Many of us runners enjoy a drink or two. Running and all that goes with it offers plenty of reasons/ excuses (delete according to taste) to involve alcohol, whatever the occasion. New PB? Surely that deserves a celebratory beer or two. Terrible race? A debrief over a glass of red. Tough midweek hill session? See you in the bar later.
Some running groups make a virtue of tying the finishing line in with a tipple by using the closest pub as their unofficial clubhouse, starting and finishing races from it, while others have their own pub in the clubhouse.
Sometimes you don't even have to wait until the running stops for the drink to flow. Anyone who has completed - probably unsteadily - the Marathon du Médoc through French vineyards, complete with 23 wine-tasting stops (several of our Cape vineyards do this too, on a smaller scale), or taken part in a messy beer-mile challenge, will appreciate how alcohol and aerobic exercise can sometimes make entertaining companions.
But while for many the occasional drink may enhance our running lives, there can be a darker side to our relationship with alcohol. If we drink too much, too often, it will impact both physical and mental health. According to the UK's chief medical officer, no one should drink more than 14 units (6 x 500ml of average-strength beer, or 10 small glasses of low-strength wine) per week, ideally spread over three or more days. There's no safe alcohol limit, but experts say any health risks are low if we stick to this.
"There's no real evidence that even small amounts of alcohol will benefit your health," says Sir Ian Gilmore, professor of hepatology and director of the Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research. "But even if you drink in the upper safety levels of 14 units a week, this equates to about a one in 100 chance of dying of alcohol-related disease, so your chances of that are very low."
This story is from the March/April 2023 edition of Runner's World SA.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March/April 2023 edition of Runner's World SA.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
THE MIND OF MASSYN
IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.
TAKING CHARGE
OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.
MY RUNNING LIFE
ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
