Month: March 2018

Don’t Be Nameless

It’s 7:30 am. The gun sounds. You launch out of your wave, trekking 13.1 miles across Indy’s west side. A few hours later, you accomplish your goal, and not one person cheered you on by name.   It’s not that they didn’t want to, but they couldn’t… because your bib told them your name was … Continue reading “Don’t Be Nameless”

It’s 7:30 am. The gun sounds. You launch out of your wave, trekking 13.1 miles across Indy’s west side. A few hours later, you accomplish your goal, and not one person cheered you on by name.

 

It’s not that they didn’t want to, but they couldn’t… because your bib told them your name was “participant number 34100.”

 

You’re a person. Not a number. Don’t be nameless on May 5.

 

This is your race, your story, and your experience. Your individual journey and path to the Mini are uniquely your own. Make sure to stamp your 13.1 miles with YOUR name.

 

The cheering from volunteers, musical groups, spirit squads and 500 Festival Princesses showcase Hoosier hospitality and the fun that makes the Indy Mini so special. If you want the full experience, give yourself (and all of those cheering you on) the opportunity to feel connected with the spirit of The Greatest Spectacle in Running.

 

We don’t want you to be nameless on May 5, but the deadline is approaching fast! Register by April 4 to make sure your bib is personalized at the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. That way, those 7,000 volunteers, 80 musical groups, 33 Princesses, 11 spirit squads, and countless spectators can cheer you on every step of the way.

 

Register by April 4 to have a name!

 

Test the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill at Franciscan CityWay

Wish you could train without the impact on your knees and joints? Our partners at Franciscan Health are featuring their AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill at the Franciscan CityWay location in downtown Indianapolis, and it’s easy to test it out.   What is the AlterG?    The patented NASA technology provides up to 80 percent body weight … Continue reading “Test the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill at Franciscan CityWay”

Wish you could train without the impact on your knees and joints? Our partners at Franciscan Health are featuring their AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill at the Franciscan CityWay location in downtown Indianapolis, and it’s easy to test it out.

 

What is the AlterG? 

 

The patented NASA technology provides up to 80 percent body weight support to reduce the stress and strain on your body. The technology allows you to train through minor injuries, run without discomfort, and burn more calories by going faster and farther than you normally can.

 

How Can I Use It?

 

The Franciscan CityWay location offers one-hour private sessions, complete with a licensed physical therapist to help coach you on the equipment and get the most out of your workout. Call (317)-528-6804 or click the link below to learn more.

 

Learn More About the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill at Franciscan CityWay

 

While your training for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, make sure to take advantage of this opportunity to put your joints at ease, increase your distance, and reduce the impact of those long training runs!

Franciscan Health’s Weather Training Tips

Hang in there, Central Indiana. It feels like the second or third time winter has returned, but May is undeniable. While cold temps have taken over, the promise of spring is around the corner, waiting to ignite your Indy Mini training and rejuvenate your body into a 13.1-mile mindset.   Our partners at Franciscan Health share … Continue reading “Franciscan Health’s Weather Training Tips”

Hang in there, Central Indiana. It feels like the second or third time winter has returned, but May is undeniable. While cold temps have taken over, the promise of spring is around the corner, waiting to ignite your Indy Mini training and rejuvenate your body into a 13.1-mile mindset.

 

Our partners at Franciscan Health share their tips for what to wear when training in different conditions. As you manage mother nature’s unpredictability the next eight weeks, stick to these tips for the right training gear at the right time.

 

Franciscan Health’s Weather Training Tips

#IndyMini Ambassador: Lori Ann Reckley

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.    Lori Ann’s Story I’ve always deemed myself a runner but I didn’t start competing until six years … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Lori Ann Reckley”

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. 

 

Lori Ann’s Story

I’ve always deemed myself a runner but I didn’t start competing until six years ago when running led me to someone that transformed my outlook on life. Up to that point, I lowered my head and ran fast. I put forth the effort, and by grit alone, I could get faster with each race. Beyond the desire to get faster, running is my escape and it tunes me into the beauty of the world. When I run, I am at peace. Over the past few years, that space has been my lifeline. Through a bout of cancer, a bad car accident and two broken femurs, I used running as a way to bounce back. The loss of my brother, sister, best friend and sister-in-law was tough on me. Riddled with physical injury and personal devastation, I ran for joy. Joy is my sister’s middle name. Today and every day, I run for her and incorporate her in everything I do.

 

Lori Ann’s #IndyMini Experience

A coincidental encounter with Gary Romesser, an elite runner and Indianapolis native, introduced me to the Indy Mini. We were waiting for our race results at a Florida 10K. Not only did we discover that we were both from Indianapolis, but we also have the same birthday! As fate would have it, Gary became my coach. Gary is the only five-time winner of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and he encouraged me to run the race that he grew to love. I was no stranger to the month of May in Indianapolis – my father was an avid motorsport fan and my family grew up attending the Indianapolis 500 – but the Indy Mini became my tradition!

