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!

 

 

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!

 

 

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!

 

 

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. 

 

Kate’s Story

My first inkling of intent to run the Indy Mini came from a commercial that was promoting the almost sold-out 2013 Mini-Marathon. My friend apparently felt the same spark from the commercial and sent me a text at that same moment. By the time we went to register, it was sold out. Fate played a role and I punched my ticket to the 2013 Mini-Marathon, in lieu of friend who previously registered but was unable to participate. I had no expectations for my first Mini-Marathon. My registration was free, I was in corral Z and running for myself – everything fell perfectly into place. In 2016, I celebrated my 40^th birthday and realized that the Indy Mini was also celebrating 40 years! I continued with the mentality that if the race must go on, so must I! Twenty pounds later and with thorough training and nutrition practices on my side, I achieved a personal record in both the Miler Series and the Mini-Marathon. I withstood plantar fasciitis, a torn my Achilles tendon and a fractured heel but despite the issues, it felt like a rite of passage. I was satisfied by my performance and the injuries were what I had to show for my success!

 

As a result of my injuries, I thought that the 2016 race would be my last long run. I was still training and working out as normal, but I wasn’t signed up for a race and didn’t have a goal in sight. During this time, my dad was ill and my walks and runs turned into little victories for my dad, who didn’t have the physical capacity to be active. I often posted about my acts of vicarious encouragement on social media. Little did I know, my focus to stay positive and healthy for my dad was actually saving me. After some horribly difficult days, my dad passed away. I could no longer walk for my dad and I didn’t have the motivation to continue training. Still on the emotional and physical mend, I signed up for the 500 Festival 5K because I knew that focusing on a race would bring me joy. I started that race with tears rolling down my face, yelling, “I’m doing this for you, Dad.” I finished. I cried. I knew my dad was proud.

 

The preceding year, I was missing my dad and taking care of my family. My personal ambitions were on the backburner but out of the blue, I signed up for the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Then I became an official Mini Ambassador! This year, I’m setting a standard for more than just myself but for all my fellow ambassadors and those who follow! New purpose, same goal and always a part of something amazing.

 

Kate’s #IndyMini Experience

The Indy Mini is the only half marathon that I run. My love for the race is like a mixed bag of nuts; so much to offer and no way to choose my favorite piece. Variety comes in the people, always someone to keep pace with, catch up to and make the miles go by quicker! I am in awe of how someone 30 years older or younger than me can run so much faster, and just the same, someone is amazed by me. It’s crazy when someone comes up to me afterward and thanks me for being their motivation. That feeling of inspiring someone is truly humbling, so I always share with others how they impacted my race.

A large part of my Indy Mini racing experience is balanced through the music that sets my pace and keeps me going. I use songs and beats to keep my feet hitting the pavement. I strategically place songs in my playlist for extra motivation at certain points in the race. I love the live bands throughout the course and even though I listen to music through my headphones, their presence adds excitement to the environment. The Indy Mini provides unique experiences, one of which is running around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I haven’t stopped to kiss the bricks yet, but this year, it’s happening. I just hope someone is there to take my photo!

 

Kate’s Advice

From newbies to Indy Mini veterans, you will encounter all sorts of ability levels and thousands of spectators who cheer you to the finish. When the focus narrows to the finish line, everyone is rooting for you. It can be an emotional roller-coaster. You will come to a point to which you don’t think you can finish, but my advice is to use your surroundings as fuel or phone a friend – it will be the second best decision you make because the best decision was signing up for the race!

 

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

 

Kate, 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!