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Five Reasons to Run This December

It’s officially December; the month of the year that welcomes winter and sends the running community to indoor treadmills where it’s cozy and warm. We know it’s hard to balance your holiday season to-dos with an unappealing cold workout, but here are five reasons to get out and run this December: 1. Vitamin D What is … Continue reading “Five Reasons to Run This December”

1. Vitamin D

What is Vitamin D? It’s the “Sunshine Vitamin”!

A lack of Vitamin D is one of the leading causes of seasonal depression and part of the reason we get sick more easily in the winter. Getting just 10-15 minutes of sunlight each day is great for your skin and can fight depression and illness. Taking advantage of the sunlight this winter for a short run will make you happier and healthier!

If the weather is too much to take on, and it’s hard to find that perfect, sunny running time, look for foods that are high in Vitamin D like fish, mushrooms, orange juice and milk.

2. Stronger Heart

In cold temperatures, the heart works harder to distribute blood to the body. Exercising in the cold is like running with ankle weights for your heart. The process builds more endurance and a tolerance for your heart to work at a higher rate. Once you’ve conquered the winter running, the spring weather will be a breeze for your heart.

3. Burn More Calories

Similar to your heart working harder in the winter, so does your entire cardiovascular system. Fighting the cold elements will cause you to burn more calories than a cozy, indoor treadmill run. Your sweat will dry and evaporate much faster in the cold air, but don’t think you’re sweating less, or burning fewer calories. Quite the opposite!

4. Train Different Muscles

When you run on a straight track or treadmill, your body tirelessly works the same muscles used to maintain your running posture and endurance. And that’s not always bad! While we don’t recommend sprinting down icy streets, hitting a road or trail coated in snow and various winter elements can help train other muscles in your body. That occasional lateral movement and the fight in your calves to propel through snow can be beneficial to getting more out of your run!

5. Eat More Holiday Food!

Running in the cold is a great combatant for winter weight gain. Our bodies are more susceptible to adding weight in the winter due to a decrease in activity level and a slowed metabolism. Getting out and running essentially tricks your body into coming out of hibernation. Not only that, but we all want to indulge in some holiday treats! If you want to feel better about eating a little unhealthy later in December (and I think we all do), make up for it by hitting the trails and streets now!

500festival.com | IndyMini.com | @500Festival | Facebook.com/500Fest | Facebook.com/500FestivalMiniMarathon

August in May: An #IndyMini Story

This story took place in the magical month of May, but it became real just this week. THE STORY This past year – in May of 2016 – a Mini-Marathon participant by the name of Mark Seitz was about to run his 18th Indy Mini (applause Mark). Seitz picked up his packet at the Mini Expo … Continue reading “August in May: An #IndyMini Story”

This story took place in the magical month of May, but it became real just this week.

THE STORY

This past year – in May of 2016 – a Mini-Marathon participant by the name of Mark Seitz was about to run his 18th Indy Mini (applause Mark). Seitz picked up his packet at the Mini Expo per usual. Inside, he found a t-shirt, hat and bib; your typical goodies in a Mini package. But he found something not-so-typical, too; a hand-drawn picture with a note from a local elementary student.

August Stella was a 4th grade student at Carey Ridge Elementary school last year. He was one of 25,000 students to take part in the Indianapolis 500 and 500 Festival Education Program in 2016 – the first year students wrote notes to Mini-Marathoners. In his note, he wished a random participant (in this case, Seitz) good luck in the Mini. He also drew a blue race car.

As Seitz blazed the Mini course for yet another year, he took to the straight away at IMS thinking about the race car that August had drawn. Seitz decided to thank August for the motivation by giving him his Mini medal and bib. With the help of his wife, Linda, he did exactly that. Over 25,000 students wrote notes to 35,000 Mini-Marathon participants, so it seemed unlikely that this was anything more than a random act of kindness from August to Mark, and back again.

Linda took the medal, accompanied by a note to “Augie”, and delivered it to Carey Ridge Elementary. Later that night, Mark received a message from Augie’s mother, Leigh. The message read:

Mr. Seitz,

My name is Leigh Stella, and your wife, Linda, delivered your note, bib, and medal to my son Augie today.

