DRAFT Magazine

“Enjoy the finer things in life,” says Matt Braun. “Running hills, intervals, cold beer on a patio on a warm June day, and great times with dear people over a few cold beers and nachos.”

OK, my work here is done! That sums up the Beer Runner philosophy. What more could I possibly add?

I’ve known Matt for a few years, and I have found him to be a seriously cool guy.

Case in point: A few years ago we were exchanging emails about work matters, and I asked him if we could discuss during a run instead of in front of a computer.

It took him .02 seconds to take me up on the offer. If only I could reschedule every work-related matter to be sorted out with a run. Or a beer. How awesome would that be?

What are you goals for this summer?

Enjoy the warm weather, rebuild strength in legs after three marathons in a year, and build my overall core through pilates.

What’s the last great beer that you drank?

Great beer….probably either a Stella or a local Lakefront Brewery Ale. I’m a big believer in local, micro brews. I’m also a big fan of the new Horny Goat Brewing Company!

How about the last hard workout that you did?

Last super hard workout (running) was intervals during a 16 mile run in April while training for the Green Bay Marathon. It was OK, but I didn’t have the legs in me. The toughest workouts beyond running would be recent sessions of Progressive Pilates at the WAC in Wauwatosa (Wisconsin).  Really kicks your butt!

What are some of your biggest athletic achievements?

I don’t have a ton, but I have run two 3:19 marathons, have completed 12 full marathons, was the Lake Michigan Conference Champ in the 5000 meter run as a freshman in college (how, I’m not sure), and finished 6th at the Wisconsin State Private College Championship Meet in the 3000 meter steeplechase. I feel lucky each day I get to run, play some pick-up basketball and just enjoy working out.

In front of the Famous Eagle's Nest

What are some of your favorite places to get a pint or two?

I live in Tosa, so I’d say Leff’s Lucky Town, Colonel Harts, or downtown at Buckley’s on Wells St.  And who doesn’t love the riverfront in Milwaukee and a place like Lakefront Brewery. I also was fortunate to spend some time in Germany this past spring at the Lowenbrau Haus…..very cool!

Any other words of wisdom to give to the Beer Runner audience?

Enjoy running as a passion but don’t let it consume you. Running and exercise in general is a great way to provide clear thoughts and opportunities for creativity. Runners share a common, quirky bond on what we consider fun — burning calves, cramps and dehydration. But when you see that finish line, regardless of the race, the sense of accomplishment a finishing the task ahead is a true joy. Embrace your races and runs, and as always, happy trails.

“I endorse the work hard, play hard approach to life,” says Casey Schutte.

Dude isn’t kidding.

He’s completed a 27-hour, 100-mile race only to take a short nap and meet friends for dinner and beers.

He’s stayed up until 7 a.m. the night/day before his first marathon.

Now he’s moving to Berkeley for Law School and to join the university’s triathlon team.

What are your beer runner credentials?

I can be kind of a health nut in terms of exercise and diet, but I still like to enjoy beers with friends. Especially in summer, when one of my favorite things to do is go for a long bike ride and end with a frosty beverage.

What are some of the athletic feats you’re most proud of?

Finished the Kettle Moraine 100 Mile Endurance Run last year. Never thought I’d do that. It was the same weekend that Wisconsin flooded, and the race was brutal. Fewer than 30% finished the race. I had some very supportive friends who ran through the mud and rain with me during part of the night, though. It was unforgettable. And when I did Ironman Louisville last year, temperature were in the 90s. I’ve had some pretty bad luck with weather for my big races.

Riding in California last year

Favorite post-workout beer?

Pabst Blue Ribbon. A beer of choice since college, it just goes down so smooth. I like to brag that my friends and I were avid consumers before it became hip again.

Most memorable race that involved beer?

Definitely my first marathon, the 2004 Mad City Marathon. To prepare for the 5 a.m. race day wake up, I got up an hour earlier every morning the week of the race. Two nights before the race, my goal was to go to bed early. But It was a beautiful night and I had a group of friends hanging out at the Memorial Union Terrace. I had just finished college at UW-Madison so I joined them for a couple of celebratory beers, and my 5 a.m. wake-up turned into 7 a.m. bedtime because we wanted to watched the beautiful sunrise over the lake.  I did not enjoy the marathon.

Greatest. T-shirt. EVER. Please explain.

Smashing

I went through a phase in college where I was making gear with iron-ons. It’s a cheap way to customize clothing and can look pretty good if you do it right.  Anyway, a friend of mine had a bumper sticker with that line on it, and when I couldn’t find the sticker anywhere I made a t-shirt. Let’s say I fit the stereotype of UW-Madison and (my future educational institution) Cal-Berkeley.

How did you get involved with TriWisconsin?

I moved to Milwaukee not knowing anyone and hoping to do Ironman Wisconsin, even though I had just finished my first sprint tri. It seemed logical to get involved with TriWisconsin. I quickly found that the TriWisconsin group is an amazing bunch of athletes always willing to offer advice and support. I love to train and race but I’m about having fun much more, and TriWisconsin is completely in line with this. Can’t say enough good things about the organization.

What are some of your favorites races that you’ve done?

My first Ironman — Ironman Wisconsin in 2007. Everyone told me your first Ironman is special and Wisconsin is an amazing course. They were right. The weather was perfect, spectator support was amazing, and I didn’t drown. What more could you ask for? I also had a wonderful time running the Chicago Marathon. It’s hard to describe the energy and positive vibe when you’re surrounded by 45,000 marathoners and a whole city of supporters, doing what you love.

What are you looking forward to when you move to Berkeley?

The weather. How could you not love that? I’m excited about the prospect of running a marathon in Sacramento in December. There’s a reason you don’t see December marathons in the Midwest. I plan to join Berkeley’s triathlon team. They claim to be the largest triathlon team on any campus in the country, and the men’s team has won the national championship the last two years. I also hope to run a fall marathon and possibly qualify for Boston.

Anything else to add?

Yes. At the risk of sounding elitist, a tongue-in-cheek public service announcement: When someone says “I ran/biked X miles today,” it’s best not to respond with “X miles? I don’t even like to drive X miles!” It’s just not original. We’ve heard it many, many times.