Marathons and Desitin

Eleven miles yesterday. Eleven miles logged in training for the Outback Distance Classic Half Marathon coming this Thanksgiving Day. Way ahead of the training schedule, I'm a superstar. Look out folks, because now I can work on time. That's right, at mile 10 I'm thinking, this was nothing. Piece of cake. Next time more speed intervals. Tomorrow track work. I won't just finish, I'll glide across that finish line after mile 13 with the lithe twenty-somethings, barely breaking a sweat. I felt good, proud of the accomplishments completed before 9:30 AM on a Sunday.

Barely 5 hours later my glory melted into an uncomfortable sensation. The skin covering the spot where the triceps muscles should define my upper body was in flames. Both arms. Apparently the combination of 100% humidity, 94 degrees Fahrenheit, a doubled-up sports bra and 11 miles makes for the perfect prickly heat recipe. Or, more precisely miliaria as defined by Wikipedia:

"Small red rashes, called papules, which may itch or more often cause an intense 'pins-and-needles' prickling sensation. These rashes may simultaneously occur at a number of areas on a sufferer's body, the most common including the face, neck, under the breasts and under the scrotum. Other areas include skin folds, areas of the body that may rub against clothing, such as the back, chest, and stomach, etc. "

Thank God I don't have a scrotum. Treating the underarms with Desitin was embarrassing enough, especially for a running superstar like myself.