During visits back to my alma mater, I used to run through Chapel Hill as much as I could. I would come back from DC (warmly known to me as "Dirty, Smelly, Swampy Hell") to visit my then-boyfriend's parents and be determined to soak in as much of "Blue Heaven" as I could. The first time we drove back, he- as a very sweet gesture- played James Taylor's "Gone to Carolina" as we hit the interstate and I burst into tears wailing "Whyyy would you dooo thaaat?" I was a little homesick/irrational. Graduating from Carolina felt like a horrible breakup and I was still in the binge eating Ben & Jerry's pints phase of my grief.
His parents' house was about 3 miles from the very edge of campus and the route included a monster hill (and a Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen... don't get me started), so I knew I'd have to be pretty determined to make it back to my baby blue mothership and finish a 6-miler. Confession: sometimes I called him to pick me up mid-route. Don't judge.
Just hangin' at the prettiest campus you ever did see. Actually taken 2 months after graduation... talk about an awkward outfit for a walk through campus in July.
It never failed that once I made it back from my run, his parents would offer me a beer. See, they were from Austria where beer is like water... delicious, mind-altering water. "It's good for you, will rehydrate you" they would claim fervently. Bless them and their good intentions but I never quite bought into it... unless I was going straight from run to pool, then it was justifiable. And for dang good reason! Have YOU ever been hungover? I happen to know that some hangover symptoms are caused by dehydration- ha!
From my trip to Schonbrunn Palace in Austria, land of beer and castles. Totally my kind of place.
But, hold the phone. It seems that a post-run brewski isn't all bad. According to an article on Runner's World, a beer after a run, some water, and a little food can help replenish electrolytes, carbs, and nutrients. GREAT NEWS! Next round's on me! Before you break out the beer bong, remember that moderation is key because- duh- although beer does have some good-for-you stuff in it, it is still alcohol and alcohol is bad. Let's not get too cray.
Feeling like you're playing Red Light, Green Light? Me too. So here's my plan for beer-ing after running:
1. drink a LOT of water
2. have a little snack
3. then drink ONE beer
If it's for the electrolytes, good carbs, and nutrients, one serving should be enough anyway. A lot of beer-centric run clubs have popped up and gained popularity recently, and being social with one drink rather than pounding pints and being "that girl" should be the goal. Besides, I'm a vodka soda, one lemon, one lime drinker if it's the type of outing where we're getting weird (cue the eye rolls, bartenders of the world).
Here are some local running clubs that offer libations after logging miles:
Did I miss anyone? Comment below!
I tried the Tuesday night Running for Brews club with Ali and it was really fun! We didn't stay for the brews after our 3.75 mile run to Freedom Park and back to Montford (we opted for froyo instead), but I'm looking forward to going back and also trying other clubs.
The route. This was the (almost) 4-miler, and there were longer and shorter options.
Hi, we're cool.
They had free samples of Nuun electrolyte water enhancer, Core Power protein shake, and protein bars as well as Run for Your Life stickers, a prize for the person who brought the most friends along, and a punch card toward a free t-shirt. I'm all about free stuff! The leader, Alicia (I think), was awesome and such a positive motivator too.
Running for Brews meets every Tuesday at 7 at Brazwell's. On Tuesday, 9/16, King of Pops will be on hand for the Brazwell's Brain Freeze Popsicle Run. Uhhh... I'm there and question your priorities if you're not considering it too. You had me at popsicles.
YES. love it. they also say chocolate milk will do the trip. and OMG to your froyo binging. you must be stopped!
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