In defense of beer during training
By Tim Cigelske • Dec 29th, 2009 • Category: In the news
Photo by Pete Prodoehl on Flickr
Writing for the San Diego News Room, Michele Wallace makes a well-reasoned, expert argument for beer drinking during training, beyond just aesthetic considerations.
Wallace points out that beer is made from grains, water, and yeast, contains antioxidants, and lowers one’s risk of coronary disease — and contains the underrated (in my opinion) vitamin B6. This vitamin plays a key role in making iron in the diet more available, which in turn provides more hemoglobin and oxygen for working muscles.
So lets break this down:
Beer -> vitamin B6 -> more available iron -> more hemoglobin -> more oxygen -> PRs
Finally, there’s the writer’s trump card:
One of my favorite things to do is to relax at the end of the week with a cold beer! There is nothing like it; the smell, the taste, the relaxation and the warmth that fills my body is simply the best. I’m always bothered by those that use the “I’m in training” excuse to not throw back a cold brew. Really? Do these people really think that a beer, maybe two or three, is going to impair their training?
Beyond all the expert “data”, I can tell you-from one runner to another-beer is a good thing. Whenever I drink a few beers (not in excess), I always feel GREAT during my next workout. Whether it is the B6, the antioxidants, the carbohydrates, or the alcohol…. whatever it is, I’m sold.
The experts have spoken, and they want you to drink beer while training.
Tim Cigelske is the Beer Runner. --
Beer Run•ner (noun): 1. Someone equally devoted to fine beer appreciation and an active, healthy lifestyle 2. A blog by Tim Cigelske on Draftmag.com. Ex. "John downed four microbrews at the triathlon finish line. He's a total beer runner."
All posts by Tim Cigelske
Should I have beer if I am not training?
Yes.
What can I say. I like reading these posts, since runners have been drinking beer while training hard for decades. All these new “revelations” are a little like hearing about some expert waking up one fine morning and profoundly declaring the sun rises in the east.
Tim, how can I get you to come out to the LA Chinatown Firecracker 10K on 2/28? On top of an expanded Beer Garden for all registered participants we’re featuring Xyience+vodka cocktails!