"halfmarathon"

19 posts

Board Member Spotlight – Brian Schuetter

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? Medical Liaison. I help coordinate injury checks during our training programs. I’m around for questions/advice or for steering folks in the direction of medical consultations when appropriate. And help coordinate medical coverage for our Races. And I help do a few
other things.

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? I played a bunch of sports growing up, but always thought my friends on the XC team were crazy. Then at IU and post-college it was just easier to lace ‘em up and go for a run. Then I met a bunch of friends that were runners and here we are. I’ve been involved with Indy Runners since 2005 and on the Board since 2008. It’s been a wonderfully enjoyable ride.

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? Yes. High School in Brownsburg. College at IU. I’m a local guy.

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? I used to go with music early on, but for a good 20-years now I’ve just enjoyed the solitude of solo runs and the camaraderie of runs with friends.

What is your favorite distance/race? I don’t end up racing all that much, but certainly enjoy a good Half Marathon. These Full Marathons seem like silly things. It doesn’t stop me from still doing them, but still.

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? I love the mix of our membership – all ages, all paces, all levels, all sorts of different reasons for getting out there. It’s a pleasure to share the roads with everyone.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? Another Full at Monumental and another attempt at an elusive BQ. Again, marathons = silly things.

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Don’t worry about pace, take walk breaks when needed, and mix it up between solo runs and runs with friends.

What is your favorite route to run? Oh man we’re blessed with so many good ones. From home – through Butler and home on the Towpath. Drive a bit and enjoy the trails at Eagle Creek. Drive quite a bit and enjoy the parks of Holland, Michigan.

What is your favorite running book/movie? Book: Once a Runner. Movie: Without Limits, or the Spirit of the Marathon documentary.

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? I’m a physical therapist at St. Vincent Sports Performance where I get to help runners and athletes of all stripes get and stay healthy. My wife, Kay, and I live in Broad Ripple where we’re close to all sorts of fun routes just out our front door. Golf is my first love, even if I don’t play nearly as much as I used to.

What is your prerace routine? A silly Facebook post that I’ve borrowed from Adam Carolla.

What is your post run/race meal? Our friends at Runners Forum getting Chik-fil-A sandwiches at the Mini is pretty hard to beat. But Carol gives them a run for their money with Breakfast at the Monumental.

What is your proudest running moment? Not sure about “proudest” but my most enjoyable moments come at our Cheer Zone at Monumental sharing everyone’s accomplishments and reflecting on the year.

What might club members find surprising about you? Is it surprising to learn that I’m really not all that surprising?

Board Member Spotlight – Dan Bardua

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? At Large Member

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? I have been running for almost 25 years on and off. Started in middle school and continued
through high school and while at Butler. I’ve been part of Indy Runners for about 3 years or
so now.

Are you originally from the Indianapolis area? I am originally from Cincinnati, OH but relocated here after going to Butler.

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? I am lucky enough to usually have a group to run with, even in the early weekday hours, so we have spirited conversation.

What is your favorite distance/race? My favorite race is probably the marathon. I have completed 12 in the last 11 years, and it always seems to draw me back in.

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? The club provides a lot of opportunities for runners of all different abilities. It’s truly focused on bringing people together to run, no matter what their pace is.

What is your favorite route to run? I have a route that goes from my house through downtown and along the White River trail near the zoo. It covers a lot of the city, and usually I will catch the sunrise coming up behind the city in the mornings.

What is your favorite running book/movie? Fight Club – “I ran. I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. Then I ran some more. ”

Board Member Spotlight – Brian Cake

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? Webmaster

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? I’ve been running for 26 years but joined Indy Runners and Walkers in 2002.

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? I grew up just north of Indy.

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? I almost always run outside and prefer to be able to hear nearby cars, so I don’t listen to music or podcasts while running.

What is your favorite distance/race? I’ve raced way more half marathons than any other distance, so I’d say I prefer that distance. However, my favorite race was probably the Siberian Express trail race in Danville, IL. It’s held the first Saturday in January, meaning that the weather conditions vary greatly from year to year. After the race, participants are invited to an after party where lunch is served.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? I’ve been trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon for almost 20 years. However, I’ve yet to qualify. This year, I’ve been training all-out in preparation for making a final(?) qualifying attempt this Fall.

Why did you begin running? I got talked into donating blood during my junior year of college, and I found out that my cholesterol was barely in the normal range. I decided to start running to help ensure it didn’t go up

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Seek out the knowledge of experienced runners around you so that you can avoid making the same mistakes we’ve made

What is your favorite route to run? I used to like a six mile route on the trails at Eagle Creek, but I was born with a medical condition that now makes my legs feel heavy when I run. I therefore avoid trails with roots to lessen the chance of tripping. I instead periodically run the roads in the park.

What is your proudest running moment? I’ll list two of them:

I set a half marathon PR of 1:24:50 (6:29 mins/mile pace) many years ago.
As part of a competition at work that was supposedly to promote health, they offered a prize for whoever could do the most steps on a specific Saturday. (We all had been given Fitbits to count steps.) I won the competition with 104,000+ steps. Part of the day was spent participating in our club’s “Run the Monon” 20 mile run. However, I particularly remember walking through the neighborhoods near me after 11:00pm that evening, so tired that I was veering from side-to-side.

What might club members find surprising about you? I’m not very athletic overall. Growing up, I tried three different sports: baseball, soccer, and basketball. If there were multiple levels of leagues, I was always in the lowest league.

Board Member Spotlight – Grant Carpenter

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? Director of Sponsorship

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? I started running to lose weight in 2018 but really started to become a more serious runner in 2020. I became a member in 2020.

