This whole beer mile business… I was never convinced. I love running. I love beer. But together? Just because I love both, does not seem like a good enough reason to put them together. [Peanut butter is an obvious exception here. Peanut butter goes with everything.]
The fact that I am an incredibly light weight when it comes to all things containing alcohol may play a role here also. I have been known to giggle from two sips of wine on an empty stomach – I kid you not. So, one beer = good. Two beers = ok. Any more than that… Nope.
I was, thus, way out of my league when the second annual Beer Mile was announced post-Survival Run. Drink a beer, run 400m. Rinse, repeat. Four loops, four beers. And, something extra special at the very end – a shot of local rum.
Friday, 10am. Local backpacker hostel/hangout was sponsoring the event (obviously), and cases of local beer were stacked up high at the start line. While I was not planning to run, I was going to be there nevertheless – hell, maybe even with a beer in hand.
Image Source: http://jeffgenovaphotography.com/
The lead pack is about to start their second loop. I may or may not have grabbed a microphone and commentated (omg, is that a word?) the event. I can now say that I have been a race commentator. WOOT!
Image Source: http://jeffgenovaphotography.com/
An opportunity to participate in a beer mile on slightly different terms presents itself. Christian, one of the Survival Runners, can’t run – his feet are too blistered up and raw after the event. But he can drink.
I see potential for a symbiotic relationship here…
Solo and 205 pounds of awesome.Gabi, a fellow female racer, carries Christian for the first loop, and I do the remaining three.
My legs feel strong, despite my little 15-hour walk the day before. I continue to be amazed at our seeming inability to just… freaking… RUN. Nooooo, give me a sandbag. Give me barbed wire, volcanos, a 205-lb man to carry, four beers to drink. Something!
We are done. Done!
Crossing the finish line – smiles all around.
Image Source: http://jeffgenovaphotography.com/
The celebratory shot at the finish line: Image Source: http://jeffgenovaphotography.com/
When obstacle racers get together, this happens: Image Source: http://jeffgenovaphotography.com/
At the end of the event, Christian gives me a huge hug. “Girl, you are awesome!”, he says. I smile. “Trust me when I say I could not have done this event without you!”.
Image Source: http://jeffgenovaphotography.com/
If you have not yet seen Jeff’s photos of the Fuego y Agua Survival Run and 50k/100k, please check them out. They are breathtaking.
YOUR TURN: Liked this post?
Hugs, Solo