A Different Kind of Beer Run

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.

The Old Well, UNC Chapel Hill

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:

Tuesday - Running for Brews @ Brazwell's

Tuesday - We Run Uptown @ Vida Vida

Wednesday - NoDa Brewery Run Club

Thursday - Triple C Beer Runners

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.

Baby's first 10k

Ok, so this is intimidating. I'm a fairly outgoing and personable gal, but something about putting my thoughts in writing for all to see (read: judge mercilessly) makes me want to crawl under a rock. This fear is compounded by the fact that I'm doing something I never thought I would actually do: run a half marathon. I thought I'd write it on my bucket list and give it about as much thought as I've given the other items on that list: exactly 0 minutes. I'm thankful this bucket list item has come to life and hope it pushes me to check off a few more, though!

Any runner out there knows the odd mix of camaraderie and competition in the running world is enough to make Regina George seem genuine (for those that don't get the reference, you can't sit with us). BUT, it's real. In a race, you mark your competitor, try to keep pace, and ultimately push yourself to cross the finish line before her, all while rooting her on and hoping like heck that she finishes well too. At least I do, I'll admit it. It's messed up, but it's fun! 

Before the OrthoCarolina 10k Classic with my high school sweetheart/training partner, Skylar.

This is a no BS sport and your success or failure ultimately rests on you alone. No one drops your perfect pass or lets a defender get to you, it's just you, your two feet, and the ground. Having people around to tell you that voice in your head saying "You've maxed out, let's just walk a little" is a big fat liar makes all the difference in the world. My training partner and I give each other grief (she knows my Nike+ activity better than I do myself), but we also give each other goals and guidance. We just raced our first 10k together and finished with 1 second between us. At one point she turned to me and said, "One more mile. You know I'm about to make you cry, right?" Now that's a friend.

Mom, dad, and Ali, my cheering section.

2 injuries, 91% humidity, 6.4 miles, 0 breaks, and 64 minutes... Then 5,867,465 crab legs at brunch.

Army captain bars from my godfather. My family calls me Captain- I'm a tad OCD when it comes to organization.

In February I will be running my first half marathon and will blog my training journey here. I will also raise money along the way for a fabulous organization, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a nonprofit that raises money for suicide prevention. Donate here.

Finally, I recently lost my baby brother and will dedicate my training to his memory. He was one of the fittest, most positive people I have ever known, and I like to think he keeps the big fat liars away while I'm running. Thanks, bro.