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? No, I am from southern California

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? I love listening to podcasts. Mostly on sports, news and pop culture. The only time I listen to music while running is during a workout long run to stay motivated.

What is your favorite distance/race? I’ve never raced anything above a half-marathon. I love that distance because it is the perfect blend of speed and endurance.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? I’d like to set a PR at the Monumental Half Marathon. I’d also like to explore more of the trails around Indianapolis.

Why did you begin running? I started running to lose weight but could only run a mile or two and was exhausted. I hated everything about it until I realized I needed to slow down and not run at 100% effort every run. Once I changed that mentality, I fell in love with it.

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Slow down! Not every run is meant to be a race.

What is your favorite route to run? Either north or south on the Monon starting in Broad Ripple. You don’t have to worry about cars and it’s easy to get lost in your thoughts in the trees.

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? I live in Broad Ripple with my wife and our dog, Franklin. I work for an Association Management Company as a Director of Membership, working with professional and trade association.

What is your prerace routine? Bagel with10 minutes or so of some mobility exercises to loosen things up. On the few days I skip it, I regret it pretty quickly..

What is your post run/race meal? A burger and fries.

What is your proudest running moment? Completing the Chicago Marathon inI came in first place at an inaugural 5K race in 2021. I never thought I’d break the tape at an event but it just happened to work for me that day!

Board Member Spotlight – Jim Patton

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? I am responsible for arranging the seminars during our Spring Training Program and facilitating our Scholarship program.

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? I have been running since 2010 and I have been a member of Indy Runners for about as long as I have been running!

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? I grew up in Carmel and graduated from Carmel High School.

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? Only conversation with running friends! 🙂

What is your favorite distance/race? ½ Marathon

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? I have always been a fan of the Spring Training program. It has helped me train for a number of 500 Festival Mini-Marathons. I am also a huge fan of the Sam Costa races.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? My goal is to break 4 hours for the first time in the Monumental Marathon.

Why did you begin running? I started in January 2010 to get in shape. I weighed about 70 pounds more then than I do now.

What is your favorite running motto/mantra? The body achieves what the mind believes.

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Start out slow and find a running club to make friends and help you train for the distance of your choice.

What is your favorite route to run? I love running through Crown Hill Cemetery.

What is your favorite running book/movie? 26 Marathons by Meb Keflezighi

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? I work in sales for a consulting company called Performance Development Group (PDG). I am married to my wife, Jennifer, and we have two daughters, Brooklyn and Chelsea. I love IU sports and Chicago Bears football. I also volunteer with Outreach, Back on My Feet and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, and I am on the board of the Drumstick Dash and Dove Recovery House for Women.

What is your prerace routine? Bagel with peanut butter and a banana.

What is your post run/race meal? Brunch at the Original Pancake House!

What is your proudest running moment? Completing the Chicago Marathon in 4:02 in 2019.

What might club members find surprising about you? I hated running most of my life. I did not start running regularly until I was 45 years old!

Board Member Spotlight – Angelica McMurtray

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? Membership but I’m also helping with STP as a coach.

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? On and off for 13 years. I joined Indy Runners back in 2013 when I trained for my first Full Marathon (Monumental). I took a little break from running, got back into it 2017 but didn’t join Indy Runners again till 2020 – right when the pandemic started.

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? No- Born in New York, raised in California, moved to Carmel Indiana 2010 for my husband’s work.

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? I used to listen to podcasts (I am a neuroscience/psychology nerd) but sometimes it’s hard to listen to the technical ones because I zone out and have to rewind to make sure I really listened! Usually I go without music because I don’t want to use it as a crutch for running.

What is your favorite distance/race? HALF MARATHONS!

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? I love that running brings so many types of people and backgrounds to the table. So diverse and inclusive!

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? Do not get injured. And have fun.

Why did you begin running? I was NEVER athletic as a kid. I hated PE, sports, and was terribly uncoordinated and physically lazy. But after I gave birth to 3 babies in less than 4 years, I gained so much weight and felt awful about how I looked and felt. So I picked up running. It was SO hard but initially but I stuck with it. Somehow my friends in my new mom’s playgroup convinced me to sign up for a half marathon. That was 2009, and I was old as a new runner – 38! But I was able to shed the baby fat and feel great and kept on running just like Forrest Gump. Here I am, my youngest is now 13 and I’ve run almost 30 half’s and 4 fulls.

What is your favorite running motto/mantra? ‘Running is a process and a journey’. Even though we work towards goals, PRs and finish lines and that somehow this is what gets highlighted the most, the bulk of what we do is in our every day habits and boring monotonous ‘busy work’ (fueling well, hydrating, stretching, very slow aerobic runs, recovery, strength training, sleep) that actually gets us to the finish line with a smile. It’s the cumulative journey of the thousands of miles you run that makes you a runner, not just one race.

What advice would you give to beginning runners? I said this in the STP coaches blog but be consistent and make it a habit. It doesn’t matter if you’re slow or fast, or young or old. It doesn’t matter if it’s on a treadmill or outside. It doesn’t matter if periodically you have to rest and walk. It doesn’t matter if it’s super short as in barely a mile or maybe just half a mile. Try to run almost every day and make it a habit. You will become a runner one day because of your habits.

What is your favorite route to run? I’m a creature of habit and don’t mind running the all roundabouts of West Carmel. But I do like the Monon – particularly starting from 96th St and going northbound. And every time I still look out for the Pirate cat.

What is your favorite running book/movie? So many to choose from, but if I had to pick: David Goggins’ ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ because he is the epitome of the underdog facing the worst adversity. There is no other human being who has his mental strength.

