5th Annual Beer Mile Classic Race Report

Published by Bethany on November 23, 2015November 23, 2015

This was another great event that definitely snuck up on me this year! Again Rob Schuler organized and graciously allowed all proceeds to be donated to Lifeline Animal Clinic.

Last year, I breezed through the relay and John and I had a great joint time of 6:24. That gave me confidence, perhaps, too much going into the whole thing. Last year I practice chugging one beer on two different occasions so I could get used to the technique. This year I didn’t practice at all and my stomach is a little shrunken lately I think too from trying to maintain the mini-meals lifestyle. Eating big meals lends itself better to the demands of this event (although mini meals get you net ahead in life)!

I got some great advice ahead of time from Matt Shectman, last year’s champ on Saturday morning. He said be sure not to go out too easy and don’t eat a lot right before. I had a stated goal of 8′ based on last year. Last year I had no problem keeping the drinking portion to 20 – 30″ so I figured 90″ total plus a 6′ mile and 30″ of padding. I fell way way short of that goal but I did manage to finish, albeit with a penalty lap!

The first drinking portion is missing off the front of this file. In case you’re interested, here’s how the (poor) pacing went down:

Lap 1- 1:19 (5:25 pace) + 21″ drinking

Lap 2- 1:44 (6:52 pace) + 47″ drinking (this is the lap when I felt the worst and had to stop while running and the thought of quitting crossed my mind ;))

Lap 3-  1:36 (6:22 pace) + 37″ drinking

Lap 4, 5- 3:08 (5:54 pace) + 50′ drinking

John smoked it with a 7:31 for third place!

I was very impressed with several people who completely rocked it! Definitely will have to stretch out the stomach for next year and perhaps chug a beer or two along the way so I can give it a go again! Lessons Learned- during the event your will to win sort of fades. I was amazed to see how many minutes had passed as I neared the finish. I totally thought I was still on pace! Also, photos of you during an event like this will not be flattering, even with great photogs. Can’t wait to do it again!