I cannot thank you enough for this kindness. Augie has had a tough school year… it’s been a struggle, but we’re hoping to finish strong. You might imagine how your note and gift has encouraged and excited Augie already.

We are so grateful that you sought Augie out — but I guess we should not be surprised… we were delighted to discover that you are married to one of our favorite people! Linda cared for our daughter, Kate, in the infant room at Maple Glen. It is indeed a small world!

Blessings to you sir! You have made one little boy very proud… he hasn’t taken the medal off yet.

With fondness, The Stella Family

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SIX MONTHS LATER

The story is such an awesome example of the impact of the Mini-Marathon, but it didn’t stop there. On Sunday, Nov. 12, Mark and Augie finally met… by accident… at a pizza restaurant.

“What a great day! I got to finally meet Augie!
Auggie and his family happened to walk into the same local pizza restaurant where Linda and I were dining this evening. Linda took the opportunity to introduce me to this cool young man.”

And with that, a now-5th grader and an experienced Mini-Marathoner became instant friends. Students will continue to write notes to Mini-Marathoners as part of the education program in 2017, and we hope to see more stories like this.

We love May here at the 500 Festival, but we’re pretty fond of August now, too.

Read Mark Seitz’ full blog

Learn about the Indy Mini and how you can run with a purpose through Mini With A Meaning

#IndyMini Ambassadors Take NYC, Monumental, and More

Over the weekend of Nov. 5-6, a plethora of our running fanatics took to the streets of Indianapolis, New York City, and more. It was a race-heavy weekend in the world of running with the Monumental Marathon, the NYC Marathon and other events across the country. Our Indy Mini participants were sure to be littered throughout, with a large … Continue reading “#IndyMini Ambassadors Take NYC, Monumental, and More”

Our Indy Mini participants were sure to be littered throughout, with a large contingent conquering the Monumental Marathon on Saturday. Our Mini Ambassadors took a quick pause in their pre-race preparations to show their Ambassador shirts and Indy Mini pride for the social media world.

Here are some posts from New York, Indy, and even Panama City Beach:

Represent @500Festival @nycmarathon pic.twitter.com/6YlYIEcluH

— Jeff Morris (@drivendeville) November 5, 2016

https://twitter.com/GTrekHaughville/status/794871900740681728

Keep sharing those running photos in #IndyMini gear and we’ll keep giving shout outs!

500festival.com | IndyMini.com | @500Festival | Facebook.com/500Fest | Facebook.com/500FestivalMiniMarathon

Pacesetter 2017: Tony Kanaan

#CatchingKanaan On October 27, the 500 Festival announced this year’s Pacesetter for the Mini-Marathon would be none other than IndyCar superstar, Tony Kanaan. Ironically, the announcement came on the same morning Kanaan’s wife, Lauren, gave birth to their new son, Max. T.K. welcomed Max to the world and the 500 Festival welcomed you to challenge T.K. … Continue reading “Pacesetter 2017: Tony Kanaan”

#CatchingKanaan

On October 27, the 500 Festival announced this year’s Pacesetter for the Mini-Marathon would be none other than IndyCar superstar, Tony Kanaan. Ironically, the announcement came on the same morning Kanaan’s wife, Lauren, gave birth to their new son, Max.

Welcome to this world Max. We love you very much. Mom and baby are well. Bem vindo meu filho. Já te amamos muito Max. 3 Mosqueteiros pic.twitter.com/zkXPyxVJT4

— Tony Kanaan (@TonyKanaan) October 27, 2016

T.K. welcomed Max to the world and the 500 Festival welcomed you to challenge T.K. – a decorated Indianapolis 500 champion – for Pacesetter pride in the 2017 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

What the Pacesetter Means

It’s an exciting year for the Pacesetter Program, but that Pacesetter mark means a few things:

For every person who beats Kanaan’s time, the 500 Festival will donate $1 to a charity, voted on by participants. Basically, beat T.K. and help the community. Simple.
That guy you’ve seen year after year in the Indy 500 – flashing before your eyes at 200+ mph – is now within reach. If you’ve heard the phrase, “lightning in a bottle”… Well, we took the wheels off of lightning. Now it’s up to you to bottle him. That is, if you can catch him first.

