DRAFT Magazine

Ironman Triathletes tend to fall pretty firmly into the Type A category.

Not Al De Leon.

“I realize that as good as running is and as good as beer is, together could be trouble,” he says. “But who cares? They are both fun.”

Al tells me I should start a new category of Beer Runner for him: The Hungover runner.

“Racing hungover is now ‘Deleoning a race,’ as my friends affectionately call it,” he says. “I am not quite sure if I should take that as a compliment, but as long as I am faster than they are, I get to laugh last.”

How did you become a beer runner?

My first beer-run experience was on a Lakefront Discovery Run, where the Hash House Harriers had a beer stand on the course. I chugged one beer and took another to go. The goal was to finish the race with as much beer in the cup. Now I challenge myself every year to not spill during the final mile.

What are some of your most memorable beer runner experiences?

There was the 5k episode where I drank a cup (or three) of beer before the race. I was also part of the Chicago marathon that was canceled due to heat. After I heard they shut down, I grabbed a spectator’s beer and started walking back to the finish line. I relished the moment I got to walk down a Chicago street with an open container and raised it to every cop escorting us back to race central.

What is the Crank and Crawl?

Three friends and I started it three years ago, gathering at a local bike store and biking from one bar to the next. We call the bars ahead of time so they know to expect 30 cyclists. Helmets are mandatory and yes we have sent someone home because he didn’t have one. We safely enjoy our beverages!

How did you get involved with TriWisconsin?

Joined the club in 2002 and showed up at a swim practice in Umbros. After one lap I got out and watched everyone else finish. Best workout ever. But I signed up for a Chicago triathlon and I had to know what the heck I was getting into, so I joined the club. They were friendly and answered any stupid questions — I actually asked if wearing a wetsuit in the indoor pool was OK. I’ve been told that I put the color in TriWisconsin.

What do you do now with TriWisconsin?

I’m currently VP of the 450+ member club, and with that many members, anyone should be able to find a training partner with the same speed, goals, races, family, and lifestyle. That is important for someone new to understand. I always want new people to join the workouts and even more to join the social events…which is most likely over a good brew.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishments?

I have finished 5 Ironmans including Couer d’Alene, Kentucky, Louisville and Florida. But I consider finishing the Birkebeiner Cross Country Ski race as big or bigger — just because I entered that race on a whim with five total ski miles. I finished 3rd from the last with my good friend Reto. I also finished the Goofy Challenge — half and a full marathon in one weekend gets you a goofy medal at the Disneyworld marathon.

Favorite post-workout beer?

The first one served after finishing a half marathon — my favorite distance. I get to enjoy the reward more consciously than the longer distances. Lake Mills has a half that finishes at the brewery. Each entrant gets two drink tickets, and people look for me and drop off the tickets they don’t use. They have a brew called “Bitter Woman” I look forward to drinking. I also get a plate of spaghetti and two pints of Guinness at a local dive bar before any marathon.

Anything else to add?

I’d like to start a beer-mile group for Milwaukee. Can we get that going?