New!
‘Crazy thing’ of a Thanksgiving run dashes into a new decade
November 10, 2022
The founder and race director of Wheeler Mission's Drumstick Dash says he had no clue that such a "crazy" idea of a Thanksgiving Day run would turn into a holiday staple of support and community in Indianapolis. The event celebrates 20 years in 2022. Steve Kerr sits with Drew two weeks out from the cause to look back at its history and what drives its organization year after year.
Exercise is for the dogs
October 31, 2022
Drew and "The Indy Dog Whisperer" collaborate their podcasts to discuss the ways in which partnering exercise with your pet can benefit all.
To listen to the full conversation with Nathan Lowe, click here:
Get Out! (with your dog)
https://www.wishtv.com/podcast-episode/get-out-with-your-dog-%f0%9f%98%8a-with-guest-drew-blair/
First nonbinary champion on feeling accepted, wanted in sport
October 05, 2022
An Indiana native has placed their footprints in the not-yet hardened pavement of a future in sports. Organizations and leagues continue to evolve policies in opening categories of competition with respect toward varying gender identities. In August 2022, Sebastian de Jong of Indianapolis became the first-ever nonbinary competitor and winner at USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals. Hear de Jong's reflections on that experience and their encouraged vision for the path forward in their conversation with Drew Blair.
Find Sebastian de Jong on Instagram @sebe_d
You can follow Drew Blair @fitting_indy
Going the distance with what you love
September 09, 2022
A conversation about adapting your fitness interests and commitments to daily life. Exercise should not be your life; choose the activities that enhance your life, enhance your health, your relationships and your outlook. Shannon Rinehart has done just that in her discovery of a love for long-distance swimming.
Adventure run merges sport and local culture
August 05, 2022
A yearly combination of a run/walk and adventure race steps off from Monument Circle in September.
The "Indy Ultimate" supports the non-profit, Indiana Sports Corp, on its mission to attract world-class sporting events in ways that merge athletics and community engagement to pump up pride and the local economy. The organization's director of public relations joins Drew in sharing what makes the experience stand apart.
REGISTER: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Indianapolis/IndyUltimate
Cancer survivor details path from drug addiction to Ironman
July 22, 2022
Settle in for the story of an addict celebrating 38 years in recovery who is surviving a 14 year cancer journey and says triathlon has saved his life. "I didn't start off to be a role model to anybody," Joe Fazzini
Get your mind right: the physical & mental connection
July 08, 2022
How fit is your mind? What could you incorporate into your routine before heading outside or to the gym that would set yourself up for the most success both physically and mentally? Amanda McKinley, LCSW discusses "whole person health," the physical, mental and social layers to wellness.
Contact Amanda: amandarmck@gmail.com
You run, you party, you support the community
June 03, 2022
Organizers of a local social run series are counting down the days until its return.
This is the 9th year for RUN(317), a series of 3.17-mile races that take place in different areas of Marion County.
The five-race series begins June 23 in Speedway and wraps up October 6 in Fountain Square.
Race director Jeff Graves and the only person to have completed every single event in the series' lifespan talk to Drew about what makes RUN(317) special.
https://www.run317.com/
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
The faces and fitness of WISH-TV mornings
May 06, 2022
The Daybreak team on WISH-TV, News 8 represents a wide range of exercise preferences and examples of how we work it into our lives with full-time jobs, parenting and a wacky sleep schedule.
Landing and planning the nation’s biggest sports events in Indianapolis
December 10, 2021
Go behind the curtain with Indiana Sports Corp to learn the work it takes to plan and prepare events surrounding premiere events like the College Football Playoff National Championship weekend. Sarah Myer, Senior Director, Marketing & Communications at Indiana Sports Corp joins Drew to discuss organizing the Extra Yard 5K and much more. REGISTRATION LINK: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Indianapolis/CFPExtraYard5K
Event reborn to promote inclusion in athletics
November 19, 2021
Put a bow on 2021 and welcome 2022 energized through a 5K that will ignite your body and most certainly your heart.
Tri Loco Indy President Josh de Jong and Ainsley's Angels North Central Indiana Ambassador Kristy High describe the power of inclusion by pairing able-bodied athletes with people with disabilities in endurance racing.
Resolution Run Indy 5K will benefit Ainsley's Angels on 12/31/21
REGISTER @ www.resrunindy.com - use discount code: FITTINGINDY
VISIT www.ainsleysangels.org
Beyond the ball, kid series introduces lifelong sport
August 24, 2021
A race series created for children introduces young athletes to endurance sports as the age spectrum of competitors broadens at both ends. Kids TRI for Kids race director, Doug Robinson discusses the lifelong impact of an early introduction to fitness.
Son’s pain drives dedication to bicycle ride for cancer research
August 20, 2021
Tour de Komen invites cyclists to gather as a team to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Kyle Vannoni organized the event in memory of his mother.