How To Beat Tony’s Time

Last Spring, Kanaan traded in the car keys for running shoes and dashed around our 13.1 mile course. He finished in just 1:43:29. In hopes of donating more money, we took that time and added on five extra minutes for every place above 10th that Kanaan finished in the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series. T.K. finished seventh, adding another 15 minutes for a time to beat of 1:58:29 – just 91 ticks from a flat two-hour run.

Last year’s Pacesetter mark was set by the Colts’ Cheerleaders with a time of 2:07. Nearly 6,700 runners timed in before 2:07, netting $6,669 for three different charities.

If you’re up for the Pacesetter challenge, use #CatchingKanaan on social media to share your training, friendly trash talk for Tony, and your official time come race weekend in early May. It’s your turn to be faster than IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan! Don’t miss it!

500festival.com | IndyMini.com | @500Festival | Facebook.com/500Fest | Facebook.com/500FestivalMiniMarathon

#MiniMonday Top 3: Frequently Asked Questions

It’s #MiniMonday AND #IndyMini Race Week! Over the past couple of months, we’ve been doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. This week we have 3 of the top Frequently Asked Questions. What if I didn’t receive my email confirmation? Email confirmations were sent via email on April … Continue reading “#MiniMonday Top 3: Frequently Asked Questions”

It’s #MiniMonday AND #IndyMini Race Week! Over the past couple of months, we’ve been doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. This week we have 3 of the top Frequently Asked Questions.

What if I didn’t receive my email confirmation? Email confirmations were sent via email on April 20. If you did not receive your confirmation email or have since deleted it, please click here to look up your bib number. Simply bring your bib number and a photo ID to the Expo to pick up your packet. As long as you have these 2 items, you’ll be able to pick up your packet. If you have friends or family in the Indianapolis area, someone else can pick up your packet with a copy of your photo ID and bib number.

I’m registered for the Mini, but want to do the 5K instead. Is that permitted? You may participate in the 5K instead of the Mini. To do so, please pick up your Mini packet at the Expo. On race morning, line up with the 5K start line instead of the Mini. Your bib for the Mini will work for the 5K instead. Please note, the 5K start time is at 7:00 a.m.

Where do I park on race morning? Arrive early in downtown Indianapolis to give yourself plenty of time to find parking. Many downtown streets will be closed to traffic and public parking in preparation for the #IndyMini activities. However, several parking facilities will be open for event parking.
- The following parking garages will be open at 6 a.m. for the event:
  - IUPUI Campus Lots
  - State Government Center Garage on Missouri off Maryland Street, 401 W. Washington Street
  - American United Life Tower, One American Square
  - World of Wonder Garage off Maryland and Illinois streets
  - Clay Pool Court Garage, Washington and Illinois streets, 110 W. Washington Street
  - Plaza Parking, 109 S. Capitol Avenue
  - Hyatt Hotel Parking, 1 S. Capitol Avenue
  - Capitol Commons, 10 S. Capitol Avenue
- For a map of street closures, please click here.
- For a map of parking locations, please click here.

Do you still have questions? Please visit our FAQ page on IndyMini.com. Have a great week and we’ll see you at the #IndyMini!

My #IndyMini Story: Gavin Thornberry

The One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon offers something for everyone. Elite runners and families have made the Mini-Marathon a tradition because of the unique atmosphere and experience the Indy Mini offers. The Mini-Marathon appeals to participants of ALL ages and skill levels. This My #Indymini Story shows how this special running event sparked a … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Gavin Thornberry”

The One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon offers something for everyone. Elite runners and families have made the Mini-Marathon a tradition because of the unique atmosphere and experience the Indy Mini offers. The Mini-Marathon appeals to participants of ALL ages and skill levels. This My #Indymini Story shows how this special running event sparked a passion for running with one of its youngest participants.

Gavin

While finishing his first year of elementary school, Gavin Thornberry was already setting big goals. Gavin set out to finish the 13.1 course of the One America 500 Festival Mini-Marathon as one of its youngest participants.

Gavin1

“I completed my first Mini-Marathon when I was six years old,” said Gavin. “I’m 8 years old and this is my third year running the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.”

