What better way to start off the new year than joining a run club? Sounds awful, right? What if I told you that you could have an ice-cold beer after your run? I mean, I don’t get out of bed for any other reason than thought of a beer after work, which probably makes heading to the gym a little more difficult, especially on a Thursday night when the week is coming close to an end.
Well, guess what. Now, you can. Honestly, every brewery I frequent has a run or bike club. I believe this is a new phenomenon that is going to become a very big thing, especially because it’s January and people are back off their bs. Or are they back on their bs? I never know how that expression works. But people are coming up with their new year resolution. If you were looking for a resolution look no further, join your local brewery run club.
(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)
I often go to a brewery called Crank Arm Brewery in Raleigh. It is my favorite brewery down here, mainly because of the beer (obviously). But their big thing is that they have a bike club and, also, a run club. Some of the breweries provide pizza or appetizers for club members after the run. The business model behind run clubs is perfect for three reasons: you get to meet people, you get to go out and drink beer, and you get your work out in.
The main reason I don’t work out enough is because I come home from work, usually amped up from a day of nonsense, and I need to relax. I always have a beer in my fridge, and I have six breweries within a mile from my apartment. But there is only one gym…where do you think I’m going?
So, if you don’t live anywhere near a brewery, and you still want to join a run club, there are some options. One of the most famous breweries that you know is starting a virtual run club that you can join via their website. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is starting their own club on January 16th. Shalane Flanagan, American long-distance runner, will be the run club ambassador. She reported that she would be sharing her tips for runners and healthy recipes, as well. If you’re in the Delaware area on January 18th, you can join their monthly group run. Otherwise, for those of you in Baltimore, you can use any running app to share your progress to social media with #DFHRunclub to win free junk. Hey, if I can go for a run, have a beer and maybe win a free shirt then I’m in. I’m what you call a cotton slut, I’ll do anything for a t-shirt.
Wherever you are, let us know about some of the clubs you’re a part of that have some element of beer in it. Drinking beer has always been the best way to make friends and adding the club aspect really makes it a great group activity. Although, truth be told, I’m content drinking a nice Dogfish Head 60 minute on my couch, but occasionally, I can use a friend. What clubs are you a part of? Where are y’all drinking these days?
Beer Analyst
Vince Del is a therapist living in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is originally from New York where he grew up and went to college. Vince has been writing for four years now creating his blog about the unfortunate events that happen to us on a daily basis – mycousinvinny.blog. In his spare time, he drinks beer, and now writes about that as well.