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. 

Melissa’s Story

In the fall of 2016, after starting law school, I decided to make a change in my life. I set my sights the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, with a goal to run and finish my first half marathon. Although training was intimidating, it proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences I could have imagined. Throughout my training, I learned that my limitations were only in my mind and weren’t indicative of what I could accomplish. I learned that I am capable of accomplishing feats that I had once thought were impossible. Through perseverance and hard work, I finished the Indy Mini and loved it.

Melissa’s #IndyMini Experience

The Indy Mini was more than just a race to me. It represents the beginning of what I have accomplished and everything that I will accomplish in the future. Since fall 2016, I have lost over thirty pounds and have developed a passion for running. As I train for my second Mini-Marathon, I am looking forward to running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and kissing the bricks!

Melissa’s Advice

Trust your training, plan and have fun! If this is your first half marathon, focus on finishing rather than a specific goal time. During the race, focus on your music, smile at spectators, read signs, go for the high five, just don’t focus on the fact your body hurts with still many miles to go. You are going to cross the finish line before you know it. Don’t get discouraged, you can do this!

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

Melissa, 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. 

Paige’s Story

In the seventh grade, I started running cross country. My best friend encouraged me to join her on the team and ever since, I have loved running. Throughout high school, I ran track and cross country and upon my first year of college, I completed my first half marathon! My runner’s high continued and never stopped – it’s something that relieves stress and helps me find joy!

Paige’s #IndyMini Experience

I wish I could say that I had an Indy Mini “story,” but the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon was always a race I wanted to run. I grew up in a suburb outside of Chicago, then when I went to college at Butler University, there was a constant buzz leading up to the Mini-Marathon. I think most of my inspiration came from my best friend, Allie, who was a 500 Festival Princess – her Hoosier roots and connection to the 500 Festival are to thank for my growing affinity for the race.

In particular, I love the entertainment that is everywhere! It is truly a special experience to have live music and people cheering you on all throughout the course. You can’t forget about running on the track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’s definitely not something most people can say they have done until that have run the Indy Mini!

Paige’s Advice

Advice that I would give first-time participants is to actually train, but always listen to your body. You do not need to PR every race (something I am starting to realize) because listening to your body is more important. Walk when you need to, drink water when needed, and keep up on your energy with gels or chews, it will become very important throughout the race!

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

Paige, 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. 

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!

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. 

Michelle’s Story

This year is not only my comeback race, but it’s also going to be a life-saving race for my younger sister. On the very day that I found out I was chosen to be an Indy Mini Ambassador, my younger sister was given a scary medical prognosis; she is morbidly obese and her weight is taking a toll on her life. Her doctor said that if she didn’t lose weight soon, her days would be numbered. From that point on, my sister has dedicated her life to becoming a healthier individual and it was my mission to help in that fight.

Of course, I had my concerns about the pressures and strain of training for a half marathon, but my sister was bound and determined to use the Mini-Marathon as a tool in her weight loss journey. Little by little, she has lost a total of 45 pounds since November and is more mobile than she has been in 20 years. Her progress is keeping her right on track to meet the Mini-Marathon cut off time. She is happier and healthier than ever and continues to prove her doubters wrong. Her doctors are impressed and her colleagues are even calling her a “health nut.” This year, the Indy Mini is going to be the race that saved my sister’s life, and for that, I couldn’t be more proud and excited to be the ambassador that crosses the finish line with her.

Michelle’s #IndyMini Experience

I’ve been a runner since middle school. So, many years ago, when a good friend of mine talked me into the running the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, I didn’t hesitate. I fell in love with the race and ran several years in a row thereafter. This is my comeback race, and it’s been the perfect way to redirect my healthy lifestyle.

It’s difficult to pinpoint my favorite part of the race, but this year’s race is on the weekend of my birthday. There is no better way to celebrate than with 30,000 other like-minded people, doing what we love.

Michelle’s Advice

Nothing is impossible! Never doubt yourself and never, never, NEVER let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. You can achieve amazing things if you think positively, train properly and NEVER give up!

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

Michelle, 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!