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? 17 years ago I left my job as a Project Manager at Technology consulting firm to be a stay at home mom. Even though there were struggles along the way, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. My husband and I have 3 awesome teens Jack 17, Brody 15, Cole 13 so life remains chaotic. We also have 2 crazy but funny dogs – Chesapeake Bay Retrievers – named Lucy and Peggy!

What is your prerace routine? I don’t have a specific one!!

What is your post run/race meal? Something salty, rich and decadent- sour cream & onion potato chips, bacon cheeseburger, fries. Pizza. I don’t have a sweet tooth, I have a salty fat tooth! 🙂

What is your proudest running moment? Finishing my first 13.1 and seeing my sweet babies (ages 1, 3, 4) right there at the finish line!

What might club members find surprising about you? Back in the 90s I was part of an acapella pop/r&b girl group that toured the country (and Hawaii and the Philippines). I also got to travel to Europe twice (England and Germany) on someone else’s dime as a member of the UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus. Music is still in my blood (and my kids are all musical thank goodness!) but it’s taken a back seat to running.

Board Member Spotlight – Sam Losier

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? Marketing Director

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? Been running for about 13 years. A lot of off and on the last 7. Been a member since July 2021

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? Close! From Terre Haute, went to college in Muncie and moved to Fishers afterward. I work in downtown so the Indy Runners runs are a convenient way to get a run in on my way home.

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? I don’t; never have been able to

What is your favorite distance/race? Not sure about my favorite race yet since I am just getting back into it but favorite distance is 10+ miles

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? The community. There are people of all ages and paces and everyone is so supportive of each other. In my short time with Indy Runners, I have found a new family

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? Finish a marathon, finish the Jackson 50/50

Why did you begin running? I began running for cross country in the 6^th grade. I remember talking to my dad about sports going into middle school and he told me about cross country. I was interested so he took me out to a track and we did 3 laps non-stop. He asked me if I liked it (I did!) and to not let anyone stop me from doing what I love.

What is your favorite running motto/mantra? “In the homestretch” – This is different for each course/distance I do but in high school, we started most of our runs at the park across the street. Usually running out past the park and back. There was a long stretch of trees that every time me and my group would hit that part, we’d kick it up a little and say it was the homestretch. Now, it depends on where I am running but usually within the last mile for long runs is “the homestretch”

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Learn to listen to your body. This will save you so many injuries. It’s okay to push yourself but there is a fine line before you push too far and hurt yourself

What is your favorite route to run?

Williams Creek
I also like going out to the Fall Creek trail

What is your favorite running book/movie? How about Magazine: Runner’s World. I used to be subscribed and they had helpful tips and good articles! Plus it is a nice link to the greater running community as well

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? I love to read, I love tea, I collect mugs, and I write poetry

What is your prerace routine? Carb load the night before! Morning of, I wake up, get dressed and arrive. I don’t typically eat breakfast but before races I will have a birthday cake Gu (it has become my new tradition)

What is your post run/race meal?Anything breakfast-y

What is your proudest running moment? Being done with the Jackson 50/50 50K. I didn’t finish but I am proud of what I did. It was a hard course!

What might club members find surprising about you? I am a pretty open book so I’m not sure. Ask me anything!

Board Member Spotlight – Molly Mohrfeld

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? At large / Publishes the newsletter

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? About 5 years, 4 years with Indy Runners

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? Yes, I now live in the same neighborhood in Indianapolis that I grew up in!

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? Not usually–just my friends! If I ever do listen to music, it’s 100% going to be Taylor Swift.

What is your favorite distance/race? 13.1 for sure

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? I love the people and the organized runs. They keep me motivated to keep coming back and getting better.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? Just to continue enjoying running!

Why did you begin running? I began running in 2018 when I started coaching Cross Country. I wanted to be able to keep up with the kids, and I fell in love with it!

What is your favorite running motto/mantra? “Settle in”

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Consistency! I’m sure most people say this, but it’s true! Getting out there even on days you don’t want to will make you a better runner.

What is your favorite route to run? Any routes about Butler and on the Towpath are my favorite. I love the mix of hills, flat roads, and soft surfaces.

What is your favorite running book/movie? Brittany Runs a Marathon (movie, comedy)

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? OuI am a high school English teacher at Bishop Chatard, and am just finishing up my Masters in English at Butler. My husband’s name is Matt, and we have two dogs, Mo and Mae. If I’m not reading or running, I am hanging out with them!

What is your prerace routine? Coffee, toast + pb, banana, warm up, and get after it! I also like to lay out my race clothes the night before.

What is your post run/race meal?A chicken salad sandwich from Cafe Patachou

What is your proudest running moment? Finishing the Monumental Marathon last fall with a 15min. PR!

What might club members find surprising about you? I climbed the tallest mountain in the contiguous US–Mt. Whitney–last summer. It was my first time ever climbing and I felt fantastic the whole day!

Board Spotlight – Andrew Scott

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? I work on all of our races and events.

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? I started running way back when I joined my junior high cross-country team. I ran cross-country and track throughout high school and took a long break when I went to college. I rekindled my love of running in my late 20’s and have been running ever since.

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? I’m originally from a small town in northcentral Indiana called Peru. It’s the circus capital of the world! I moved to Indy after I graduated from college and have now been here for 22 years.

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? I listen to a bunch of stuff and it depends on what I have planned that day. I really enjoy the Rich Roll Podcast, Fuel for the Sole Podcast, and typically listen to autobiographies. When I’m listening to music, well, it gets pretty diverse but it’s usually some crazy playlist I created on Spotify.

