Indy Mini

God really does have a sense of humor. It is funny to me how things work out. I heard about the Indy Mini through some friends and really wanted to do it. However,  I was crippled by fear that I couldn't do it. I told myself I wasn't good enough. So I did not sign up. I thought about it ALL the time. I would go to the website and want to register so bad, but I just couldn't do it. Less than a week before the race I asked Tyler if he wanted to do to the 5k. He definitely wanted to so I was getting ready to sign us up when I received a facebook message from my friend Brittany F.  on Monday April 27th. She asked me if I would want her Mini ticket.  I didn't respond right away to her  because in my head I was saying heck no, I'm not ready and I can't do it. I texted my husband and he said that I could do it and said I was absolutely going to take her ticket and do it!  So I messaged her back and said Yes!   I wanted to be on a T.V. show at that moment and proclaim to everyone, "I SAID YES TO THE MINI."  I couldn't believe I actually told her yes. I was telling myself I wasn't ready. I hadn't done a long run in over a month. I was freaking scared to death! What was I getting myself into!  After I settled down I knew right away I had to do this run for Brittany and her Memaw. During the time that she would be training for this, her Memaw was very sick so she spent every moment with her. Her Memaw passed away and now Brittany has those last few special memories of spending time with her. I know how precious that time is and am so thankful she was able to have that with her.

Photo taken from Google Image

The Expo was Friday. We decided to take the girls up with us during the day just to enjoy some time up there with them and my father in law would pick them up at our hotel later that day. We stayed in Indy at the JW Marriott, which was right next to the start line! The expo was so much fun. We met up with our friends Jasen and Jennifer during the day and Cory and Jelayne in the evening. Tyler and I were on our feet walking the Expo and Indy from 130pm to 8pm. Hah,  we were too excited to sit still and relax! We paid for it a little the next day and told each other we will rest much more the day before our races! Our hotel room was so nice and our bed was extra comfortable!  We got a really good night of sleep and were well rested when we woke up! We definitely woke up ready to race. We were ready to get out there and run. It was so cool to look out our window and see all of the volunteers getting in to place so early in the morning. The sunrise was beautiful and we knew it was going to be a great day!

 My wave was set to line up at 8am. Start time was 815. Tyler's 5k started at 7:15. I wanted to head over to the finish line as soon as he crossed the start line to see him finish. Heather, Brittany and I got over there and waited for him to finish. During this time I had to go to the bathroom really bad.  I was so scared I would miss Ty cross! As soon as I got back I saw him cross the finish line at 26 07! I was sooo happy for him! He did such a good job. Very proud wife right here! It's amazing to see his transformation in such a short time frame. After that,  Britt and I had just enough time to head back over to the line up. As soon as I found where I was supposed to line up, I looked ahead and spotted Jelayne! I couldn't believe it. I thought there was no way I could find her in that crowd. Brittany had to make a pit stop on our way to our wave, so unfortunately we could not find each other before it was time for us to take off. I sent her a text and told her I would see her when she crossed that finish line! 

Photo Credit: Heather

It was almost 8:15 on the countdown and I had to pee so incredibly bad at that moment (just keeping it real). I was literally scared that I would pee my pants as soon as we started running. My nerves were just a mess! As soon as the count down went off and the air horn blew everyone started moving forward. It was the coolest moment to me! There were so so so many people. Participants were trying to pass and I would hear comments like "this is so hard to get through." It really was. You were shoulder to shoulder with people. Once we got up around to the Zoo it started to thin out as people went on. I was so happy to realize I did not pee my pants!

I have to pee so bad face. "Can I pop a squat?" Tyler: NO

All I could concentrate on for the first 5k was the sound of all these runners. It seriously reminded me of the movie The Lion King when there was a stampede during the scene where Simba was being rescued by his dad.  That sound just amazed me. I was shocked to see the very first band on the course playing not even a mile after the start line.  These bands were all over the place and I loved the energy they provided! All of the songs were geared towards motivating us runners.  I had no idea that was part of the course! It made the running more fun and interesting. There were a few Christian bands as well which I loved. Running through the neighborhoods there would be people sitting on their porches staring at us runners. I always wondered what they were thinking. Some had pots and pans and were banging on them with wooden spoons. I thought that was super cute!

Photo taken from Google Image

All throughout  the race I watched all of these people around me running. They all amazed me. Each and every person I saw and was running by. Sometimes I would put my hand on an elderly persons shoulder and let them know how amazing they were and how good they were doing and to keep it up and to look as good as they did then at the finish line. It felt good to see the smiles on their faces!  Sometimes when I saw one struggling I would say a prayer for them. Sometimes I would just start crying at watching people with disabilities running and putting there heart out there on that road. Just seeing all the runners of all different shapes, sizes, and abilities was so emotional for me. I knew for sure if they could do this I could too. I had goosebumps and tears in my eyes the whole entire race. You are running next to some people who have only 1 leg, are being pushed in a wheelchair, are paralyzed on one side of their body, are elderly, are young, struggling, but are all passionate and running for a certain reason. I was just in awe at everyone's struggle and determination. 

