One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon Race Report

 In Indiana the "Mini" as it's known is THE event for runners.  Seems at some point and time everyone does it.  It starts off the month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  It's a prelude to the Indianapolis 500.  With that being said here is my report.

The half marathon field of participants is 35,000 and the 5k is 5,000.  Bib numbers at the expo were over 54,000.  Every year the field fills up very quickly.  

The day before the event it was 82 degrees.  A cold front came through leaving race day with a high temp of 53 and winds steady between 15 to 20mph with gusts reaching 35mph.  It was cold and windy.  The temp at the start of the race was 40 degrees.  At least it wasn't raining.

From the start of the race it took us 23 minutes to reach the starting line.  As soon as I reached the starting line I took off like a man possessed.  I soon left my Wife, Sister In Law, and Niece behind.  We were in coral "Z" so I had a lot of traffic to pass and weave through.  I checked my Garmin and I was well ahead of my 13:00 minute per mile pace.  I even thought to myself that I couldn't believe how fast I was running.

The traffic never thinned out.  I thought I might break free after mile two or so but it never happened.  I think that I ran as much side to side as I did forward.  Instead of my distance being 13.1 I swear it felt like 26.2!!!!  Whenever I was caught behind walkers walking three abreast or more I channeled my inner football player and broke through the line.  I always said excuse me or coming through before making my move but I got tired of running around them or slowing my pace.

Short of mile six you enter the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The distance around the track is 2.5 miles.  I did not like running on the track because of the slant.  It really made my right knee hurt.  That knee has had two surgeries on it so I'm pretty protective of it.

The race discourages wearing ipods or mp3 players.  They do have over 80 music acts along the way to keep participants entertained.  Still, there were many people wearing headphones.  I usually run with music but I didn't mind not having my music at all.  I may start leaving it at home more often.

The course isn't pretty.  It takes you through some very poor neighborhoods in Indianapolis.  Along the route were some homeless people, people already drunk by 11AM.  I imagine they just stay drunk.  What a hard way to live your life.

I had a good race.  I ran the entire time.  I never walked.  I had a personal record of 2:57.  I wanted to be under three hours and I did it.  I may have done better if I had not had to deal with such heavy traffic.  My next goal is a solid 2:30 to 2:45.  We'll see in two weeks.  Next up is the Geist Half Marathon on May 22nd.

Good luck to all of you on your races, training, and events.

Duane

Great job on setting and achieving your goal and good luck on the 22nd!

Great race Duane. Your ready now to step up those runs baby. I hear marathon on the horizon for you... sounds like you already ran one today! LOL.

Jeff

 Great report and great job!  I personally am looking to stay away from the huge crowds if I can manage as it really does seem to drain a lot.  

Way to Git Er Dun!!!! Great job bro... Your improvement is awesome dude. Keep it up, Rocky Raccoon will be here before you know it. FYI... Registration just opened up :) Hint Hint Hint

Wow! Congrats Duane!  Sounds like quite the run, AND great time!

Good luck on your next one, and will be anxious to read the report!

 Thanks for the support guys.  I appreciate it.

Jeff, I'm going to sign up for a full marathon to be done in the Fall.

Dan, as soon as I have a little extra cash I'll sign up for the Rocky.  I'm really looking forward to it.

Duane

Way to go Duane.  Try not to hurt any old ladies when you break thorugh the line!!  LOL.

Congrats my friend.

Darrell

Great Job!

Congrats on the successful race and good luck on the next race.

Scott

 Thanks Darrell and Scott.

Duane