DRAFT Magazine interview

As this blog has evolved over the past four and a half years, I've expanded it from originally describing my auto racing experiences to discussing motorsports in general and than onto covering running events that I participate in. Recently, I've added in discussions on motoring in my MINI and now as the newest topic, I've included my appreciation for craft beer and how well it goes with both racing and running. Over on twitter, I tweet with the handle - beerandracing which drew the attention of fellow runner and beer drinker - TheBeerRunner who is a runner and craft beer drinker with a blog on the DRAFT Magazine website. The Beer Runner who I now know as Tim from Milwaukee contacted me about doing an interview for his blog after reading some of my beer and running tweets than seeing my powered by racephan blog entries regarding post-run beer enjoyment and my Bike n Beer tours in Raleigh.

Check out The Beer Runner's interview with me below that was originally featured on his blog at http://beerrunner.draftmag.com/ Thanks Tim!

Runner with a need for speed - and beer
• Jun 28th, 2010 • Category: Beer Runner profile

“As I become more involved in the local running and beer community,” says Jon Odgers, “I found there is often a common link between runners and beer drinkers.”

Odgers grew interested in craft beer in his 20s as his dedication to running grew, even though at the time craft beer was hard to find where he was living in North Carolina.

He still remembers when he realized a run and a craft beer paired so well. He was walking to his apartment after a run in 90 degree humidity, when he stopped to chat with neighbors who were grilling out and who offered him a cold beer.

“I had never tried a beer immediately following a run before,” he says. “I still recall the refreshment was a monumental moment.”

Odgers talked to the Beer Runner about his passion for local craft beer, why he got into triathlons, his Bike to Beer rides, and more.

Bio
Age: 36
Location: Raleigh, NC
Favorite beer: It’s really hard to pick one but I have found Wedge Brewing’s Third Rail Double IPA from Asheville, NC to be a beer that represents everything I love in a beer. Guinness Extra Stout in a bottle is my favorite all-around beer. It goes down great in summer heat, just ask a Jamaican.
PRs: Marathon 3:54, Half Marathon 1:50, 10 miler 1:24, 10k 48:43
Dream race: to run the Cayman Islands Marathon
Blog: http://racephan.blogspot.com

The Beer Runner: What are your beer runner credentials?

Jon Odgers: My mother raised me in a home where there was an emphasis on healthy eating including fresh fruits and veggies, grilled or baked lean meats and staying away from junk and fast food. I ran track and was active outdoors as a teenager so a healthy lifestyle has always been a part of me.

When I moved to Raleigh and took up running more seriously, I lived on a lake with an incredible greenway system that I ran on nightly during the spring, summer and fall. Today, one of my motivations to run farther and faster is knowing there is a cold, craft beer waiting for me at the finish. While I run because I love it, I also love knowing that one of my passions helps balance the other.

BR: How did you get into running and triathlons?

JO: Running for me has always been my favorite form of exercise and competition. I was never a stick and ball athlete as a kid and tried track and cross country as a teenager instead. The sense of accomplishment after every run just stuck with me and became a great way to stay fit and see more places as an adult. Once I was running 6-7 miles regularly, a friend suggested I join them to run a half marathon. After the race, my friend had access to a hospitality tent, so we spent the hours following our race enjoying beers on the house and cheering runners to the finish. From then on, I was hooked and have run numerous half marathons and finished two marathons - both the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC.

Last year, my wife, who is my biggest supporter, suggested that we participate in a triathlon together. While active and athletic, she was not at the time a runner or triathlete - this was something new for both of us that we could do together. We finished two triathlons last summer and have plans to run three this summer. Having trained for two tris, my wife also finished two 5ks last year and now runs regularly. I found that the cross training really made me stronger as a runner and helped me set a marathon PR last fall. It was a win-win and I am hoping to lower my marathon time again this fall after another season of triathlons.

BR: You finished your first Beer Run this year. What did you think?

JO: While I’ve been replenishing myself post-race with a cold beer (or three) for years, it was with my own stash or macro-brews at some larger races. Last year, a friend told me about the Old Town 5 miler Beerun in Greensboro, NC and said it was the race for me. He was right. There was nothing more rewarding than a craft beer booth at the finish line and a fresh pint of locally made beer - talk about motivation to finish strong.

BR: How did you get started doing bike to beer tours?

JO: In the Triangle area of NC, we are lucky to have miles of greenway system for running, walking and biking. Many greenways run through urban areas with access to bars and restaurants. I figured a better way to do a bar crawl and get a whole lot more exercise would be to cycle from stop to stop with more distance in between. The tours also give me a way to share the greenways and neighborhoods with friends who may not get out as much. I have an upcoming bike and beer tour planned that will involve stops at three local craft breweries. Stay tuned to my blog for a report with photos.

BR: What’s your next race goal?

JO: I have plans to run a half and a full marathon this fall with only 3 weeks between them. Both will be new events for me and I hope to set a PR on one or both courses. I already know where the good beer is at and plan to hit the local scene in both cities post-race.

BR: Found this quote on your blog: “Beer contains predominantly water and carbohydrate, both of which are essential in post-race recovery.” -nutritionist Kim Pearson. How can I meet and thank Kim Pearson?

JO: Kim Pearson is a nutritionist in the UK. I found that quote in one of several articles in Runner’s World about the benefits of enjoying a post-race beer. To me, it summed up one of the reasons that it’s not just okay, its advisable to enjoy a beer after a run.

BR: Do you have a favorite local North Carolina beer?

JO: While Wedge Brewing is in Asheville, NC, I have to go with my local guys at Big Boss Brewing in Raleigh. Their recently released High Roller IPA is to run for. As you can tell, I am both a hop head and an advocate for the NC brewery scene.

BR: Anything else to add?

JO: A tip I’ll share with fellow marathon beer runners - many larger races have baggage check that transports your stuff to the finish. I take an insulated lunch bag, place a couple craft can beers in it, check it and pick it up after my race. While everyone else is standing around with paper cups of something light and flavorless, I’m sippin’ on a tasty craft beer. Cheers!