What is your favorite distance/race? I really enjoy the half-marathon. It’s long enough to be a strong challenge but it doesn’t dominate my life like marathon training.

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? I love connecting with our fellow runners in Indy Runners. It’s great seeing those that are just starting out on their running journey while also swapping stories and training tips with some of the more seasoned runners.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? My goal is to incorporate more strength training in my routine

Why did you begin running? I started running back in junior high because I was terrible at all of the other sports! I took it back up in my late 20’s because I needed a lifestyle change. I was able to drop several unhealthy habits and pick up a new, healthy habit of running.

What is your favorite running motto/mantra? My favorite mantra is “Relentless Forward Progress”. One year when I was running the Monumental Marathon, I saw someone holding up a huge sign with this mantra right at the halfway point. It really stuck with me and became my go-to mantra not just in running, but in my daily life.

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Don’t compare yourself to others, actively seek inspiration, be your own hero. Those runners you see out there crushing big miles with a fast pace started the same way you did. It just takes time. We are all on our own personal journeys and what works for one person may not work for another. There’s a lot of toxicity out there in the running culture to constantly improve and achieve. Don’t buy into it and follow your own path, and that starts with listening to what your body is telling you.

What is your favorite route to run? I really enjoy running the trails out at Ft. Ben. I don’t get to do it very often, but it’s never boring

What is your favorite running book/movie? While it’s not really a running book, I love The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. Eat to Run by Scott Jurek is fantastic and changed the way I look at food and running.

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? Outside of running, I’m a project manager in the pharma industry. I’m married and my wife and I spend a lot of time with hanging out with our dogs. I enjoy hiking and spending time in nature and I love to travel and explore new cities.

What is your prerace routine? I like to get to the starting area early so I can feel relaxed. I try to find a quiet place and listen to some music that gets me mentally ready to race. I’ll do some light stretches and go through my gear/nutrition to make sure that I have everything. Once I feel ready, I head to the starting line and just focus on the task ahead.

What is your post run/race meal? I honestly don’t want to eat anything after I run. I’m just not hungry. So instead, I try to drink a protein shake and start taking in hydration. Later on that day though, I hear a jar of peanut butter calling my name.

What is your proudest running moment? My proudest running moment was when I crossed the finish line at my first marathon. I never wanted to run a marathon but got convinced to do it. There is no feeling quite like crossing that line – it justifies all of the early mornings, all of the miles, and all of the other work it takes just to get to the starting line.

What might club members find surprising about you? I used to be a light smoker before I picked up running again. It was a bad habit that I picked up in college and it needed to go. The day I made the decision to start running was the same day as my last cigarette. Never again.

Board Member Spotlight – Trena Roudebush

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? Past President and current At Large Board Member

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? I ran my first half marathon in 2003 and first full in 2013. This year’s Sam Costa will be my 106^th half and Carmel Marathon will be my 61^st full. I think I joined Indy Runners around 2010 because it was important to me that there be a thriving running community in our city.

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? I grew up in Broad Ripple and moved to Noblesville in Junior High. I didn’t go far, though, as I graduated from Butler University and have staying in the Indy area ever since.

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? Podcasts (currently crime and lawyer-y things) and NPR.

What is your favorite distance/race? Marathons, hands down!

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? The people. There is rarely a shortage of interesting conversations.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? Be proud of my race efforts, regardless the time.

Why did you begin running? I signed up for my first Mini with the intention of losing weight and getting in shape. A couple weeks before the race, I figured I should probably lace up and get some miles under my belt. Eventually, I learned that’s not the best approach.

What is your favorite running motto/mantra? I hear Leslie Teskey’s voice in my head saying one of two things: “Trena loves this (running) more than the rest of us” and “crazy little bad*ss”

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Keep showing up. I spent my first summer at PBT between packs, but eventually caught the group ahead of me. They’re among my closest friends and STILL challenge me on runs.

What is your favorite route to run? Eagle Creek, although I don’t get out there as much as I should.

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? I describe myself as a Connector, a Communicator and an Enabler. I value information and experiences.

What is your prerace routine? Talking to everyone.

What is your post run/race meal? A thick burger, salty fries and a beer.

What is your proudest running moment? My second marathon – Monumental 2013 – where I BQed by 17-seconds. I didn’t care if I had enough cushion to go, I just wanted to hit the mark.

What might club members find surprising about you? I can’t whistle.

Board Members Spotlight – Mark Nickerson

Member Spotlight

What is your current Board Position? Secretary

How long have you been running and how long have you been a member of Indy Runners? In high school in Connecticut, we HAD to do after-school activities. One winter semester I chose ‘winter running’. I’d like to say that I have been running ever since, but I have not. But that taught me that I could do what I thought was a weird summer activity at any time in any weather. In my 30s I started to do 5K races with work mates, but my race training started the week before the race. Not ideal. In my 40s and 50s, I got more serious about running. In my late 50s I joined a training program and a running club for the first time, which rank among my better life decisions. What took me so long!!??

Are you originally from the Indianapolis Area? I grew up in Connecticut and New York. We left New York after 9/11 for a job in Peoria where we lived for 19 years. We moved to Indy in May 2021 and love it!

Do you listen to anything while running? If so, what? Music is an important part of my life, and I have dozens of running-specific playlists for my runs. Favorite genres are indie rock, post-punk, new wave, afrobeat and prog rock.

What is your favorite distance/race? Over the last several years, the half marathon has become my favorite race distance. It’s far enough to be a serious commitment, but I’m not wiped out for days. Last year I did back-to-back weekend races, and both went really well!