I literally could not! *Google image*

I was super impressed with how many drink stations and port a potties there were along the way. Yes, I did have to stop and use the bathroom at mile 6 just in cause you were wondering! It was funny to me to see all of the people who had to go as well run in and out so fast.  It was a lightning fast potty break! I stopped to drink water at every station. I am not coordinated enough yet to drink and run at the same time so I had to stop every time and walk.  I'm pretty sure there were either water or gatorade at every mile. It seemed that way to me anyways. I wasn't a fan of the gatorade. Every single time I got the lime flavor and it made me nauseous. I told myself I wouldn't get it again and just keep going until the next water stop, but I ended up stopping every time still. I guess I just didn't want to get dehydrated! At mile 10 they had cliff shots for us and I took one little taste and wanted to vomit.  I couldn't handle the taste or consistency of that stuff. Next time I definitely want to have my own water, gatorade, etc with me.

Google Image

The spectators were so awesome. They didn't care who you were, they wanted you to do good and keep going. I loved the signs they had. Some of my favorites were, "WORST PARADE EVER! boy was that true! Haha! and "I don't know you, but I am so proud of you."  "I trained for months to stand here and hold this sign for you." These people genuinely cared about every runner.  Every single volunteer blew my mind! They were all so kind with their smiles, encouraging words that kept us going and most definitely kept us very well hydrated. There is proof in this picture right here that Jelayne captured! These cups were EVERYWHERE! At times it was very slick and you had to be very careful not to slip.

Google Image

Google Image

Besides running with thousands of amazing people, my favorite part about the course was the entertainment along the way, getting to the speedway, and then the final stretch of the race. Entering the speedway was sort of nerve racking because the track was ginormous and I felt so small. I felt claustrophobic and like we were going to be running on the track for hours. I was so happy when I saw that we were coming around the final stretch! I was anxious to get back on the road and finish the last few miles. Even though I felt that way on the track, I was still amazed by it and loved every second of it. The final mile was incredible. I loved looking ahead knowing I was almost finished. Such an amazing feeling knowing you are almost done!

Mile 7. Only time I got my phone out to snap this picture.

 Miles 1-9 were great for me! Mile 10 and 12 proved to be a little tough. When I would stop for a drink break it was hard to get back at my pace. Miles 11 and 13 I had to push myself to get back to my desired pace. Mind over matter! When I saw that finish line it was such a relief! I actually had made it that far and felt pretty good! My goal for this race was to have fun and not over do it and to complete it in 2 hours and 30 minutes. I stuck to my plan very well. I crossed the finish line at 2 hours 20 minutes and 29 seconds! The feeling of crossing that finish line was so overwhelming. So many emotions, some tears, and not any words to describe the feeling! I felt so good I literally wanted to keep running!

Offical time!

My GPS

Jelayne sent this to me. Yep 100% me!!!!

Throughout the race I thought about my mom a lot. She had neuropathy in her feet as a side effect from her chemotherapy. That means her feet felt like pins and needles every step she took and like she was walking on fire. I saw her cry at times in private about it. In public she always had a smile on her face despite the horrible pain she was in and never complained. She was determined every single day to get out and walk for hours. She loved taking her grand kids to the park every chance she could get. The last time she stayed with us a few months before she passed, she asked if we could all go on a walk to the park. Of course we did and she smiled the whole entire time. We sang, laughed, listened to birds, examined bugs, admired beautiful trees. She wanted to defeat the huge hill at the Jimmy Nash Park. I told her I didn't think that was a good idea, but she said she wanted to. So we did and got to the top of that hill. I was seriously blown away by her strength at that moment. Her determination lives in me to this day. During my runs my feet may hurt and go numb, I may get some cramps, and my back may be killing me, but I try to remember to smile through it because I know that's exactly what my mom did for over 7 years. During the race I knew there would be some pain, but thinking about what she went through got me through my very minimal pains!

Google Maps {Jimmy Nash Park}

This race made me realize even more that anything is possible with God's help! Fear may cripple us for a moment, but if we can find that strength to push through and make it to the other side, that feeling that you will have is indescribable. With His help we literally can accomplish anything. In every day life, parenting, friendships, family,  trials, hardships, moments of weakness, running, work, highs, lows, through it all I just want to remember that we are where we are today because God has lead us to this path. If he brings us to it, He will get us through it. If you push yourself, you can do anything. I am proof of that! I'm so glad my fear was completely shattered on May 2 at the Indy Mini.

About to cross the finish line!

I have to give a shout out to the people I know who participated and did so good! Tyler B., Brittany D., Jelayne T.,  Jennifer C., Jasen C., Brent C., Kim M, and Chris M.  Some rocked the 5k and others the Mini!  I am so proud of each and every one of them.  Thankful for Heather who showed up at 630 to support all of us. Having her there was such a blessing! She is one of my biggest fans and support system. She believes in me pushes me to be a better person everyday! Having Cory there supporting all of us was so much fun too! I can't wait for him to start running with us "nerds." :) I just love how everyone was supporting each other and so happy for one another!

My family and friends support completely overwhelmed me. The texts and messages were so sweet and comforting. Knowing that people had faith in me helped so much.  There is nothing like knowing your people are there for you. I look forward to training for more races (and doing this one every year as a fun tradition!) and encouraging others a long the way!  So thankful for the ability to run as it has been such a healing process for me! I can officially say I completed a half marathon, which still amazes me! To God be the Glory! {Philippians 4:13}

That moment you see your loves after you finished the race!

My guy believed in me when I didn't!!! He's my #1 fan!

  

See, I told you guys I had a lot to say about my first Mini :)  It was one of the coolest things I've ever done and a day I will never forget! Feel free to leave any comments!

Until next time,

A running Momma who ran a Mini! :D