For more information and to register:
tourdekomen.org
Follow on Instagram @tourdekomen
Three vastly different lives changed by triathlon
August 06, 2021
Why tri? Three "age group athletes" with different backgrounds share what got them into the sport and what keeps them training.
Ninja running 3 states to prove ‘purpose over podium’
July 09, 2021
Indianapolis trainer, business manager and 'Ninja' competitor George O'Dell creates a personal challenge of running 252 miles that balloons into a cross-country fundraising mission. To Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-faustman-lab
A rescue dog drives a movement connecting active people, causes
July 02, 2021
A dog named Cooper, community and charity drive the mission behind a recurring running event in Central Indiana. The dog's owner and organizer, Troy Frazer describes the greater purpose of "Cooper's Fun Run." Visit Cooper's Fun Run: www.coopersfun.run Instagram: @CoopersFunRun Follow Drew Blair Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV Instagram: fitting_indy Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Fitting Indy: Exercising with, for and by heart
June 11, 2021
Find greater enjoyment, endurance and speed by slowing things down (at first) with heart rate training. Triathlon coach and president of Tri-Loco, Josh de Jong discusses the process and benefits of watching your zones. Topics:- Get to know Josh and Tri-Loco
- Why heart rate training is worth potential frustration
- How to determine your aerobic zone
- Effective no matter your preferred form of exercise
- When is a good time to start HR training
Fitting Indy: From bike mechanic to mayor
May 21, 2021
Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson rides an 1800s replica bicycle and discusses his history of passion for bikes. Topics:- Drew spectates for the first time
- How Mayor Nicholson stopped a theft and got a job
- Using bicycling as a way to connect communities
- Bike to Work
- How he thinks Indiana is doing in bike friendliness
- Advice for advocacy
Fitting Indy: Finding family and exploration through exercise
May 07, 2021
Exercise can do far more than improve your health; it can open the door to new friends and travel to new places. The family of Tour de France veteran George Hincapie organizes opportunities for cyclists to celebrate the sport. Founder of Hincapie Sportswear, Rich Hincapie, joins Drew to discuss events for all abilities. Topics:- Growing your sense of community and family
- Highlights of Gran Fondo Hincapie Chattanooga
- Behind-the-scenes of setting up a world class event
- Is a Gran Fondo for you?
- Hincapie plans 10th Anniversary event
Fitting Indy: Is ‘cyclist’ a bad word?
April 23, 2021
The executive director of Bike Indianapolis shares how bike riding can benefit entire communities including for people who choose to not ride. Damon Richards talks with Drew about the organization's advocacy and opportunities to make more bike riders in central Indiana.
Topics:
- Drew remembers when a tragic headline became personal
- Her plea to motorists sharing the road
- Is Indianapolis bike friendly?
- The biking boom of the pandemic
- Events and campaigns hosted by Bike Indianapolis
- Why riding bikes is for everyone
To get in touch with Bike Indianapolis you can follow the group on Facebook at facebook.com/BikeIndianapolis or visit bikeindianapolis.org.
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Fitting Indy: Glowing past dark times; director reflects on marathon’s return
April 09, 2021
A conversation with the race organizer at the helm of the largest-scale running event to return in-person after a year of canceled events. Todd Oliver of Carmel Road Racing Group shares his reflections and perspectives from Carmel Marathon weekend with host and half marathon participant, Drew Blair.
Topics:
- Prioritizing gratitude
- Feedback received from runners
- Todd's message to participants
- The moment that caused him to pause and absorb the atmosphere
- Race organizations surviving the pandemic as small businesses
- What's next for CRRG
- Drew's favorite memory from the race course
- Failing sets us up for greatness
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Fitting Indy: Shedding pandemic pounds
March 26, 2021
In a year of loss in many respects, there have been positive gains worth noting from living through a global health crisis. However if weight gain is on your list, Daybreak's wellness contributors from Community Health Network have simple approaches to shedding pandemic pounds.
Topics:
- Allowing yourself to consider positives to come from the last year
- Spending extra time on being healthier
- Tracking intake and portion control
- You body gives immediate feedback
- Stretching can help burn calories even at rest
- When to stretch and how
- Good luck, Carmel runners!
- DLF>DNF>DNS
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Fitting Indy: Touching base with ‘The Athlete Inside’
March 19, 2021
From 335 pounds to a world championship podium in the sport of triathlon, Bloomington's Sue Reynolds catches up with Drew one year after the release of a book detailing her 200 pound weight loss and overall wellness journey.
Topics:
- Remembering Dick Hoyt, father of famous push-assist duo, Team Hoyt
- Appreciating obstacles as opportunities for growth
- What Sue has found most surprising about reaction to her book
- Motivation vs. Discipline
- Sue's coaching changes and race calendar
You can watch Sue's first appearance on WISH-TV here: https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/bloomington-woman-shares-weight-loss-story-in-book/
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Fitting Indy: How to not hate running
March 12, 2021
The need for awareness, self-care and listening to your body is a daily assessment for athletes and there are resources in Central Indiana to help you get and stay healthy. Drew went through a run analysis with Methodist Sports Medicine's Austin Jacoby.
