DRAFT Magazine

Sam from Dogfish Head on a 7-mile training run

For Christmas this year, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head entered himself and his wife Mariah in the New York City Half Marathon lottery.

Next thing they know, they’re full-on beer runners in training for the 13.1-mile race on March 21.

“It should be interesting,” Mariah said. “Neither of us are regular distance runners. We did a half marathon years ago and finished – but came in nearly last. We’re so slow!!!!”

But can anyone on the course claim to brew more adventurous beers?

The Beer Runner: How’s the training going so far?

Mariah Calagione: So far, so good — although it’s pretty darn cold!!!. I am following a training schedule provided by Tim Bamforth of Seashore Striders (he is the race director for our annual Dogfish Dash - you should come out for it - 9/26/10). The plan has me running 5 miles 4-5 days/week. Sam is doing more of a cross-training thing with 2-3 days of running plus some spinning/rowing machine workouts and yoga.

BR: What half marathon did you run before?

MC: We did a half marathon years ago here in Lewes, DE (it was a race Tim put on and is coming up again in April). We finished something like 2nd and 3rd from last - no lie!!! But we finished. Our training was pretty lame. Hopefully we won’t be last this time around!!!

BR: What’s your favorite Dogfish Head beer to finish a training run with?

Sam and the Beer Runner at GABF

MC: For everyday, I’d say we’d both go with a 60 Minute IPA - although on a particularly cold day Sam will opt for an Indian Brown Ale.

BR: Anything else to add?

MC: We’ve been having fun!!!!! We’re looking forward to being part of such a huge, exciting race in our fave city.

Speaking of races, I’m on my way to Death Valley National Park for a trail marathon tomorrow morning. I’m bringing my phone and plan on sending out photos and 140-character updates along the course, if I’m not in too much pain. You can get them by following @TheBeerRunner on Twitter or becoming a fan on Facebook.