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. 

Kyle’s Story

It all started with a New Year’s resolution when I woke up and decided to make a positive change in my life. I used the idea of a “clean slate” as a basis of encouragement to start running. At that point in my life, nothing was going my way; I was surrounded by negativity and bad influences. I wanted to be a good influence in my family, learn about myself and test my capabilities. Once I incorporated running into my life, a new chapter began. I never thought that a four-mile run would be the foundation of an entirely new lifestyle. My connection to the running community kept me grounded and humble, which I needed most when I endured a house fire. My competitive nature will never stop me from becoming better than I was yesterday. I believed in myself, said goodbye to negativity and put in the time to become a better runner. Since my resolution, I have completed three Mini-Marathons, traveled across the Midwest to smash PRs and continue pursuing a lifestyle that incorporates running each day.

Kyle’s #IndyMini Experience

My connection to the Indianapolis 500 carved a special place in my heart for the 500 Festival and the Indy Mini. As a past IndyCar crew member and an avid fan, the 500 Festival extended my love for the city, the people and the racing. During my time as an Indy Mini Ambassador, I have had the opportunity to connect with so many people and inspire others through my passion to motivate. I feed off of the pure inspiration and adrenaline that that the Mini-Marathon provides.

My favorite part about the race is the challenging 2.5-mile trek around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It gets hot, but kissing the bricks makes it all worth it. The photo opportunity is something that is only available to Indy Mini participants and Indianapolis 500 winners! As the finish line nears, the crowd that lines the stretch of Victory Mile adds fuel to make it to the end.

Kyle’s Advice

For all first-time participants, my advice to you is to enjoy every little bit of this race. I want you to go out there and dance to the music, take pictures, make memories and remember the experience forever. When it comes to training, stretch before and after your runs, strength train three times per week, rest when necessary and stay hydrated. Make sure you balance your slow runs with training that tests your limits. Your participation in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is inspiring others, including me! You’re in the race, now let’s cross the finish line and celebrate together!

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

Kyle, 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. 

Jessie’s Story

About three years ago, I started running, a major decision for someone who was overweight and had previously refused to run for any reason. I was at the start line of a race that I planned to walk. Unintentionally, I started running with those around me. In that moment, I felt powerful and strong and during that race, the running/walking combination gave me the spark to dedicate myself to a healthy lifestyle. It was the beginning of my ten-month journey to my goal race, the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

Each year, my Indy Mini story evolves like another chapter in a fantasy book, yet none of it is make believe! My very first Indy Mini was about a bucket list challenge, an unimaginable feat that I would cross off of my list! I was determined to achieve a healthy, happy version of myself and prove that I could accomplish a goal with support from my family. As a result of reaching my personal goals and inspiring others; my mom, aunt and husband are now participating in the 500 Festival 5K!

My second year of running the race was targeted toward testing my limits. In 2017, I ran a 5K PR, but missed my half marathon PR by about five minutes. I immediately registered for the 2018 races again with the intention to improve my time. This year, my the race is about more than my time, it’s about community, too! My family is participating; my husband in the 5K and the Mini, my mom, two aunts and cousin in the 5K, and another cousin and aunt in the Mini-Marathon! Two close friends and I are supporting each other online from three different states as we train. The community of Indy Mini Ambassadors has been a phenomenal bonus to the whole experience. I am also running this year for my awesome buddy, Tristan, who inspires and motivates me to keep going. #IRun4Tristan

Jessie’s #IndyMini Experience

As a native of the Indianapolis area, I always dreamed of participating in the Mini-Marathon one day. When I started running and training, the Indy Mini was my goal race! I had such a blast on race day and met my goal of under three hours without stopping during the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway section. No race compares to the community course atmosphere – whether it’s the volunteer support, the fun factor, an awesome poster, a little cowbell or some great jams, they all give me an extra boost! I compare every other race to the Mini-Marathon. It’s the Gold Standard and definite bucket list item.

Jessie’s Advice

Enjoy the race! This is the most amazing experience – the crowds, entertainment, other participants and the IMS all contribute to the takeaways. Take out your earbuds, keep your head up and be aware of all the excitement, that is energy, to keep you going. If you are struggling, go for that high five, hit the power-up button poster, thank a police officer or volunteer, or dance – it makes a world of difference. If the race doesn’t go as you planned, enjoy the party.

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

Jessie, 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. 

Emily’s Story

Ever since I was young, I played soccer. It was my sport, but throughout the elementary and middle school years, I’d run 5Ks with my dad, including a few 500 Festival 5Ks. My dad has been a runner for years. He has run the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and the Indy Mini multiple times. I was destined to run the Mini-Marathon sooner or later. Freshman year of high school, I decided that I wanted to athletically challenge myself beyond soccer, by running a half marathon.

My dad signed us up for the Indy Mini. Training was tough, especially with a rigorous school and travel soccer schedule. Through training and my first race, it was all worth it, and I knew that I wanted to be a runner. Since my first race in 2013, my dad and I have run five Mini-Marathons and the Walt Disney Full Marathon. Over the years, the Indy Mini has become more than a race to me. It’s been a way for my dad and me to do something we both love, together. We’ve bonded over the struggles and joys of running (blisters, chaffing, and free bananas), pushed each other to become better athletes and strengthened our father-daughter relationship. The Indy Mini has become a yearly tradition for the two of us and I can’t wait to run my sixth Mini-Marathon with him this May!