What do you enjoy most about Indy Runners? I really like the people, the community, the training programs and the number of weekly club runs. I learned late in life that using these opportunities kept me accountable and disciplined but has also increased my love of the sport.

Do you have any goals for the upcoming year? I have signed up for four half marathons (so far) for this year and may also do an Olympic Triathlon.

When did you begin running and why? The ‘why’ is that running also allows me to eat the foods that I love to be honest and helps me to be healthier.

What is your favorite running motto/mantra? That “I am lucky enough to be able to do this. Relax and enjoy it.”

What advice would you give to beginning runners? Be curious and keep learning about running.

What is your favorite running book/movie? I read Runners World magazine and can easily go down internet rabbit holes when I geek out on running information and practices.

Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of running? My wife Jeanne and I have two married daughters (One in Indy and the other in Peoria), and an amazing grandson.

What is your prerace routine? Pre-race and Long Run routine is the same: Fresh pasta the night before. Breakfast is a 20 oz. cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal with added flax, chia and hemp seeds. I drink some kombucha and kefir. It may sound like a lot, but I know what works for me, and I can’t run without something in my stomach.

What might club members find surprising about you? That I really love cats, and I do volunteer work at a cat shelter.

How to Dress for Winter Training Success

Running Running Club Uncategorized

Deciding what to wear while running and walking in an Indianapolis winter isn’t an easy task. Negative wind chills at the beginning of the week can easily shift to sixty degrees and sunny by the end of the week. One thing that won’t shift, however, is the date of that Spring race you signed up for in November. I mean, who wants to train on a treadmill every day until the end of March? This blog post is going to help you make sure you have the perfect running or walking outfit to tackle the fickle Indiana weather all season.

Dress for “Adjusted” Temperature.

The first thing you want to think about when deciding what to wear before a run or walk is the “adjusted” workout temperature. When you run or walk, your body is going to heat up, and your outfit needs to be suited to deal with this change comfortably. Try to dress for a temperature that is 15-20 degrees warmer than it actually is outside. I look at the “Feels like” temperature on my weather app (which takes factors like windchill and humidity into account) and go from there. Everyone responds to temperature changes differently, so it may take multiple trials to figure out what is right for you. Start out by making the 15-20 degree adjustment, which is pretty reliable, and then make further changes as you see fit. Also, keep in mind how strenuous your run or walk will be. A leisurely jog or walk may not require as extreme an adjustment to the actual outside temperature as a fast-paced interval workout will.

Choose the right Base Layer.

A good base layer uses special synthetic fabric (and not cotton) and weaving technology to help wick (pull away) moisture away from your skin to aid in the evaporation of sweat. These are durable shirts that will never fade and will benefit you in hot or cold conditions. The most underrated winter base layer in my opinion is the wind boxer shown above. It’s a great piece for men and women, but to the guys out there: if it’s cold enough, you will wish you had a pair, trust me. 😉

The Mid Layer helps regulate body temperature.

The mid layer helps regulate your body temperature by directing body heat back into your body and by stopping cold air from passing through to your body. They often feature specially placed vents, fleece-lined panels, and, in some cases, protective wind and rain shields. Many thermal layers contain special pockets to hold personal items like phones and keys. For the majority of the winter season, you can easily get by with just a base layer and a mid layer.

Top it off with an Outer Protection Shell.

The outer protection shell is most beneficial in poor winter conditions. Its function is to protect you from rain, sleet, ice, snow, wind, and more. There are a variety of options available depending on the level of protection you require. There is a variety of apparel items, from vests to jackets, available to provide you with the protection you need on any given day.

Don’t forget your head and hands.

Having a good running hat and pair of gloves is crucial for making it through the winter. There are a variety of different options and thicknesses to fit what you are looking for. If your hands are super cold all the time, then I suggest a mitten. If being able to use your phone is important, there are now a lot of options that allow you to use a touch screen without taking off your gloves. I personally run with a glove-mitten hybrid so that I have the option of a mitten but can switch to a glove when my hands get warm. On the really cold days a balaclava or neck gaiter are crucial to protect your face against the elements. It’s best to try on different options and think about when you will use them. A good hat and pair of gloves can get you through several winters.

Hopefully this blog post gave you a good idea of how to tackle difficult winter training days. Investing in a good winter wardrobe will not only help you train like a champ this winter, but for several winters to come. Best of luck with your training. If you liked this post next time you see me say balaclava and I will take that as a thank you!

Running & Walking Nutrition Basics

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I vividly remember the moment I started to appreciate the relationship between food and running. It was my freshman year of high school (Go Panthers!) when I discovered both distance running and gyros at the exact same time. I thought gyros were the perfect lunch–until I ate one on the same day as a track workout. Let’s just say that after that day my relationship with gyros changed forever. And my understanding of how to properly eat before a workout (and why) got a little better.

My next big revelation about nutrition and its impact on running came after college when I started running longer and longer distances (marathons and ultra marathons). Luckily, I had an experienced distance-running coach who explained the importance of in-race nutrition and its impact on performance. Even after 26 marathons and a half dozen or so ultra marathons in just over a decade, I am still playing with what works best for my body during long running events.

While I am not claiming to be a Sports Nutritionist, I do have a lot of experience when it comes to seeking out and finding the right fuel for my endurance events of choice. This is probably the topic that gets brought up the most when I talk with new half- and full-marathon runners.

If you are planning to run a race of ninety minutes or more and you are not thinking about a nutrition plan, you might want to start!

Below are some basic rules of thumb that I follow. Keep in mind that everyone is different and it is important to experiment and figure out what works best for you.

