
Melvin Chu (above, far left) started the blog Runners Drink Beer after a happy discovery. He found he ran faster in the morning after consuming a few beers the night before.
“I’m not talking about a kegger or full-on assault of the liver,” he says. “But after 3-6 beers I have more energy and stamina the next morning.”
Several others in the Dallas area have bought into this idea, and soon enough Runners Drink Beer blossomed into a social running club. And Melvin’s secret continued to work for him.
“After a few 5K’s, I tried beer the night before and knocked a minute and a half off my PR,” he says. “It could have been an easier course, better weather, or you got faster, but who are we kidding? It’s the beer.”
Melvin talked to The Beer Runner about balance, how he lost 50 pounds and the “sense of accomplishment that you earned this beer.”

Who makes up your group today?
I met Kyle Hemmer, who started marathon training with my best friend for their first marathons, and it went from a blog to a social running group. We had some shirts made, set up a few happy hours, and the idea took off. Our goal is to pass along news to the running community, monthly events for the group, and get to know the running community. We’ve met so many — from elites to new runners – that we are all no longer unrecognizable face at White Rock or the Katy Trail.
Do you have any favorite RDB events that you’ve held so far?
I can’t say I have a definitive favorite, but three stand out. 1) St Patty’s Day Parade. Once a year, you’re allowed to drink in public. This is also preceded by the Dash Down Greenville 5K. 2) Warrior Dash 3.5 mile run through mud and various obstacles. 3) Franconia Brewery Tour. They offer tours every Saturday and free beer. I kept getting refills of their Winter Seasonal - a 9.7% beauty — which snuck up on me very fast.
Do you have a favorite post-race beer?
Post-race, I’ll drink any beer in front of me. You have that sense of accomplishment that you earned this beer. When you’re hot and sweaty, anything will do. The majority of the time, a nice crisp pilsner or lager tends to hit the spot - refreshing and light enough to throw back a few.
Do you have a beer picked out for after your upcoming Chicago Marathon?
I know there will be approx 25 members of RDB from Dallas going for the race, and plans are in the works for the Dallas members to have an after-party at one of the Chicago deep dish establishments (Gino’s East, Giordanno’s, or Lou Malnati’s). I have plans to hit some of the local breweries - Goose Island, Metropolitan, Half Acre, and Argus. Can’t visit Chicago and not have any local brews!

You’ve lost 50 or so pounds since lifting weights and running. How do you keep the weight off?
Lifestyle change. So many people claim that they’ve tried every diet with no success. Diet should be a noun, as in what you eat, versus a verb, as in a temporarily action. Until that person makes up their mind, they’ll never see success. They have to want it, own up, and stop making excuses. I finally hit that point post-college when I topped out around 200lbs. I realized I had to make a change and made a conscious effort to exercise and eat better. I lift weights twice a week and run 5 days a week.
What does your diet look like?
Breakfast is normally a bagel and protein shake after a workout. (Fast digesting, high GI carbs to refuel, plus protein to aid in muscle recovery) Lunch and dinner is some variation of whole wheat pasta or bread, brown rice, green vegetables, and some protein with a moderate amount of fat. I certainly don’t hate eating out or eating poorly. I love burgers, pizza, fries, and lots of other things one shouldn’t be eating. I decided to give them up for healthier foods. I feel and perform better when I eat well. The only thing I will never give up is beer. I like it too much. It’s all in moderation, though.

What words of advice do you have for others who want to be a runner who drinks beer?
Balance is the key. Juggle exercise while enjoying life. Go out, eat well, train hard, and enjoy beer as your reward. Many people get one-track minds when they start - it’s all work all the time and utter dedication, which ultimately will burn them out. You have to enjoy life and give yourself a break. If I was Ryan Hall, well, that might be a different story. But I’m just an average guy who likes running and beer. I enjoy what both bring to my life - a sense of balance and something to look forward to.
Anything else to add?
RDB welcomes everyone to become a fan of us on Facebook. We also appreciate the opportunity to explain who we are. It was just a small idea that took off by a couple of guys who like running and beer. I’ve enjoyed every minute and have grown fond of the relationships with members of the running community. We look forward to bigger and better things in the near future. Also look forward to following DraftMag and BeerRunner!