As a young athlete, Gavin knows the importance of proper training. He attributes his successes to a training regimen that he practices multiple times each week. He also appreciates the motivational support that those on the sidelines along the course of the Indy Mini provide.

Gavin2

“To prepare myself I train four days a week in karate,” Gavin said. “When it comes to race day the people cheering on the side of the route keep me motivated to keep my pace.”

Gavin is not only passionate about fitness and running, but he also enjoys inspiring others through his example to get active. He is looking forward to participating in the 40^th running of the One America 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 7, 2016.

“I like running because I get to inspire other kids my age and I like hearing the people cheer me on when I run,” said Gavin. “If you’ve read this and you see me on the route make sure to say ‘Hi!’.”

My #IndyMini Story: Chris Day

Dennis Waitley wrote, “Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next.” Many adults become downtrodden from stress in their day-to-day lives and forget the importance of taking care of themselves. This My #Indymini Story is one about how one man turned his life around, when he went from overweight to … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Chris Day”

Almost a decade ago, Chris Day was establishing himself as a financial advisor, balancing work and family life. He tipped the scales at over 300 pounds, and was overstressed, sedentary, and struggling to walk even short distances. He knew he desperately needed to get healthy for himself and his family.

For Chris, healthy changes were slow and gradual at first. He changed his diet and added light exercise each day. But, he knew he needed to do something more to get the drastic changes he so desired.

“I took things one day at a time focusing on diet and exercise and the important things I could control,” Chris said.

As a former track coach, Chris had an existing love for running so he began to add running back into his day-to-day routine. He got hooked on running again and before long he was running for distance. In no time, he was down 60 pounds and completing marathons!

ChrisDay 5 ChrisDay 6

Since beginning his journey toward transformation, Chris has run the Boston Marathon as well as numerous One America 500 Festival Mini Marathons. He notes that by-far his best marathon experience was when his wife joined him to show her support in 2012 for the Indy Mini.

ChrisDay2

“The only thing better than achieving your own goals, is helping others achieve theirs!” Chris said.

To date, Chris is down almost 100 pounds, and he has a newfound enthusiasm and joy for life that he wants to share with others. He is registered to run the Indy Mini this year (his 20th half marathon), so when you see him you can congratulate him on his tremendous fitness achievements and progress.

ChrisDay 4

“This year I will return for the Indy Mini as a happy, healthy, 40-something, husband, father and ambassador for this great race- with the simple goal of inspiring others!” Chris said.

There is still time to be a part of the 40^th running of the 2016 One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon in Downtown Indianapolis on May 7^th! For more information and to sign up today, click here.

#MiniMonday Top 3: Shirts, Shirts, & MORE Shirts

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’re doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. This week we have 3 exciting shirt updates! Official Merchandise Sneak Peek – … Continue reading “#MiniMonday Top 3: Shirts, Shirts, & MORE Shirts”

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’re doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. This week we have 3 exciting shirt updates!

Official Merchandise Sneak Peek – We’re excited to reveal an exclusive “I Ran with Meb at the ‪#‎IndyMini‬” tee! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Meb Keflezighi’s MEB Foundation, giving youth the opportunity to succeed in health, education and fitness. Don’t wait until the Expo, purchase your shirt here!

Meb’s running the ‪#‎IndyMini‬! Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time, Meb Keflezighi is the only athlete in history to win the TCS New York City Marathon, The Boston Marathon, and an Olympic medal. The record setting runner won’t be starting with the other elite athletes. Instead, he’ll serve as the official starter for Wave 1 and Wave 2, then he’ll start his race at the very back of the field, to ensure all participants in the 2016 #IndyMini have the opportunity to run or walk with him!

2016 Participant Shirts

Participant Shirts – It’s the moment many of you have been waiting for. Have you seen this year’s participant shirt? Here’s your sneak peek at this year’s ‪#‎IndyMini‬ and 5K participant shirts! All participants will receive an ASICS gender specific technical shirt at the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo. Finish Line 500 Festival 5K participants will receive a short sleeve version featuring the 3 POINT 1 design.

