I don’t know about you, but after I’ve completed a long run, I feel like I’m entitled to drink anything or eat anything. Hence, the reason I haven’t lost weight when I’ve trained for the two half marathons I’ve run. And I’ll bet that many, many triathletes and marathoners celebrate their finishes with pasta or pizza and beer.
Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels she deserves a treat after exercising. A kind Drinking Diaries reader sent a link to this article, which came to the surprising conclusion that people who drink may exercise more than people who don’t (or who only drink lightly).
And then there are The Boston Hash House Harriers, a group of runners who meet once a week and call themselves, “a drinking club with a running problem.” First, interested runners meet at a pre-determined location, and then they follow a trail, with stops along the way for beer or water breaks. You don’t have to drink alcohol to be a member, but most people, it seems, do, and you have to be 21 to join.
Read below about the “Beer Check(s)” and the end of the trail (quoted directly from the Boston Hash club’s website):
The Beer Check(s)
After running on trail for awhile, somewhere between the start of the run and the end of the run, there will be a very special check…the “Beer Check” also known as the “BC”. Sometimes we have one beer check, sometimes more. The more beer checks on a trail, the more likely you are on a longer run. At the beer check, beverages, including beer, water, and soda are provided. Beer checks help keep the group together. While the faster runners drink and enjoy a break, the slower runners and walkers have time to catch up. But all have some time to enjoy a beverage or two. From the beer check, the pack takes off again until the on-in is reached.
The On-In
The end destination of the trail is known as the on-in. This is usually a bar, restaurant or a hasher’s personal residence. During the trail, the hotline is updated with the location so if you are completely lost or extremely lazy, you can make it to the on-in in a timely fashion. At the beginning of the on-in, another circle is formed. The Religious Advisor (“RA”) calls the hares into the middle where they are given the proper abuse they deserve for setting the trail. Visitors and virgins are also given justice for making the mistake of running with us. Accusations are also made for abuses on trail, such as wearing the same apparel as other hashers, showing up late or skipping the trail or together and just showing up at the end. Note: Do not wear new shoes, apparel that references competitive r*ces or r*nning clubs as this will lead to down-downs as well. If you do, prepare to drink for your foolishness. Accusations lead to down-downs. Songs are sung, beer or other beverages are consumed, food is eaten and much merriment is had by all.WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you feel more entitled to drink more because you exercise?
I think an adult beverage is the perfect reward for any hard work. However, when I do work out, I feel that the calories burned justify the beverage (sorta like having the extra cookie causes me to run harder)
Nice post and very provocative question.
Josh @nectarwine (Twitter)