Indy Mini-Marathon Review

Before I begin, I want to thank everyone for the sweet texts and messages on Facebook/Twitter regarding this weekend's race.  Your support is so appreciated!  It truly meant so much to me.

Yes, ladies and gents, I completed my third half-marathon this weekend and I have to say that I am really proud of myself for the past few months of training and working harder than I ever have before for a race.  Going into this weekend, I knew it would go well and I didn't feel quite as nervous as I have in the past.  I suppose that's what happens when you prepare, right?

My siblings and I started running the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon in Indianapolis last year, and it's an awesome event!  I guess it's considered to be a kick-off event to the Indy 500, although truth be told, I cannot STAND anything race car related.  (And apparently the Indy 500 is NOT Nascar?  There's a difference?  Whatevs.)  Anyway, it's the largest half-marathon in the nation (appx. 45,000 people signed up!), and since Indy is a mere three hours from Chicago, and my husband has lots of friends there, we decided to make a weekend out of it!

As many of you know, I don't like to take too many pictures of myself, as I am horribly UN-photogenic (if that's even a word), but I did try and document some parts of the weekend.  I'll spare you the details of my pre-race meal and checking into the most amazeballs hotel suite ever.  Instead, I'll jump right to the race morning.

Last year, the weather sucked.  It was cold (appx. 40 degrees or so) and WINDY.  We're talking 20-25 mph winds.  This year, they called for RAIN.  Luckily, it held off until the very end, so the weather, while overcast, was 55 degrees and NO WIND.  Perfect running weather, in my opinion.

Before the race actually started, there were tons of beach balls flying in the air, as well as a mini-fireworks show.  

(Not sure how well you can see the beach balls in this pic, but they are there!)

(My future sister-in-law Karen. my brother Kevin, myself and my brother Mike before the race.  I look awful.  And don't worry.  The "runner's belt" went to the back and under my shirt.  But honestly, I think my brother Mike looks like the hot mess in this one!)

The race started without a hitch.  Until five minutes in.  A girl right in front of me came to a DEAD STOP.  I slammed into her so hard that I KNOCKED HER SHOE ENTIRELY OFF OF HER FOOT!  I was mortified.  After dropping several f-bombs and apologies (I may have caused a small scene), I was so embarrassed that I just took off.  However, in my defense, I'd like to say that she shouldn't have been walking in the middle of the pack five minutes into the race.  And perhaps tied her shoes a little tighter???

To be honest, the course itself is pretty boring, minus miles 6-8.  You actually run a lap on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Again, while I'm not really into racing cars and what not, it was a pretty cool experience.  Everyone is pretty fired up by that point, yelling and shouting and hi-fiving one another.  It definitely helps pass the time:)

Overall, I felt pretty great throughout the entire race.  No cramps, pain, etc.  Once I hit mile 12, I did my best to book it as fast as I could to the finish!

Final Time: 2:03:54 / Average Pace:  9:28

I am really pleased with my time.  Last year, my time was 2:11:11, with an average pace of 10:01.   My goal this year was to simply beat that time, so I am pretty happy with the way everything turned out!

(My brother Mike crossing the finish.  My husband captured such an awesome moment!)

(Me, about to cross the finish.  I am hiding behind this dude in the front of the pic.  I also look like I want to punch someone in the face.)

Kudos to my brother Mike who finished with a time of 2:03:29  and my brother Kevin and his beautiful fiancee Karen, who finished with a time of 2:14:08.  Everyone did so well, and I am glad we were able to experience this together.

Afterwards, we met up with some friends and celebrated with drinks, lunch, and of course, cupcakes.

(Cutest sign ever.)

On our way back home, we stopped to see this lovely lady and wish her a Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!  If I am half the mother you are one day, I think I'll be alright:)

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mamas out there!  Hope you enjoyed the weekend!