows me to discover new trails and sites I would otherwise miss and make connections with local runners and walkers.

Caregivers, students, those with unconventional work schedules or anyone who just feels like they can’t squeeze one more thing into their busy lives can still cross that Indy Mini finish line. Have fun and enjoy your Indy Mini experience! See you all on the track in May.

Lisa Herron has the privilege of being an Indy Mini Ambassador for the third year in a row.  Lisa has been an athlete here entire life.  She had to give up running for powerwalking after her 5^th knee surgery. She walked her first Mini-Marathon in 2012.  In 2018, her life changed after having two cervical spine surgeries (ACDF).  In July of 2019, she was released from OrthoIndy, and could barely walk 2,000 steps a day.  Through her employer, OneAmerica, she began to use their active lifestyle programs to build herself back better than ever.    Walking the Indy Mini again seemed impossible, but the word “can’t” is not in Lisa’s vocabulary.    Walking4Health has become a mantra to live by every day.  Ever step counts.  Walk, run, crawl….Just show up!

Lisa sets goals that take her out of her comfort zone.  In 2020, she completed her first sprint triathlon, has walked four full marathons, and in 2021, became an ultramarathoner.  She walked 100 miles in 26 hours 53 minutes!    

2021 was a milestone year in walking 4,901 miles.  9,514,326 steps and 10 pair of running shoes.  She set a goal to walk minimally 10 miles a day for 2021., in addition to riding her bike and doing yoga on a daily basis. 

Lisa’s tips for walking: every step counts, get fitted for good athletic shoes, and change every 500 miles.  She has learned to have endurance over speed.  

“I may not beat at the start, but will catch you somewhere in the middle, and keep going to the finish line,” Lisa said. “I have also learned that there is story to told/heard in the middle to the back of the start line. I greatly appreciate the elite athletes, but it is the athletes that have overcome a health challenge, or a life-altering event.  Pause to receive and grow from your peers.  It will change you forever.”

Besides spending her free time maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Lisa works for OneAmerica, and helps promote her employer’s health programs in the greater Indianapolis area.  Lisa has two grown children, Matthew and Lauren.  She is also a dog mom to ReggieMiller, Boomer and LuLuBelle. 

Our partners at Aqua Systems, the official bottled water of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, Delta-Dental 500 Festival 5K, and the 500 Festival Volunteer Program, presented by Citizens Energy Group, have a very special participant in this year’s Indy Mini. Tamara Sullivan, director of digital sales and marketing at Aqua Systems, is challenging herself to take on the 13.1 miles of OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.  

Tamara initially registered for the Indy Mini in 2020 as a way to challenge herself as she approached age 50. That challenge proved to be far more significant than Tamara could have imagined. In March 2020, Tamara went in for a regular mammogram and later that day received a call to come back for a magnification the following week. After an ultrasound, it was determined Tamara had macrocalcifications. At the end of March, she had two biopsies that determined she had stage 1 breast cancer. Once diagnosed, Tamara’s fight with breast cancer began with an overwhelming number of appointments. She described it as if a haze came over her and all she could do was push forward. She underwent surgery on May 7, 2020. After the surgery, she had clear margins and was told she was cancer free. However, when she met with her medical oncologist, she was told that since she had macrocalcifications, she would need to undergo chemotherapy to ensure the cancer did not spread. She was shocked to say the least. Tamara endured radiation and chemotherapy simultaneously. She began her journey with radiation and chemotherapy on June 29. Tamara received radiation for 15 days and chemotherapy for 12 weeks. For the next year, she also received immunotherapy every three weeks.  

As Tamara endured treatment and continued her fight with cancer, she kept pushing herself to get through it all. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her husband was unable to attend any of her appointments or treatments. After ringing her bell at the end of her treatment, spending a little over a year fighting through everything, she thought to herself, now what? Where do we go from here? After being in fighting mode for so long, she didn’t understand what normal looked like, especially in a pandemic. For the next five months, Tamara struggled with her mental health. Finally, one day, she realized she needed to get help. After consulting with her doctor, Tamara got the counseling and medication to help start the conversations she needed to have to talk through everything.  

Although Tamara has not lost the weight she expected to during her Indy Mini training, she does feel stronger. Training has also improved her mental health by allowing her to focus on the training.  

To other Indy Mini participants, Tamara said she would advise creating a plan and sticking to it. There are several days when Tamara wants to stay in bed, but she knows she needs to get up and train. She has a written plan of how many miles she needs to put into training each day. Rest is so important! She is finding that as she increases her mileage each week, she said she needs to make sure she is resting more.  

Tamara is most excited to see everyone in person at the Indy Mini. Her best friend, Jodi, and one of her friends from her support group, Mindy, will also be joining her at the start line. Tamara has volunteered with the 500 Festival many times and loves everything that goes on leading into the Month of May, but says there’s something special about seeing everyone excited to kick off the month with this great event. To celebrate this incredible accomplishment, Tamara says she will celebrate by getting some rest, going out to a nice dinner, and recovering with a massage.  

Join Tamara in conquering 13.1 miles at The Greatest Spectacle in Running on May 7! Register today at indymini.com/register!