Topics:
- What it took for Drew to "like" running
- Listen and learn from your body
- Methodist Sports Medicine's "Run Fit" program
- Transitioning from treadmill to outdoors
- Running isn't punishment
Fitting Indy: One-on-One with IRONMAN
February 19, 2021
The race director for the newly expanded IRONMAN Indiana speaks with Drew from Chattanooga about the first and possibly only time the state will play host to a full distance triathlon.
Topics:
- Drew eats her words and is happy about it
- What makes Muncie special in sport history
- How Indiana can and should help support this event's success
- Time to explore triathlon if you're interested
- COVID protocols to expect at IRONMAN races
- Is it possible the full distance in Muncie could work into rotation?
Fitting Indy: Your Choices and Vaccine Effectiveness
February 05, 2021
Eating healthy bolsters our immune response and researchers say that certain nutrition choices, as well as stress and depression can negatively affect the body's response to the COVID-19 vaccine. News 8's Nina Criscuolo joins Drew to discuss her reporting on what we can do to get the best results.
Topics:
- How wellness impacts vaccine efficacy
- Getting sick less often when health and fitness are a priority
- How Nina and Drew's workout lifestyles compare
- The concern of the closure of gyms and activity levels
- Is the cold weather getting old?
- Mental victories of following through with an unmotivated workout
Nina's story: https://www.wishtv.com/news/coronavirus/researchers-stress-depression-and-nutrition-can-negatively-affect-response-to-vaccination/
Find Nina on Instagram: @nina_criscuolo
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Fitting Indy: Make new habits stick by ‘stacking’
January 29, 2021
If the saying is "old habits die hard," what about the habits that don't even get a chance to live? Two Indiana wellness experts, a dietician and personal trainer/health coach, explain a simplifying concept called "habit stacking."
Topics:
- Multitask exercise with daily tasks
- Visual reminder tip to drink more water
- Timing helps for when you change into workout clothes
- The benefit of fitness during the workday
- SMART method for creating goals
- Is your environment sickly?
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Fitting Indy: Indiana, you are an IRONMAN!
January 22, 2021
Indiana is staged to host its first and possibly only FULL Ironman triathlon in October 2021. After selling out every 140.6 distance race in North America, IRONMAN Group expanded its offerings to hold the event in Muncie.
Gary Thomas is a closely-connected source of information on organizational plans, a course preview and insight on the impact hosting such a high-caliber event can have on the community.
Topics:
- Deep roots in Delaware County
- IRONMAN's recovery from 2020
- Sellout potential
- Widespread economic impact
- Chance of getting Muncie in the full rotation
- Course changes and preview
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Podcast: Self-care aware on Fitting Indy with Drew Blair
January 15, 2021
Your body is responding to your overall mental wellness. If you are giving too much attention to the past and/or future, your body may be showing signs of feeling down or anxious without your realization. Drew's friend, Indianapolis-based massage therapist Christina Cooper shares a wide range of ways self-care can help find balance between body, mind and spirit. Topics:- Drew's new favorite quote
- Staying present
- At-home remedies for recovery and relaxation
- Why we avoid five minutes of PT exercises
- An aversion to helping ourselves
- Body Talk Therapy
- Therapies to break down tension, reduce inflammation
- 30-day yoga practice
- Smoothie recipe to try
Return to Racing
January 08, 2021
As athletes grow more anxious to display their fitness in organized events, race directors are challenged to pivot and plan with an ever-changing pandemic plan. The executive director of Beyond Monumental, Jed Cornworth joined Drew Blair to discuss the return to in-person races in 2021.
- how the "customer's journey" looks different
- some new practices may be permanent
- a question about race expos existing
- the benefit of virtual races for the participant and the business side of organizers
- what race directors need from athletes to survive
Register for Road to Lady Victory: https://haku.ly/6b4898ac
Register for Monumental Marathon weekend: https://haku.ly/ad2f64e5
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
New Year’s Resolutions: ‘Gross’ or Good?
January 01, 2021
New Year, new you? Not necessary! Indiana fitness professional and influencer, Julie Voris calls the idea of resolutions "gross." She suggests ways to adjust the mindset and best practices for goal setting no matter the nature of your decision or the time of year you're committing to changes.
Visit julievoris.com to learn more about her work in the fitness community.
Follow Drew Blair
Facebook: facebook.com/DrewBlairTV
Instagram: fitting_indy
Twitter: @DrewBlairTV
Fitting Indy Trailer
July 20, 2020
On the path to living a healthier life, WISH-TV’s, Drew Blair hosts “Fitting Indy”. Discussing everything from nutrition and eating healthy to finding a routine that fits your lifestyle, setting goals and making changes for the better. Prepare for the race, learn from others and join the conversation.