Emily’s #IndyMini Experience

My favorite part about the Indy Mini is running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and kissing the bricks. It’s surreal to be able to run around such an iconic part of Indianapolis history. What always stands out to me is the support from the community. During the race, there are hundreds of volunteers handing out water, cheering you on and providing awesome entertainment for the whole 13.1 miles. The last leg of the race always gives me goosebumps because complete strangers are cheering you on by name. It provides a whole new meaning to the term “Hoosier hospitality!”

Emily’s Advice

Enjoy yourself! I know it can be hard when you’re running 13.1 miles, but try your best to have fun. Give spectators high fives. Kiss the bricks. Take it all in. Not everyone can participate in the Greatest Spectacle in Running, so take pride in the opportunity!

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!

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. 

Brian’s Story

Initially, my story was similar to many others; I never liked running when I was younger, but as an adult I figured out that it was therapeutic and calming in ways that my younger self wouldn’t have appreciated.

This year’s purpose, however, is different. In the summer of 2016 I discovered a growth in my left jaw joint, which turned out to be an extremely rare tumor that required removal. In November of the same year, I had a segment of my mandible removed and replaced with titanium, which it turns out is not sturdy enough to be a permanent replacement. As a result, my 2017 Mini was followed shortly thereafter by a surgery called a fibula free flap, a procedure that entailed removing my right fibula in order to replace the missing portion of my jaw. No rod or anything to replace the fibula; it’s just not there anymore.

Consequently, my 2018 Mini story began with my 2017 month of May; I kicked off the month with a 13.1-mile run and ended it without the ability to walk without a walker. I signed up for this year’s event with more purpose than any other one in which I’ve participated – I was adamant that I would complete the 2018 Mini, even if I had to crawl across the finish line. I’ve since regained the ability to do almost everything, and I’m on pace to complete my eighth Mini with only minimal challenges.

I’ve always played sports, but running as a personal endeavor was never appealing. Truth be told, if my wife and her family hadn’t pushed me to do my first Mini as a last-second decision, I’m not sure I would have ever discovered the appeal. As I completed my first Mini, I realized that not every runner kept a fast pace, nor did they all fit the physique that I envisioned. My perception of what it meant to be a runner had been significantly challenged and I was intrigued. I was motivated to find my way to be a runner and shortly thereafter, I was hooked. Once I had my running epiphany, I initially struggled with pacing myself appropriately, so I actually preferred the treadmill over an outdoor run. Eventually, I learned what my preferred pace felt like and could maintain it. Running opened up a new level of experience to every traveling adventure and personal challenge that I faced.

Brian’s #IndyMini Experience

When races consist of longer distances, it can be easy to feel left out or disconnected if you’re not competing in the front of the pack. Although the Mini obviously entails such things, this half marathon is more about the experience than anything else. For the first Mini, I walked… and grumbled… and then felt an odd sense of accomplishment as I crossed the finish line. I was unaware of it at the start of the race, but being a part of this initial experience sparked a desire to be a part of it again and again. The Indy Mini welcomes all in a manner that is encouraging, even if you’re not a runner and may never become one. You’ll never feel out of place during the 13.1 miles. It is truly an experience like no other.

Brian’s Advice

Next, if you’re like me and you need a soundtrack for your running, be sure to put together the playlists in advance and try them out for a run or two. I have created these without taking them out for a spin and realized very quickly that they aren’t as perfect of a jam session as I’d hoped.

Finally, run different routes as you train. I have convenient local runs that I can pace out to the distance I need pretty easily, but variety is good for your training and can be reinvigorating for your running soul. I try to sneak out at least once any time we travel and always find myself glad that I did.

Ultimately, enjoy the experience and worry about nothing other than yourself. You’ll hear endless feedback from those who may not understand the appeal of the Mini or why you would voluntarily run such a distance. Let me tell you though, once you’ve completed your first one, you’ll be challenging them to join you for your next.

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

Brian, 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. 

Jay’s Story

In high school I was a distance runner, but running wasn’t a priority when I transitioned into college. Years later, a friend who had run the Indy Mini a couple times got me to sign up for the 2005 race. Looking back at my high school glory days, I thought that running 13.1 miles would be easy. Wrong! I was out of shape and it hurt. Nevertheless, running the Mini-Marathon inspired me to get back into running more often. I lost the college weight I had gained and found my love for running again. This year, I’ll be running my 14^th Mini-Marathon. It has improved more than my physical abilities; training and exercise make me feel better and has become my outlet for burning off steam and energy after work.

Jay’s #IndyMini Experience

I have run countless half marathons, quite a few marathons and now, I’m getting started in ultramarathons. But what sets the Indy Mini apart is the feeling of race morning. With 30,000+ people packed downtown and a buzz in the air, months of training is corralled into a chute full of people who are ready to reach their goals. The city embraces the race and the crowd is eager to support the participants throughout the 13.1 miles ahead. Adults and children line the streets with creative signs, it’s impossible to not have adrenaline flowing before and during the race. The approach over the New York Street bridge and the sound from the cheering crowd signals that the end is near, it’s my motivation to find a final kick toward the finish line.

Jay’s Advice

Run the mile you’re in. It’s normal to get tired when you start thinking about how many miles you have left and that can be daunting. It brings anxiety and stress that will cause you to lose the joy of the day. Instead, focus on the shorter steps that will get you to the finish. Maybe that means just giving yourself a pat on the back for every mile you knock off. Maybe it means running for four minutes and then walking a minute. Maybe a simple plan of running pit stop to pit stop works best for you. Breaking the race down into shorter segments will help mentally as well as allow you to enjoy the day with all your new 30,000+ friends.

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

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