13.1 miles, baby

In case you’ve been on pins and needles all weekend long, I ran the entire One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon on Saturday in 2:23:16.  It was hands down one of the coolest things that I have ever done . . . Hold please, crossing another item off my 40×40 list (40 things I want to achieve before turning 40).  If you’ve always dreamed about running a Mini, this is THE Mini.  It now ranks number one on my “Things to Do in Indianapolis” list.

It was pretty cold and windy on Saturday AM in the streets of downtown Indianapolis, but you couldn’t tell from the excitement of the runners and the spectators.  AND those local entertainment acts that I was so excited to see/hear were in a word awesome.  From square dancers and cloggers, to bands playing inspirational tunes and Chick-fil-A cows in large brigade, there was never a dull moment along the route.  I must say, I was most touched by the people of Indianapolis who simply came out to sit on their front steps and cheer for the passing runners – from small children to elderly adults, they clapped, cheered, played music on their stereos and simply smiled.  And my first time EVER seeing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (*gasp!*) was AMAZING.  Running around the track was definitely memory maker!  My fears about injuries, lack of training, and the fact that I couldn’t wear my iPod simply faded away.  There was too much to take in to worry about any of those things!

The events surrounding the Indianapolis 500 Race are just getting started.  As for me, I definitely plan on running again next year.  I’ve even recovered enough that I think at least 3 miles on the road are in my future tonight.

AND I’m jonesing for a “I Finished” T-shirt from the 500 Festival Shop (Anyone wanna take up a collection?  I have a coupon!).  Thanks for sharing my crazy journey and encouraging me to take a big step of faith.  It was worth it!  You can take a big step of faith (AND have more time to train!) by signing up for next year here.