Nutrition Pre-Exercise or Pre-Race: (Source: Cassie Dimmick)

Shorter weekday workouts: eat 30-60 min before
Longer weekend workouts or competition: eat 2-3 hours before (Don’t worry about waking up that early before the long run unless you are simulating race day. Eat well the night before and snack 30-45 minutes before running.)
Choose a meal or snack that is low in fat, contains complex carbohydrates, and has a little protein.
Rule of Half: half a bagel, half a banana, half a cup of coffee, etc
Eat familiar foods that you know you can tolerate
Practice leading up to a long distance race
Drink 10-16 oz of fluid 1-2 hours before exercise and another 4-8 oz right before you start.

Pre-Exercise food examples:

Granola bar and a banana
English muffin or bagel with peanut butter and a piece of fruit
Smoothie
Nutrition Bar
Gel or Sports Chews
Pretzels

Nutrition During Exercise or Race: (Source: Cassie Dimmick)

Muscles use glycogen (the stored energy form of carbohydrates) and fat for fuel. Both fat and glycogen are used in most activities. Fat can be used as a fuel during aerobic exercise (long, low intensity exercise), but glycogen is the main fuel during strenuous exercise (running a half or full marathon) and anaerobic exercise (short bursts of all-out running).
For exercise over 90 minutes, you need additional carbs from gels, bars, or other well-tolerated foods.
For runs up to 120 minutes, 30 to 60 grams of carbs per hour of exercise is helpful.
For runs over 120 minutes, aim for 60-90 grams per hour as tolerated.

Examples of approximately 30 Grams of carbohydrate:

1 banana
10 pretzels
2 Fig Newtons
1/4 bagel
Gels and Sports Chews (Note: Gels and chews have roughly 22 to 29 grams of carbs per serving along with electrolytes. Take these with water to speed delivery of energy into your system.)

Nutrition Post Exercise or Race:

To become a better runner or walker you need to recover from running or walking. For proper recovery, it is recommended that you eat something with both carbohydrates and protein within 45 minutes to an hour after exercise. Failing to do so will most likely effect recovery time and limit the the improvements you can gain from your workout. Failing to recover not only can hinder potential benefits from exercise, but also can lead to injury over time. Read more about the science behind post-exercise recovery in this report by the American Council on Exercise.

I hope this article helps you answer some of your basic sports nutrition questions. At the very least, I hope it gets you thinking about the subject if you have not been already. If this is something you are really fascinated by and think it is the edge you need, I would recommend going to see a Sports Nutritionist to learn more. And remember, we are all different, so it’s important to experiment and find out what works best for your body.

Thoughts on Sleep Hygiene for Recovery – aka “it’s time for bed…”

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Greetings everyone from the Indy Runners Medical Desk. Thanks to Jesse for getting our Blog going as a good forum to share thoughts and ideas for our Club. I’ll aim to get out some good medical thoughts as often as possible – and you can always write to me with any issues or concerns at medical@indyrunners.org.

Let’s start with a bit of a discussion about Recovery. As our mileage and workloads increase towards Fall racing, how we Recover from this workload becomes more and more important. Remember, it’s not the runs or the workouts that make us stronger – it is our ability to Recover from them that allow that Adaptations that make us stronger.

By far, the Number 1 way to allow our bodies to Recover from the work is to get a consistent good night’s sleep. At least 7-hours, hopefully more like 8-hours.

Let’s break that down. What does a “good” night’s sleep look like, and how can we facilitate it? Simple things like darkness of the room (trickier with daylight savings time in the summer), limiting screens 30-minutes before bed (trickier with phones, social media, TV shows, etc.), and cooler/reasonable temperatures (also trickier in the summer). These are all things we somewhat inherently know – but, are we good about following them?

And watch our caffeine intake in the afternoon (2:30pm diet coke to get us kick started to finish the day?). And be mindful about how alcohol affects our sleep patterns (one glass or one beer might not affect us, but a second or more might wake us up on the middle of the night?). Some of us travel quite often for work – how are we managing our sleep hygiene when we get in late or are crossing multiple time zones? And are we realistic with our Training expectations on those weeks that are the most stressful

Also, what does “consistent” look like? It might sound obvious, but consistent means consistent – 7-8 hours every single night. Not 5-6 during the week, then 9-10 on the weekend; or 5.5 one night, then 8.5 the next to “catch up”.

Each of us are different between being more “morning people” or more “evening people”. Usually, it’s easier to get more sleep by going to bed a little earlier. Let’s do some Math – if we can start by getting 10-minutes extra sleep for 6-nights per week, that is a whole Hour of extra sleep each week! That would certainly serve as a meaningful boost in our Training!

So our Homework for the month of August is to take an honest look at our Sleep Hygiene and thoughtfully discern what habits are helpful and what habits we might tweak to get the most out of this important time for our bodies to regenerate from the workload they’ve been handling. We don’t need large changes to make a difference. A few small changes at a time could pay big dividends over the coming weeks as we build towards good Racing.

Please let us know if you have any insights or tips you might like to share. And any questions, please send them along.

Thanks and see you out there.

Brian Schuetter, PT, DPT, OCS – St. Vincent Sports Performance

Indy Runners & Walkers Member Spotlight: Carole Miller

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You might recognize Carole Miller, (standing in the center of the featured photo above), as one of the smiling faces serving breakfast burritos and pancakes at our cheer zone tent after the Monumental Marathon. Or, perhaps you know her from our Spring Training Program where she takes new walkers under her wing and keeps them coming back week after week with her encouragement and wonderful sense of humor. Carole has also served the past two years on the Indy Runners board as the co-walking director. Her self proclaimed mission has been “to give a face to walkers, because they are just as passionate about walking as runners are about running–it just takes us longer.”

