I’ve been running now for almost 3 years. Sometimes after a run I’m shot. Exhausted. Breathing hard. Just not feeling great.
After my last half marathon I had this type of feeing. I pushed hard during the race as I generally try to do. I figure that I want to look back and enjoy the results. Momentary discomfort is totally worth it when you PR or just know you did your best. There is a need to be wise and not hurt yourself, but the feeling after a hard workout or race is awesome.
Okay. The drink. I’m sure I am not alone in knowing this, but it took years for me to figure out the best drink after a tough workout. Beer!
So after my last half marathon I wasn’t doing well. I drank Gatorade, water, chocolate milk and after 30 minutes I was still not doing well. I found myself at the beer tent and had my 1 beer that they offered. Within minutes I was back to my old self. My mind was clear and I was no longer tired in the slightest.
I kept that experience tucked away for 8 months. Fast forward to the recent increase in my running. My first long run was tough. Very tough. I couldn’t get myself to relax and knew it was about to become a long day. I was driving home and decided to get a Gatorade at a local supermarket. I was exhausted. Then I recalled my half marathon experience. I decided to try it. I went to the beer isle at 9:00 on a Saturday morning. I ended up with the non-alcoholic beer, Odules (it was 9:00 🙂 ). I got to the car and downed one before I even put the keys in the ignition.
In minutes I felt awesome. Just like my half marathon, I had a 180 turnaround and felt like I never had an issue.
I now try to keep a recovery beer with me on all workouts. I had a really hard workout this weekend while visiting my mom in PA. I ran 13 miles with 2200 ft climb and when I finished… I needed a recovery beer. I took it out of the fridge and in a minute or two my breathing went to normal, my mind cleared and I felt great.
Once again, this may not be big news to most runners, but it t really is a miracle recovery drink.
Beer. I knew it was good for something.
Tom
278 to Boston 
That’s awesome! Great find… I use a boring old recovery drink UltraGen. 🙂
Ha. Mine is more fun. Lol!
Sadly, beer even the “non-alcoholic” kind is a no-go for this alcoholic. 😦
I’ll stick with UCAN Hydrate. 🙂
Totally understandable. I’ll try UCAN Hydrate one day. Odules isn’t always a good option in public! Still looks like a beer. 🙂
I will definitely try this! Thanks for the advice.
I have a friend who swears by her post race bloody mary! Something about alcohol must calm the body. 🙂
I think it might be in the carbs. I never thought of a bloody mary though… Ha!
Funny how that works. Research goes back and forth with yes it works and no in theory it should but the alcohol negates things. Personally, I think there is probably definitely something to it. I drank one after my 34 mile run in Chicago and it felt great. And if it works, how perfect is that. What a great reason to find a nice beer that you enjoy. I have always said that when I am sick (sore throat etc.) nothing makes me feel better like an ice cold beer. That cold fizz on my throat is amazing!
I must say that my “official” research says it works great! LOL. I never thought about a beer after getting sick. That is a great idea. 🙂