A few of my more ambitious friends have officially signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon. And after listening to their workout routines and running plans, I got all excited and inspired to try running for myself.
I made it halfway running down my block before shouting, “Oh my god. Why?!”
I know I will never be a marathoner. I’ve come to terms with that fact. And I will probably never attain this mythical ‘runner’s high’ that I hear so much about. But I’d still like to be at least slightly more active. If you fall into this same camp and need more motivation than the standard health and longevity and yada yada yada they try and sell you on, well, I’ve found the perfect motivational combo: running + beer.
And better yet, you don’t run for very long. In fact, you can even walk.
I’d like to introduce you to the Run For Beer Brewery Running Series. Created by the two brilliant visionaries Nate Herrington and Morgan Jappe, the Run For Beer series was founded with the idea of combining being active, drinking beer, and giving back to the community. Each race begins at a different brewery around the Twin Cities where you will run, jog, or walk a 5K (3.1 miles) and once you cross the finish line you’ll receive a free craft beer and a collectors pint glass or other seasonal swag items. Sounds pretty good right?
This is the perfect opportunity to join the community, get outside, and mingle with others who love beer and also enjoy being eh, somewhat active. And because every race starts out at a different brewery each time, you’ll be able to not only explore new neighborhoods, but taste test different craft brews from around the Twin Cities. You might even discover your new favorite beer. Additionally, the Run For Beer series is hoping to expand their races throughout the state so you’ll be able to explore different breweries, cities, and neighborhoods in our lovely land of 10,000 lakes.
And after your run (or jog, or walk), the event festivities don’t end there. They also will have live music, food trucks, and fun activities and giveaways from their partners and sponsors. The race is only $30 with proceeds going to local non-profits: People for Parks which works to maintain and improve local parks, Brewing A Better Forest whose mission is to create a better urban forest, and Red Shoe Society that works to raise awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities. So far this year, over $58,000 from the Run For Beer series has been donated to these great organizations.
Easy Tips On How To Start Running
So what if, like me, you are most definitely not a runner? Here’s a quick and easy plan to get you started on the right track so you won’t feel like you’re going to die before you get your free beer at the finish line.
Start by trying to run around your neighborhood for 10 minutes. If it’s too hard, stop. If you’re okay with 10 minutes you can keep running but the idea is to first work your way up to 10 minutes without stopping. When that feels comfortable jump into this 4-week plan.
Week 1:
Run 10 – 15 minutes at least three times
Week 2:
Run 15 – 20 minutes at least three times
Week 3:
Run 20 – 25 minutes at least three times
Week 4:
Run 25 – 30 minutes at least three times
Once you’ve completed this routine, you’ll be ready to run a 5K. You may not be fast and you may have to walk a bit, but you’ll finish.
And even if you start your training now you’ll still have plenty of time and opportunity to run in the Run For Beer Brewery Running Series because the races run through December 1st with their final race, the Winter Beer Dash. But if you are already raring to go, the next race in the series is coming up on Sunday, August 26 at Surly Brewing.
Run For Beer is a fun and stress-free event with great people, beer, and prizes. And hey, you may surprise yourself and actually enjoy the running part too.
Read more about beer here: This summer, drink good beer (we have more than a few places to do so)
