Cheers to the Finish Line: Why Beer and Running Go Hand-in-Hand
Cheers to the Finish Line: Why Beer and Running Go Hand-in-Hand
Is beer a performance enhancer or just a post-race tradition? Explore the fascinating reasons athletes reach for a brew before, during, and after a run.
Since this week ellicottvilleNOW is focusing on Breweries, Distilleries, Wineries and Dineries I decided it would be fun to share some history to why beer is the beverage of choice after competing in most running/endurance races. So I did some research and found some rather interesting information.
Beer is clearly popular after an event. It’s refreshing and quenches the thirst. It adds to the post-race atmosphere and camaraderie. What isn’t as well known is that many consider beer to be conducive to better racing performance if consumed the evening before the event, or even during the race, in particular for longer events like marathons or ultramarathons. There are valid reasons for beer being a “performance-enhancing substance.” Similar to the traditional pre-race pasta, it has carbohydrates to build energy stores for the next day’s race. There are B vitamins from the grains used to make beer. Drinking beer the evening before and quenching your thirst after races with a couple beers is standard. What’s more surprising are those runners who drink beer during the race to improve their performance. The late running philosopher George Sheehan advised runners to drink some beer in the later stages of a marathon.
According to Cheryl Lager, a premier female ultra-marathoner in South Virginia, it’s beyond the 26.2-mile marathon distance that beer might have its greatest advantages. During the ninth annual Virginia 24-Hour Run for Cancer, held in mid-April at Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton, as she writes, “I was at a low point during my 24-hour race - I was sick, weak, nauseous and depleted. Instead of quitting or taking a long break to regain my strength (as ultra-runners often do), I drank a beer instead. The beer instantly refueled my body and was the perfect remedy. Within minutes, I felt well again and ran vigorously for a few hours. I repeated this process several times and went on to ultimately win the race. Beer was the ace up my sleeve!”
Lager took a few more beer breaks and ran a total of 100 miles in a 24-hour period to win the women’s division, just short of the women’s record of 101.5 miles. She says, “I don’t want it to sound like beer is the reason I won, but it did make me feel much better! I ran strong after I drank it. Beer definitely helped me… it worked when nothing else did.” Other ultra-runners tout beer’s anti-inflammatory properties as well as its quick absorption rate in the body (compared to food).
However, you don’t need to be an ultra-runner to enjoy a cold one after a race. Typically, the after-beer is seen as a reward and a way to celebrate with fellow runners. A cold beer following a long run can be incredibly refreshing, especially in warm weather. Some sources suggest that beer can contribute to recovery due to its carbohydrate and electrolyte content. There is also a notion that it may alleviate soreness and promote relaxation. (It is crucial to remember that scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.)
In summary, while the scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of post-race beer is not conclusive, its presence at athletic events is largely driven by its celebratory, social, and potentially refreshing aspects, coupled with marketing opportunities. (Important Note: It's essential to emphasize that moderation is key when considering alcohol consumption, especially after strenuous exercise.)
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Kim Duke is a certified personal trainer and owner of Core Performance Fitness and Training, 55 Bristol Lane, Ellicottville, NY. Kim resides in Ellicottville where she raised her sons, Zach and Nik. For more information about her studio, visit her Facebook page, www.coreperformancefitness.com or call her directly at 716-698-1198.
