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Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge Ambassador Guest Blog: Danielle Shively

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.

Make Fitness Fun for the Whole Family with the #IndyVirtualChallenge

With the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by CLIF Bar, benefitting the 500 Festival and the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge, benefitting the 500 Festival, there are so many ways to stay active and moving toward a healthy lifestyle! For parents, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a key factor in keeping up with your energetic kiddos. Taking on the #IndyVirtualChallnege can also demonstrate the importance of physical activity and set an example of a healthy lifestyle for your children. So why not get your kids involved in earning your #IndyVirtualChallenge miles? Try out some of the activities below to make fitness fun for the whole family!

Complete the #IndyVirtualChallenge Scavenger Hunt! Share your pics and let us know when your complete the photo scavenger hunt by tagging @500festival and #IndyVirtualChallenge on social media
Take a stroll through the neighborhood on a family walk
Cruise through the park on a family bike ride
Have some fun in the sun with a pool day
Get your boogie on with a dance party!
Create some friendly, family competition with a weekly sports night!
Hoop it up and challenge the kids to a basketball game
Ace the competition with a tennis match
Stay fit with your furry friend and walk the dog
Break out the sidewalk chalk and draw up some hopscotch or an obstacle course

Looking for more ways to get your kids active? Join us for the 500 Festival mini-mini on August 29 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! The mini-mini is a timed run designed specifically for kids and provides Indiana’s youth with a OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon experience, sized just for them. Sign up TODAY or visit Indymini.com/minimini for more information!

Earn Your #IndyVirtualChallenge Miles on the Most Popular Trails in Indy!

The #IndyVirtualChallenge allows you to achieve your fitness goals anytime, anywhere! But you can find some of the best spots to crush your 500 or 250 miles right here in Indy! Explore the beautiful city of Indianapolis from lakeside views and vibrant greenery to urban trails and cityscapes. Check out some of the most popular trails and paths in Indy to conquer your #IndyVirtualChallenge!

White River Trail

This popular Indianapolis trail spans 3 miles along the White River with its north point at 38^th St and south point at Raymond St. The White River Trail passes by several Indy cultural and educational attractions like the Indianapolis Museum of Art, IUPUI, and the Indianapolis Zoo. The trail also conveniently links with the Downtown Canal Walk, another Indy favorite.

Downtown Canal Walk

One of the most popular downtown pedestrian walks, the Canal Walk is a picturesque almost 2-mile loop. This waterside urban trail gives you a unique glimpse of the Indy cityscape, perfect for running, walking, biking, and more!

Pleasant Run Trail

The Pleasant Run Trail runs 6.9 miles one way, beginning at Ellenberger Park, running through Christian Park, and ending at Garfield Park, Indy’s oldest city park. You can find yourself winding through Pleasant Run Creek as well as neighborhood sidewalks.

Monon Trail

This multi-use path was once a former railroad, converted into a pedestrian trail. Stretching nearly 26 miles, the Monon Trail extends from downtown Indianapolis all the way to Westfield. Nearly 10 miles of the trail winds through the city alone! On the Monon Trail you can find yourself passing through the east end of Mass Ave., past the Indiana State Fairgrounds, through Broad Ripple Village, past the Indianapolis Arts Center, and so much more!

The Cultural Trail

Experience the city’s six cultural districts along the Cultural Trail: Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, Canal and White River Park, and the Wholesale District. This 8-mile trail is perfect for bikers and runners, with designated lanes for each. Enjoy scenes of greenery and public art and even pass by the 500 Festival building!

Eagle Creek Park

Eagle Creek Park is one of the largest city-owned parks in the nation and among the most popular trails in Indianapolis. Located on the northwest side of Indy, Eagle Creek includes 5K, 8K, and 10K certified road courses, perfect for #IndyMini training! The trail features flat pavement, rolling hills, and dirt trails, a taste for whichever terrain you prefer.

Where is your favorite spot to conquer your #IndyVirtualChallenge? Let us know! Share your photos with us on social media by tagging @500festival and use the hashtag #IndyVirtualChallenge. Whether it’s right here in Indy or across the globe, we can’t wait to see where the #IndyVirtualChallenge takes you!

The Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge is Heating Up

Summer is the perfect time to take on the Indianapolis 500 Mile Challenge, presented by American Dairy Association Indiana, Inc., benefitting the 500 Festival or the Gasoline Alley 250 Mile Challenge, presented by Winners Drink Milk, benefitting the 500 Festival!

Summer brings tons of fun, outdoor activities such as swimming, gardening, biking, dog walking, hiking, and vacations. More daylight in the mornings and evenings means more time to get outside and tackle those #IndyVirtualChallenge miles.

However, along with summer comes extreme heat and humidity, making it challenging to exercise outdoors. Check out these tips to beat the heat this summer and conquer your #IndyVirtualChallenge!

Acclimate your body to the hot conditions

Any form of physical activity in the heat and humidity of the summer will be challenging at first. You may feel slower or have less energy than in cooler weather. Let your body adjust to the hot conditions by gradually increasing the intensity and length of activity. Your body will get better at cooling itself in the heat by decreasing heart rate, reducing core body temperature, and increasing sweat rate.

Choose a cool time of day

Take advantage of the long summer days by getting out early in the morning or later in the evening. Try to avoid long or high-intensity activity logging during the heat of the day, which is usually 10am-4pm. If you are active during this time, try to stay indoors or find a shady or grassy area outdoors.

Check the heat index

Before you head out, be sure to check the heat index, which combines both temperature and relative humidity.

Wear the right clothing

Wear clothing that is light in color to reflect the sun away from your body. Lightweight and breathable fabric such as polyester, cotton blends, and synthetic fabric can also allow your body to stay cool. Be sure to lather on the sunscreen and consider wearing a hat to protect your face and head.

Hydration is key

Be sure to make sure you are properly hydrated before battling the heat. Drinking water before physical activity can help to lower your body temperature and prevent cramps, lightheadedness, and headaches. Try to drink at least 8-12 ounces 30 minutes prior to activity. Drinking another 8-12 ounces for every 20 minutes of activity is also important. To replace electrolytes, recover with a sports or recovery beverage.

Slow your pace

Runners and walkers might find themselves moving a little slower or with less energy in extreme conditions. Every 5-degree increase in temperature can slow your pace by as much as 20 to 30 seconds per mile. In these conditions, slow down and listen to your body. Runners may need to take a brisk walk if necessary to avoid heat-related illnesses.