indianapolis

I visited Indianapolis last August for a few days and I absolutely loved this city. I went to a Colts pre-season game and did a little exploring around town as well. Indianapolis is known for its sports franchises and its annual Nascar races. Below are a few a best and safest places to run, walk, or bike in or around the Indianapolis area.

Best Places To Run In Indianapolis:

1. Monon Trail: This asphalt trail extends over ten miles worth of fun and excitement. Monon Trail is home to lovely landscapes, White River views, restaurants, and other small shops. Definitely a “to do” if you are in the Indianapolis area.
   

May in Indianapolis is a big deal. The Indianapolis 500 is the Sunday before Memorial Day, but we celebrate all month. For our First Friday’s gallery walk, most of the stores and businesses on Mass Ave create tire art, which is displayed all month. Some of my favorites this year are Henry’s triple layer cake with a cherry on top, Stout’s extremely detailed eagle, and the huge stethoscope that stretches down a multi-story building.

We are serenaded by the sounds of cars speeding around the brickyard and many take field trips to the track to watch practices, qualifications, and carb day. Carb day is the last day race cars are allowed on the track to practice prior to race day; it is a shortened practice time after which there is the Pit Stop competition and a concert. Race car drivers are at least as famous as basketball players in Indianapolis, and Hollywood celebs join in the fun for the weekend of the race. The 500 Festival kicks off every year on the first Saturday of May with the Mini-Marathon.

Even though I’ve never considered myself a runner, after being on the sidelines photographing for my marathoner/inspiration a couple of times, I signed myself up for the 2008 500 Festival Mini Marathon because everyone does it and it doesn’t feel overly competitive. It was my first race ever, and I was so impressed with myself. Starting back in corral Y I walked the first mile until I got through some of the mass of humanity. I started running and did not stop. Of course I signed up again!

In August I had surgery to repair a labreal tear in my hip joint from a 2006 injury. (Yes, I learned to run with that injury.) I told the surgeon and physical therapist that teaching dance is part of my income and I was going to run the mini again. Running had become an important escape for me. I probably started teaching dance before I should have and my recovery slowed. It was nearly Spring before I was allowed to start trying to run, and my training wasn’t very consistent.

Mini-marathon participants running through downtown Indianapolis.

In just under seven weeks, I will be running the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon for the second time. Part of the events leading up to the Indianapolis 500 each year, the Mini-Marathon is the largest half-marathon and the fifth largest running event in the United States. It is a major event for Indianapolis, including participants from all over the world, across age brackets, and of all speeds. I have fast new shoes and I am running more days than I’m not. I obviously have running on the brain. We write about the health benefits of running frequently, but there are several mental health benefits also.

1. Run when you are feeling angry or frustrated to burn off the extra energy. Research has shown that nothing relieves stress more than physical exercise.

2. Running increases endorphins which contributes to a general sense of well-being and mood elevation, so running can make you feel better when you are sad.