DRAFT Magazine

“By the time I graduated college,” says Nick Schweitzer, “I weighed in at around 265 lbs.”

Then he slowly started getting into a diet and exercise plan, swore off the macro-brews and got into craft beer.

“The darker the better,” he says.

These days he’s slimmed down to 180 pounds, finishes 3-5 triathlons a year, and regularly completes bike rides dubbed The Puker.

What are your Beer Runner credentials?

I consider myself somewhat of a beer snob, having given up macro brew beers unless I absolutely can’t help it. If I can stand a spoon up in the beer, I’m a happy guy. It’s been even more interesting in the last few months since one of my new coworkers is an avid home brewer. As for a healthy lifestyle, I do 3-5 triathlons a year, which keep me cross training in swimming, running and biking.  I occasionally rock climb, and during the winter, I love nothing more than heading out to Lapham Peak for cross country skiing. I also try to make it onto a lake at least once a year for wake boarding.

Which came first for you: Love of beer or love of healthy, active lifestyle?

Definitely love of beer first, which is one of the reasons I used to be overweight. I started with just walking, which led to running thanks to a coworker of mine. Then I got back into biking. Another friend of mine did a triathlon every year up at Devil’s Lake, so I joined in one year. After that, I was hooked.

How did you get into triathlons, rock climbing and XC skiing?

Triathlons provide a great goal, and the fact that they involve multiple sports keep you from getting bored, and also force you to cross train which keeps injuries to a minimum.  I got into cross country skiing as a way to stay active outdoors in the winter. Rock climbing is just a hobby of mine that I picked up from my brother-in-law. It’s excellent at creating balance and mental focus.  A couple years ago I had a running series on my blog talking about my weight loss experience.

Have any races coming up?

I just finished one in Lake Mills run by witriseries.com, and they do an absolutely fantastic job. I also did the Racine Lighthouse run for the first time this year.  I’m also planning on doing an August triathlon in Oshkosh, then my annual trip back up to Devil’s Lake for the Devil’s Challenge in September. I manage to fit one or two more races in there somewhere as well, but I don’t know which ones yet.  I’ll probably Storm the Bastille, if only because its acceptable to drink heavily before the race.

You recently completed something called “The Puker.” What does that involve?

There is a fantastic group of bikers in Wauwatosa called the Tosa Spokesmen. We do weekend rides that range from 30-50 miles (cruising 20-22 mph on the flats with an overall average of 18+ mph, meeting at Noodles). They also do a Thursday and Friday morning ride called The Puker.  We meet at 6 am and do 12+ laps up Revere Ave, which is a very steep hill.  Finally, there is a Tuesday morning ride called The Tosa Tour of Torture (or The Horribly Hilly Tosa ride), which hits 14 hills in 10 miles.

As a photographer, do you have any good photos from races that you can share?

Absolutely! I have an entire race collection on Flickr. They include sets of photos of races that I’ve done, as well as criteriums that I’ve photographed, but haven’t personally raced in.

“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.