What it means to be an Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge Ambassador
Hi! My name is Danielle and this is my second year as an Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge Ambassador. I am a stay-at-home mom who started my fitness journey in my late 20’s with two small children. My journey began as a group fitness instructor and progressed into running and doing just about any form of physical activity that allowed me to be outdoors.
In my late 30’s, I decided to run my first half marathon, The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon! Once I crossed my first finish line, I was hooked and ready for more. I do realize though, that not everyone embraces running. So that is what makes the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by CLIF Bar, and the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge a perfect fit for anyone of any fitness level. This challenge allows participants to choose an activity or a group of activities they enjoy doing and also helps individuals who are looking to make healthy lifestyle changes.
This challenge has been an amazing journey over the past two years. A lifesaver from the uncertainty of COVID-19, to watching so many participants latch onto this challenge and do things that they might not have ever felt they could do without a support group. For me, to be able to support and encourage participants along the way has been the most important and rewarding aspect. It’s been fun to see the different favorite activities, all the faraway places participants have logged miles, and the smiles this challenge is creating.
Now it’s off to log some more miles myself, and some of my favorite ways to add those miles are to run, bike, hike, and kayak.
