Mike Vollmer and I connected thanks to the 500 Festival, who introduced us knowing I'd want to hear from someone who has run every single Indy Mini since the very first one in 1977.

During this episode, sponsored by Cure, we talk about:

• How a politician's desire for name recognition in his own district accidentally launched a 49-year streak
• What the first Indy Mini looked like — 762 runners, an 11am start, 85 degrees and full sun, and a $5 entry fee
• Running his first mini in indoor track shoes with rubber heel cups
• Standing next to Frank Shorter at the start line (the man who launched the running boom of the '70s!)
• How the course has changed dramatically since 1977 — the scenic rolling hills along the White River, Coffin Hill, and why the track used to destroy ankles
• His role in bringing St. Francis Hospital on as a sponsor — and how that sponsorship gave us the beloved finish line chocolate chip cookies 🍪

• Jump the Gun — the midnight party at St. Francis in Beech Grove where runners could guarantee their entry starting at 12:00am on February 1st

• His marathon PR of 3:35:45 at age 39 — and how he averaged 30 miles/week for over 20 years
• Running 14 marathons, including his first the day he turned 30 in Chicago, and his last at 42 in St. Louis
• Heart valve replacement surgery in 2020, prostate cancer surgery in 2015, and still showing up to the start line
• Last year's near-disaster: only 4 miles of training after a torn posterior muscle, finishing 15th from last in 4.5 hours, with a fellow Alumni Club member pulling him along

• His 25 years serving on the Mini's executive committee — overseeing everything from start line logistics to sponsor coordination
• The Circle City Cloggers at mile 4.5 on 10th and Holt
• Why he married a physical therapist (very convenient) and how she's gotten him to the start line more than once
• His racing mantra courtesy of Kathleen Duffy: "Pick up my feet, Lord, I'll put 'em down... Hallelujah, I'm homeward bound"

• Whether he'll stop at 50 or keep going (his answer might surprise you)

Previous Guests Mentioned

• Lindsey Hein - Episode 100
• Rachel Sinders - Episode 8

Sponsor Details

• Cure - Use code ALLYB for 20% off

Other Links

• Tickets to the live podcast event with Lindsey Hein & Emma Grace Hurley — Friday, May 1st at Bottleworks Hotel
• Follow me on Instagram @allytbrett_runs
• Subscribe to Finish Lines & Milestones weekly newsletter

This is a SandyBoy Productions podcast.