 

Lori Ann’s Advice

I am a motivator by nature. I encourage healthy choices and exercise with people with whom I’m connected. I love the Indy Mini because of the hype and comradery. It reminds me of my childhood, growing up around the Indianapolis 500 and taking in all the festivities during May. Having a coach that is the only five-time winner of the Indy Mini is so inspiring and I am able to continue a legacy of encouragement and passion for the Mini-Marathon by being an Indy Mini Ambassador. Every time I get another person to say “yes” to running, I get so excited. I think this year’s Mini-Marathon will be the best yet! I can’t wait to be running alongside so many friends!

 

Feeling inspired by Lori Ann’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Lori Ann, 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!

 

 

#IndyMini Ambassador: Emily McNally

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 I ran cross country and track in high school, albeit not very well. Even so, … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Emily McNally”

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

I ran cross country and track in high school, albeit not very well. Even so, running has always been my outlet and source of motivation. Nightly runs were common after late study sessions in college; running through the dark, quiet and empty campus was the only thing that could break my wall of mental exhaustion. Apart from it being my favorite method to channel stress, running holds me accountable to my fitness goals. Creating and keeping a fitness habit is hard. Honestly, I’m more apt to stick with it if I sink some money into it, such as race fees. As much as I may dread my upcoming run as I’m driving home from work (I just want to nap, or pig out), I feel SO GOOD when I finish. Honestly, what is an hour or so of pushing ones’ self compared to an entire evening of endorphins? 

 

Emily’s #IndyMini Experience

It’s hard to articulate, but that fever pitch you feel in the air in the Indianapolis area, weeks before the race, is magic. The sidewalks are lively with runners who are sporting their Mini-Marathon gear from past years. On the Thursday and Friday nights before, good luck getting into Fazolis or Bucca di Beppo, because the whole city is carb-loading. At the Expo, you’ll get to talk to fellow running nerds and have the opportunity to purchase new gear. The finale, race day, the starting corrals are a party with 36,000 of your closest friends. There are other half marathons in Indianapolis, throughout Indiana and around the country, but this is the signature event. This is the only one that can be referred to as simply, the “Mini.” During my freshman year of college I decided to become part of the Indianapolis tradition. As the 2018 race approaches, I’m even closer to marking number 5 off of my list of Mini-Marathons.

 

Emily’s Advice

Anticipate unfavorable race conditions and practice running in them. Go for a long run in the rain, on a windy day and in humidity. Try running without music, just in case your electronics fail on race day. Challenging yourself during training will make race day a breeze! You’ve done the hard work and put in the miles; don’t let the unexpected throw off your mental game!

 

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!

 

 

#IndyMini Ambassador: Stephanie Baker

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.    Stephanie’s Story I got starting running and ultimately training for the Mini-Marathon with a former running group, … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Stephanie Baker”

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. 

 

Stephanie’s Story

I got starting running and ultimately training for the Mini-Marathon with a former running group, Black Girls Run. Fitness and healthy living is always a priority but an injured IT band and other minor injuries placed me on injured reserve. My current PR is at the 2016 Mini-Marathon. It was a very proud and emotional race for me. As I get back into running and training for the 2018 Indy Mini, I may or may not reach a sub-2:10 PR due to being very cautious about no re-injuring myself. PR or not, I’m sure I will have a good time. Whether a run or a walk, I’m determined to do my best on the course. The pavement better watch out because I’m coming to show who’s the boss.

Stephanie’s #IndyMini Experience

As I approach my third completion of the Mini-Marathon, I have grown to love the relatively flat and fun race. The energy of the race as a whole is very contagious. I love the Expo and the Post-Race Party, which are added bonuses compared to other races. I’ve run 70 half marathons in 45 states and I can attest to the unparalleled experience of the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

 

Stephanie’s Advice

Trust your training and don’t stray away. On the same token, don’t worry about achieving a specific time; enjoy yourself and have a blast while completing your first 5K or Mini-Marathon.

 

Feeling inspired by Stephanie’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Stephanie, 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!

 

 

#IndyMini Ambassador: Elizabeth Bunton

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.    Elizabeth’s Story A push from mandatory participation during 6th-grade cross country opened my eyes to the world … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassador: Elizabeth Bunton”

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. 

 

Elizabeth’s Story

A push from mandatory participation during 6th-grade cross country opened my eyes to the world of running and to the opportunities beyond obvious athletic benefits. Through competition in countless 5K races and motivation from a friend and marathon runner, my familiarity and love for the sport continued to grow. An increase in training mileage gradually conditioned me to run my first Mini-Marathon. I’ve always drawn inspiration from running and the genuine community that undoubtedly accompanies. As an Indiana transplant, I quickly discovered and became a part of the amazing running community that surrounds Indianapolis. This community introduced me to the best race around; the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

 

Elizabeth’s #IndyMini Experience

Watching fellow Mini-Marathon participants drop down in the middle of their race efforts to kiss the ground is something you won’t see at every race! You never know what will happen during your Indy Mini experience and with my second Mini-Marathon endeavor on the horizon; I’m eagerly anticipating the best race of the year.

 

Elizabeth’s Advice

Don’t start out too fast and stay with your pacer. The adrenaline and excitement will make you want to start out fast, but you’ll need to save that energy for the end! If necessary, I allow myself to walk at the pit stations, it’s a great time for a recharge rejuvenation. Bring a change of clothes for after the race, including flip-flops!

 

Feeling inspired by Elizabeth’s story? If you’re interested in participating in the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, click here. 

 

Elizabeth, 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!