Rookie Run Registration & Shirt Design – Registration in NOW OPEN for the 2016 Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run! Would you like for your child to have their very own ‪#‎IndyMini‬ experience? Join us on Saturday, May 14, as part of the Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day! All preregistered participants receive a goodie bag, a “#1” bib number, this cool “INVINCIBLE” participant shirt, and finisher’s medal – just like the #IndyMini participants! Register your child here for the‪#‎500RookieRun‬!

#MiniMonday Top 3: 2 Exciting Updates + 1 Deadline

It’s #MiniMonday! As May quickly approaches, we’re doing our best to equip you with all of the important information to prepare you for race day. Check-in here on Mondays to get the top 3 pieces of #IndyMini information for the week ahead. This week we have a couple of exciting updates and an upcoming deadline! … Continue reading “#MiniMonday Top 3: 2 Exciting Updates + 1 Deadline”

Win an Apple Watch – Do you know where you’re staying the night before the #IndyMini? Reserve your room now to take advantage of the lowest rates and best selection race weekend has to offer! Guarantee a convenient and stress-free race weekend by choosing from a wide variety of hotels just steps away from the expo, start line and finish line. In addition to the great benefits you already receive by booking through our travel partner, Experient, you will be eligible to win a free Apple Watch just by booking through them! Don’t miss out on the exclusive benefits and book now.

Rookie Run Registration is NOW OPEN – The smaller the runner, the bigger the heart! Does your little one want to feel the same excitement of crossing the finish line? Children ages 3 – 10 are invited to join us on May 14th for the Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run. They will wear a race bib, feel the energy at their start line, run their course complete with 500 Festival Princesses cheering them on and receive a medal as they cross the finish line just like mom and dad. All pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative technical t-shirt.

Bib Deadline – Want your own cheering section?! Don’t miss out on having your name on your bib! Register before April 1st to give everyone the chance to call out your name and cheer you on during the Mini-Marathon!

My #IndyMini Story: Stephanie Borem

According to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, more than 6.8 billion adults in the United States suffer from generalized anxiety disorders. Those who suffer with anxiety know that it can be an unpredictable and debilitating illness which interferes with day-to-day life. For Stephanie Borem, this is the type of anxiety and depression that … Continue reading “My #IndyMini Story: Stephanie Borem”

According to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, more than 6.8 billion adults in the United States suffer from generalized anxiety disorders. Those who suffer with anxiety know that it can be an unpredictable and debilitating illness which interferes with day-to-day life. For Stephanie Borem, this is the type of anxiety and depression that she faced on a daily basis, but she found a way to cope with it. This My #IndyMini Story is a story of the hope and relief that one woman discovered through running the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.

In 2015, Stephanie’s anxiety and depression hit a peak. She was held captive by her irrational fears which kept her awake at night and disrupted her life on a daily basis. But, one constant comfort she found from her anxiety and depression was her ability to run. She began to use running as an escape from her harmful thoughts and anxiety.

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“My mind ran crazy 24/7, I never slept, and life turned into one long day with naps,” Stephanie said. “I started to worry about things that weren’t real, things that may happen, and misconstruing things that did happen. I couldn’t concentrate, I felt I was failing as a wife and mother, but I could still run.”

Stephanie incorporated running into her daily routine. She quickly developed a love for running and a desire to connect with other runners. So, she signed up for and began training for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. While preparing for the Mini-Marathon, she made incredible strides in coping with her anxiety.

“The harder and faster I ran, life seemed easier to handle,” Stephanie said. “After every run leading up to the 2015 Mini-Marathon, I got stronger mentally and physically.”

Running provided Stephanie with an outlet for her anxiety and depression, and it gave her confidence that she never had before. Her 2015 Mini Marathon results reflected her new passion for running.

“I gave it everything I had, and ran hard the entire 13.1,” Stephanie said. “I smashed my previous PR, finishing 1:39.37 officially. I never dreamed I could go sub 1:40, (especially at 36 with 2 kids under 4), but this proved anything is possible.”

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Stephanie still deals with anxious thoughts that sneak up on her, but she applies mental strategies that she uses in her running to combat them.

“I do have more good days than bad, but I still worry and let ridiculous thoughts creep in my head,” Stephanie said. “But I quiet them, thinking that I must ‘push through, and run on’.”

Follow Stephanie’s journey at: http://runtrimom.blogspot.com/