Our schedule will change next week.

   Next Sunday will be Primary Predictions! "Civil Discourse Now" will features predictions of the outcomes of the May 8 primaries. Our new format, the past three weeks, has been live streaming on the internet, with a recorded version of The Show later that afternoon or the next morning.

   The following is not sponsored in any way by the people/corporations who organize or otherwise operate the event described. These are my views.

   Saturday, as many of you know, is the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon®. There are lovely photographs that can be taken on the course. Videos can be shot, too. This will be my fourteenth consecutive Mini®. I wrote, a couple of weeks ago, about the challenges of the Mini.

   A few words of advice for those who are doing the Mini® for the first time. Please remember, I am not an MD, so consult with a physician if you have any doubt about what I say. In fact, disregard what I say—yes, that is a caveat. I am not a physician, and so cannot give advice of this nature such as you should believe you can rely on it such as you would an MD.

   Have you decided to read on? Okay:

   (1) Get a good night’s sleep the night before.

   (2) Don’t over- or under-hydrate, but be sure you void your bladder (I know the Port-o-lets ® can be disgusting) before the race starts–-there’s a reason.

   (3) It usually is chilly before the race. Wear shorts and a light shirt under cheap sweats. You’ll stay warm before the race starts. Then you can toss the sweats right after you cross the start line.

   (4) Wear a light hat or cap. If the sun is out, you won’t overheat (as much). If it rains—well, you know.

   (5) Be careful of traffic around you and try not to "hop up" on curbs. Yu do not want to trip and fall or pull or strain something.

   (6) Once the ropes drop for your stalls, move up—politely but resolutely—toward the front.

   (7) You want to get to and through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway® as soon and as fast as possible. The asphalt of the track radiates heat, the grandstands and other structures act as windbreaks, and those 2 ½ miles can take it out of you.

   (8) If some kind soul has a water hose out (once it has gotten warm outside) to spray people going by—don’t be tempted. Water in your shoes will cause blisters.

   (9) Once you have passed mile marker 11, realize the walk that is left is really very reasonable. It only is a little over two miles. BUT—

   If at any time you feel like you can’t go on—don’t. Course personnel can transport you to the end of the course. Medical personnel are all over the place. Also, it is my understanding that if you are pulled for medical reasons, you still get a medal. That only is my understanding—not a matter I know as fact.