Having served on the board with Carole the past two years, I can honestly say she is the perfect representation of what makes our club special. She is always looking out for others and making sure everyone feels welcome and appreciated. I couldn’t think of anyone better to do our very first member spotlight blog post with than Carole, who truly makes Indy Runners and Walkers a place for every pace!

Below are a series of questions Carole took the time to answer for us.

When and why did you join Indy Walkers?

I joined Indy Runners in 2013. I was looking for a training program for the 500 Mini. The last year I attempted to do the Mini was 2003. To put it mildly, it was the most miserable and painful experience of my life and it took me 10 years to try it again. I knew my training in 2003 was insufficient and I had to do better, so I went on the internet and Indy Runners popped up as a local running club.

What kept you coming back?

The reason I kept coming back was because of Kay King and Sue Murry. Both of these wonderful women took me under their wing in 2013 and walked with me. Although their pace was much faster than mine, they made sure that I was never alone. They are part of the reason that I always tell the new walkers our motto: “No one is left behind.” The training is fine and the seminars are helpful, but you can pull down a training schedule from the web and get what you need. The most important thing for me was the camaraderie of our walking group. Sue and Kay and anyone who walks with me has heard about my WONDERFUL grandson, my crazy sister, my stressful job, and my cancer. These wonderful people are always there to listen. That’s why I get up on Saturdays and go across town to Broad Ripple to walk 6 miles. I could walk in Eagle Creek, but Eagle Creek would not have the wonderful people I’ve met training with Indy Walkers.

Left to right: Natasha Jones, Kay Greene, Carole Miller

When were you diagnosed with cancer and what is your current status?

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer in January 2018. The first people I told were my walking buddies. First, because it was the start of the 2018 training for the Mini and I would not be able to continue as a pacer, and second, because they were my walking buddies and after five years I told them everything. When I was diagnosed I had grand plans; I wasn’t going to let cancer dictate to me how I was going to live my life. I was determined to keep my walking routine. I received so much love and support from everyone in the Club, and not just my close walking buddies, but runners that I only knew in passing. I don’t think I would have had such a successful recovery without my buddies at Indy Walkers. They laughed with me about my bald head and the side effects of chemo, and when it came time for “slice and dice” also known as surgery, Kay and Sue provided me with meals so that I would not have to cook. I will never be able to thank them enough. I truly believe that one of the main factors in my successful recovery is that I was in good health. I contribute that to walking three times a week: 3 to 4 miles on two days and 6 miles on Saturdays.

What is your most memorable Indy Walkers moment?

Believe it or not my most memorable moment with Indy Walkers is walking up Holcomb Hill without stopping! I complain a lot and on that first attempt at Holcomb I was complaining at the top of my lungs. The first time, I had to stop 3 times and at the end, my lungs were burning, my heart was beating so fast I thought I would die, and the words coming out of my mouth would put anyone to shame–but at the time, I didn’t care. Five years later, I can make it in one try! I still breath hard, but I don’t stop. I still complain, but not as robustly. And I really don’t have that much time to complain because it doesn’t take that long for me to do it. That just tells you how successful my time with Indy Walkers has been in improving my health.

What does Indy Walkers mean to you?

Indy Walkers and walking are part of my life. Want to make me mad? Tell me I have to work on Tuesday or Thursday evenings or Saturday morning. Want to get on my bad side? Keep me from making a race that I paid for in January. I spend more money on shoes for walking then casual or dress shoes. Sometimes I feel like the Post Office: nothing–and I mean nothing–keeps me from my Saturday morning walks. If I don’t make it on Saturday, my entire weekend is messed up.

What would you tell someone thinking about joining Indy Walkers?

I really think Indy Runners/Walkers is a great club for anyone wanting to train for races or just get in shape. I’ve tried training on my own and it was not a good choice for me. I’ve tried walking by myself and it doesn’t work. The accountability, camaraderie, and sheer fun of seeing myself improve keep me getting up every Saturday morning. On top of that, talking with my buddies beats spending money on a shrink. Without Indy Walkers, I never would have met Pam or Natasha, or Sharon and her brother, Karen and Kathy, or Chris and Laura. And without Sue and Kay, I never would have survived that first year. Throw in the facts that my health has improved, I can walk Holcomb in one attempt, and I’ve seen parts of Indianapolis I never would have seen without Indy Walkers, and you have the reasons I continue to come back and would recommend it to anyone.

What are some of your proudest walking accomplishments?

My proudest walking accomplishment is going to sound insane. One year it was bitter cold. Elizabeth, Sue, and I decided that we were going to walk that Thursday. It was 5 degrees outside. Our vow was that if we could walk 1 mile we would reward ourselves with dinner at 317 Burger. That night I wore 2 pairs of socks, 2 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 1 jacket, 2 pairs of gloves, and a hat and scarf. At the .5 mile mark, we looked at each other and said, “Let’s keep walking.” At the 1 mile mark, we kept going, all the way to 75^th street. That night, I knew I was crazy but had accomplished something special. I walked 3 miles in 5 degree weather with two of my crazy walking buddies. I’ll never forget that night. So regardless of how wet, hot, or cold it is, I try to walk. Ice is the one element that I’ll say no to: broken bones aren’t any fun. Also, any time I finish a race and I’m not the last walker crossing the finish line is great.

What races do you currently have lined up?

