Last year was my very first beer mile ever. It was quite a lot of fun, and I looked forward to it again this year. After re-aggravating my hamstring at Chattanooga in September, I took a full 2 months off from running and biking. I only took 3 weeks straight off of swimming, as that didn't hurt (as long as I didn't breaststroke kick).
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| The People Gather |
So the weekend before the Beer Mile was my first ride and run in two months. My hamstring felt sore, but didn't really hurt. I kept the runs short, at 3 miles. I figured that since this was only going to be a mile, it would be no problem.
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| Instructions are Given |
It's about 25 minutes over to Waxhaw. I got there about 12:45pm to hang out and help set up. We hung out a little longer, as there was a big wreck on Providence road that delayed several people. We had a good crowd this year as again Karen invited the entire MSA swim group to the event. It was billed as the MSA Christmas party. Mostly because we knew that Coach Patty wouldn't be up to it this year (more on that later).
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| MSA in the House |
As usual, there were a lot of EPT Racing people there was well. Although (thankfully) Laurent was unable to make it. That Canadian destroyed me last year. Mostly on the drinking part. Also 3rd place finisher Mark wasn't there either. So the biggest competition was uber swimmer Jeremy.
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| "I Want You to Run the Beer Mile" |
Since this beer mile is just for fun. We don't follow the official beer mile rules. First is the use of dixie cups. We just set up a table in the cul-de-sac, and fill up cups from a keg. Last year we some good Triple C Golden Boy. Evidently there were some complaints that it was a little heavy. I thought it was fine. I like good beer. So this year they got some Miller Lite Swill. (I added the 'Swill', that's not actually the name - I'm talking to you Trista).
Anyways, Karen gives everyone the instructions. I would guess we had 30-40 people (counting kids doing the 'juice box' mile). Someone is the "Official" timer by using their phone. Everyone grabs a cup and gets ready. I have the cup up and ready to start my garmin and drink at the same time. Someone yells go and we start chugging.
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| Heartrate and Pace |
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| Jeremy in the lead |
The first one, honestly, isn't so bad. The worst part is that on this 4 loop out and back course, is that the "out" part is uphill. So you slam the beer and then try to trudge uphill. I'm probably in 10th place when I start running. I don't really catch many people on the uphill, but once it hit the cones at the top and start coming back down, I start to reel people in.
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| Proper Form: Bent Knees, Head Up, Feet shoulder width apart |
I see Jeremy is the first one back at the table. We had all put our names on the cups that we started with. I see Jeremy looking around for his cup. As I'm coming to the table, I decide that I can't waste any time on that. I just grab the closest cup at the table and start drinking. Even then Jeremy is still probably 10 seconds ahead of me.
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| Looking Rough |
This time up the hill is much slower. Jer is several places ahead of me. I am still catching people, so that was good. That 2nd lap was my slowest. I get back for the 3rd beer, chug it, start running, and start burping like I may lose it. I'm like, Keep it Together, Man!
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| There's the Heel Striker I Love |
The 3rd lap starts out the slowest, but I pull it together on the downhill some. At this point, I'm not sure I'll catch Jeremy. I get back for the last beer, and try and chug like there is no tomorrow. I turn to run, and feel like total dog crap, more burping, and hard to get the legs moving. I'm like, 2nd place isn't so bad.
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| Sprinting for all I was worth |
I push to the the turnaround and decide I'm not that far behind. So I try to sprint back down the hill. I catch Jeremy less than half way back down, and push through the finish for the W. I just put my hand on my knees, tried to catch my breath, and keep my beer down. That is a rough feeling. For such a fun event, you really feel like crap for a bit. Then your stomach feels better, and then you start feeling reeeeally good. It may have something to do with putting down 4 beers in less than 7 minutes.
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| Male Winners |
So that's why we all hang out for a couple of hours afterward and eat until we can drive home. After everyone finishes the race, Karen does the awards and provides the top prizes. I had brought some six-packs from my local Brewery, Full Spectrum, for 2nd and 3rd place prizes.
Men
1. Me, Bell's Brewing Kalamazoo Stout
2. Jeremy, Full Spectrum Carolina Blue Pale Ale
3. David, Full Spectrum Upstate Orange Wheat
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| Female Winners |
Women
1. Karen, Bell's Brewing Hell Hath No Fury Belgian Dark Ale
2. Jen, Full Spectrum Carolina Blue Pale Ale
3. Shannon, Full Spectrum Upstate Orange Wheat
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| Kid's winners |
Karen gets Bell's Brewing from Kalamazoo, MI as that is where she is from. Fun Fact: I was born in Kalamazoo as well. Whoah.
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| That guy looks like he had 4 beer in less than 7 minutes, and he sweats a lot |
We all retired around back of the house for the food. Karen's husband was grilling up some burgers and everyone had brought a bunch of food. I hung out for a little bit letting everyone else get some food before I jumped in. That way you can tell what the good stuff is, and what people are passing over. I thought all the food was really great. It was nice to hang out and talk to everyone.
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| The Winners |
Coach Patty came out and brought her husband Tom. He had a stroke a few weeks earlier. Physically he seemed really good, but he is still having issues speaking and forming sentences.
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| Those were some good burgers |
All in all a fun event, even if the actual beer mile can be a little miserable at times. Next year, I may take this event a little more seriously. It would be nice to actually be in shape to run it. I had the drinking part down this year, but wasn't in very good running shape. Maybe next year I can be in shape for both. Thanks to Shannon for the pre and post race pics. Thanks to Judd for the in-race pics.
