I am not new to craft beer. I’ve spent the last 15 years or so trying far more styles, varieties, interpretations, classics, experiments and breweries than I can remember. Though I have my favorite styles, I’ve never let that confine my exploration. I’ve brewed homebrew following the advice of legend Charlie Papazian and his reassuring words, “Relax, don’t worry, have a homebrew!” I’ve read numerous books, blogs, and magazines on the subject of barley, hops, yeast and water.
But I am brand new to running.
About a year-plus ago, I finally got off my rear end and started exercising. I was active, but certainly not fit in the exercise sense of the word. More importantly, I was at a point where I needed some serious stress relief. I’d also made a friend who was a regular exerciser. That combination was the final bit of motivation I needed to turn talk into action. But the elliptical machine stays interesting for only short periods of time. To keep things fresh, I started mixing in some running on the treadmill. Why? Ironically, because I’ve always hated running. I mean REALLY hated it.
Thanks to my hatred of running, it naturally presented my biggest challenge. Which is why I decided to try and tackle it. Throughout December, the great fun I’d had during the holiday season had my weight trending the wrong way despite the 2 to 3 times exercising per week. It was time to get serious. When January hit, I dug in for some real work. Somewhere around the middle of February, something about running started to click. I no longer dreaded it. In fact, I started to look forward to it. I was winning the challenge. I wasn’t fast, or even good at it, but I was improving. My distance was increasing and I’d gotten some pointers from a helpful trainer at the gym. Yet, I needed a goal.
Back in December, Runner’s World magazine came to Missoula to deliver the news that the Missoula Marathon, after only three years’ existence, was rated the best overall marathon in America. Now there’s a goal. Well, not the 26.2 miles of the full marathon. That would be a GOAL. But could I somehow work my way up to the half marathon – all 13.1 miles of it? With more than a little fear (okay, lots of fear) and an equal amount of excitement, I signed up for Run Wild Missoula’s marathon training class. To say that it has been a source of fun, encouragement, information, support and camaraderie is to barely capture the benefits I’ve received.
When I dug in to get serious about running back in January, I could do 3 to 4 miles at a 10:30 minute/mile pace on a good day. This past Sunday I reeled off 14.2 miles at an 8:55 minute/mile pace. I can now go places while running. I’ve been on streets and trails around Missoula I never knew existed in eleven years. Since the marathon training class started March 7, I’ve piled up 297 training miles (449 total on the year). Yes, I’m an info geek and keep a training log and run with a GPS watch that tells me my pace and distance and draws a map for me when I get home. For a guy who regularly keeps notes on beer, I’m guessing that doesn’t surprise you. I no longer wonder IF I can run the 13.1 miles of the Missoula 1/2 Marathon. Now, I’m focused on making sure I can run it while having fun. At this rate, it is going to be a blast.
What does this have to do with beer? At first, not much (except when you realize you can enjoy beer with much less guilt when you burn 2,000 calories on a training run). Like most things new and interesting to me, I crave knowledge about it. While surfing around the running blogosphere I noticed an interesting subset of running culture. There’s quite a few runners out there who are serious about running AND good craft beer. Awesome.
Check out the Beer Runner (“Beer Run•ner (noun): 1. Someone equally devoted to fine beer appreciation and an active, healthy lifestyle”), MCM Mama and Will Run for Beer, to name a few fun examples. There are races centered around beer themes. Even the Missoula Marathon has beer waiting at the finish line (Missoula’s Big Sky Brewing Co.’ Moose Drool Brown Ale – thanks Big Sky!). I’m curious what it will taste like when I cross the finish line somewhere around 8:00 a.m. Hmm . . . .
On Sunday, July 11, 2010, at 6:00 a.m I will line up at the starting line for my first ever race. (Nothing like starting big, eh?) If you’re in or near Missoula, I encourage you to take part in this great community event. Last year saw nearly 2,500 runners take part. With the new No. 1 overall ranking, the number is expected to double or triple. Not up for running it? Many, many volunteers are needed to help pull it off. Fans are needed to help cheer, especially for those running the full 26.2 mile marathon. (More Cowbell!!) You’ll find me in my green Run Wild Missoula shirt comfortably in the middle of the pack. If you happen to be near me when I cross the finish line, please hand me a beer.
After the race, I plan to take the rest of the day off and celebrate with either a Sierra Nevada Fritz and Ken’s Ale or perhaps a bottle of Deschutes’ Black Butte XXI. I might even be talked into opening up a 2008 Ivan the Terrible Bourbon Imperial Stout.
On July 12, 2010, I’m starting a new goal: 26.2.