In 2019 I have only one goal: to finish the races I’ve signed up for. I’ve done the Mini and received my medal. I’ve signed up for all five 317-Series races: that’s 5 medals. I’m making plans to complete the Wright Patterson Air Force Half (1 medal), Fort Ben 5K (another medal) and the Women’s 5K (yet another medal). The goal this year is to get as many medals as I can and not be asked to leave a course. So far, I’m on track. I will start to improve my time and pace next year, but right now I’m just glad to be alive and glad I have my walking buddies to help me along the way.

Thank you Carole for letting us all get to know you better! You are truly inspiring and represent the club so well.

If you know someone that you think should be featured in a future blog post, email Jesse at blog@indyrunners.org.

Monon Trail: 7 Places to Hydrate and/or Evacuate. Broad Ripple Village to 96th St.

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It’s time to continue our journey of the best and worst places to hydrate and/or evacuate on the Monon Trail! This time we head north from Broad Ripple Village up to 96th St. My previous blog post on this topic covered Broad Ripple Village to 42nd St. I’m not going to rehash stops previously mentioned, so you can refer back to that post for two spots–The Runners Forum and The Loft–where you can pop in and take care of business in the Village.

Special Note: I was going to include the Annex Club House in the Village but saw on social media that they are closing down that location. So please don’t blast me in the comments when you don’t see it!

Now that we have covered all the pleasantries, let’s get down to where you can handle the unpleasantries while traveling north on the Monon Trail!

Stop 1: The Rock water fountain, located approximately 5-10 feet west of the Monon Trail, about a half mile south of 75th St.

Pro Tips: Do you smell what the Rock is cooking? The way this fountain has been leaking lately chances are you do. If you look closely at the picture above you can see the mini-swamp that is forming on the fountain side. If you do manage to get around all the water without soaking your feet, you will be rewarded with a very low drizzle of water. To drink from this location you practically need to do your best Andy Dwyer impression and put your whole mouth on the nozzle. I can’t remember the last time I attempted to drink here, but I’m fairly certain this fountain is seasonal and is shut down for the winter.

Recommendation: Unless you are on death’s door, skip it. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze.

Stop 2: The School for the Blind water fountain, located approximately 20-25 feet west of the Monon trail just about a quarter mile north of 75th St.

Pro Tips: This fountain is currently leaking too. Good news though, the water pressure is a lot better than the rock and you can easily get a drink without soaking your feet. This fountain is also seasonal, so it shuts down in the winter.

Recommendation: This is a common place for runners and bikers alike to stop for a break, so make sure you have your gossips ready!

Stop 3: Jordan YMCA water fountain, located approximately 100 feet east of the Monon Trail. When you are getting close to 86th St. look for the Jordan Y sign and start heading that way. You will see the fountain on your left right before you get to the parking lot.

Pro Tips: This is a pretty reliable fountain with good water pressure. On the other side of the fence is a Port A Potty. That fence is locked a majority of the time and I’m guessing not meant for the general population. Do with that information what you will. This fountain is also seasonal and shut down during the winter.

Stop 4: Kroger located just south of 86th St. approximentely 200-300 feet west of the Monon Trail.

Pro Tips: This isn’t a RRCA runner friendly location or anything, but it can save you in an emergency. I can’t speak for the women’s room, but Guys: be ready for the stall to look like a WWE cage match just took place and for some rando to be camped out in there for long periods of time. Other than that it’s pretty great! It also has the added benefit of being open in the winter, and the water fountain is pretty solid.

Stop 5: Big Lug water cooler, sponsored by the Carmel Marathon, located approximately 10-15 feet east of the Monon Trail just south of 86th St.

Pro Tips: This is the second hydration post in a row where I have mentioned a Carmel Marathon sponsored stop. Kudos to them and their brewery partners for helping us stay refreshed during these hot summer days! If anyone from their marketing team is reading this, I have three words for you: Logo. Urinal. Cakes. Run with that. Big Lug fills the cooler daily. I’m not 100 percent certain, but I’m guessing this is only a seasonal location as well.

Stop 6: Athletic Annex, located approximately a quarter to a half mile west of the Monon Trail in Nora Plaza Shopping Center on 86th St. The exact address is 1300 East 86th St. Ste 29A. Best way to get there on foot: once you are north of 86th St. run west around Huddles into Nora Plaza and head north in the parking lot by the Whole Foods. You should be able to see it from a distance.

Pro Tips: Admittedly, I have never been in this location. It is relatively new and looks pretty nice from the outside. I’m guessing though, being a running shop, that they would be cool with you stopping in for a pit stop and a drink. Not sure about fresh dance moves though? Try it and let me know in the comments.

Stop 7: 96th St. Rest Stop, located just north of 96th St. approximately 5 feet on the east side of the Monon Trail.

Pro Tips: When you arrive at this location you are officially in Carmel, IN. That means a couple things. First: Unisex bathrooms open year round! Second: A water fountain that, at first push, will squirt water into your face if you’re not careful. This is actually quite comical when you see an unsuspecting victim of these H2O shenanigans. The water fountain, unlike the restrooms, is shut down during the winter.

Special Tribute: Seen in the picture above is Pirate Cat. I’m not going to get completely into his story, but you should check him out on Facebook or Google him. One of my favorite memories of Pirate Cat is during a pit stop, on a 5 AM run, at this exact location, I saw him come out of nowhere to pounce on a mouse and swallow it whole. The things I find amusing while exercising half asleep could fill another entire blog post. Anyway, enough digression, the day after I took this picture I heard Pirate Cat is sick and not expected to make it much longer. Just wanted to give him a special shoutout and say thank you for bringing me joy on countless runs on the Monon.

Please leave a comment on this article if you know a stop I missed between Broad Ripple Village and 96th St. I promise to head even further north on the Monon in a future post!

Yours in timely hydration and evacuation,

Jesse