Today was the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (half marathon). It really has OneAmerica in the title, but I prefer tradition over corporate naming rights. It is the third 500 Mini that I have run; I have walked 10 or so. This year was one of the hardest half marathons I have ever raced for two reasons.
One, I prefer cooler weather for running (somewhere in the 40s – 50s), and although the starting temperature was in the upper 60s, the humidity was above 90%. Three-fourths of the way through, the temperature was in the lower 70s, but still high 80s for humidity, with bright sunshine. Oh, and I lost my favorite sunglasses while I was stretching pre-race; so Dawn of me. I did take off my tank top and wore my stylish sports bra proudly. Maybe not cool, but cooler.
Two, the heat and humidity caused my digestive system to give me problems. Well, I can’t blame it all on the weather. I figured I would have some issues when I didn’t, um, have a BM on Friday…very unpleasant side of running. I had cramping and gas, so almost half way through I thought I might make a pit stop (literally a pit). I didn’t want to have to wrestle my damp compression shorts back on in a hot box port-o-toilet, so I figured I would just suffer through. At mile 10, I decided I would have much more fun if I just went to the bathroom, only at this point I couldn’t find one. I was afraid to pass any more gas, thinking I might have a total blowout. So, I put up with my bowel distress until after the race. I emptied four times in four hours. This would be a blessing if I were having a colonoscopy tomorrow.
Even with these un-pleasantries, I finished with my second best half marathon time at 2:18:25! I will take it, with the goal of better planning in the digestion department for the next race (in two weeks).
Better to Laugh 
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