Month: April 2018

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. 

 

Kerry’s Story

As a stay at home mom, full-time student, and new runner, finding balance in my training has been difficult.  Especially since it’s hard to find time away from my kids to get out for a training run. However, I do this for my kids. To be healthier and able to play with them more is why I started working out. I was tired of being the first one to get tired and building up my endurance has helped me keep up with my 4- and 6-year-old kids. Originally, my goal was triathlons, but with the contest win last year, it switched to just running, and I haven’t gotten around to the triathlon bit… at least not yet.

 

Kerry’s #IndyMini Experience

I almost compulsively enter contests. Last year, Channel 13 (who sponsors the event) had an entrance for the Mini as a prize and I entered thinking it would be 6-8 weeks from the contest, but it was only four weeks from the prize being awarded to the start of the race. So I had to go from a couch potato to a half marathoner in a month (I really don’t recommend it, but it was survivable). This year, doing the Miler Series has been so great and getting the training runs that far apart has really helped me to increase my distance and pace in a safe and reliable manner. I’m hoping to cut almost an hour off of last year’s Mini time!

 

Kerry’s Advice

 

Honestly, the only other races I’ve ever done are the fun 5Ks (like with sprayed color, or slides and silly things like that). Though my experience with the Mini did seem more community-based than those 5Ks.  When I was doing the Mini last year, other runners would talk to me, and give me encouragement if I needed it and it felt like we were all doing this together instead of a bunch of individuals just going the same way.

 

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

 

Kerry, 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!

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. 

 

Andrew’s Story

I run for my family and students, they both mean the world to me. When my son Bo was born in 2016, I got back into running. While he napped and my wife needed rest, I took advantage of that time. As a physical education teacher for an IPS school, I am an advocate for exercise and sports. When dozens of my students wanted to play soccer, but the school didn’t have any funding for teams, I was bothered that they didn’t have athletic opportunities. I made it my mission to make a difference. Through training and the 8-Hour Endurance Race, I ran 40 miles under eight hours and raised $1,000. Each mile was worth $25 and contributed to the funding of three soccer teams that including covering costs of equipment and registration. Running allowed me to give children the ability to play sports and build positive character traits. The time leading up to that achievement was equally as valuable. I spent my countless hours of training with my son. He rode along with me in his stroller and it was cherished “dude time.”

 

I run to show my students that being active is an important part of life. I run to show my son how to accomplish goals. This year’s Indy Mini comes with extra motivation; my wife, dad, and friends are running. Watching them train has been so motivating. My wife hates running, but she’s up to nine miles in her training! I am looking forward to seeing her cross the finish line and accomplish something she never thought she’d do. With her, I hope to do great things and qualify for the Boston Marathon!

 

Andrew’s #IndyMini Experience

When I moved to Indianapolis, I was told that I had to run the Indy Mini. Considering I’ve been here for four years and this will be my fourth year running the race, you could say that I’ve enjoyed it. As I learned about the programs that the race funds for students, I’m even more eager to continue the tradition. Running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is pretty great, but the Mini-Marathon’s impact on the community is much greater. The registrations are literally funding physical activity in schools across the city and that is everything to me.

 

Andrew’s Advice

My advice is simple. Just be you. Don’t worry about being passed or what other walkers/runners are doing. Just focus on being you and having a good time. Take it all in.

I’m so glad that you are joining in on the fun and thank you for helping fund running programs and initiatives for my students and others through your Mini-Marathon registration.

 

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

 

Andrew, along with our other Ambassadors, will be sharing his training experience and motivation leading up to the race. Follow along and share your experience using #IndyMini on social media!