Being a runner and a brewer, I was particularly interested in an article in this month’s issue of Runner’s World about running and beer. Essentially, the message from the article was no big surprise. Beer is ok for runners, so long as you are sensible and drink beer in moderation. Some tips from the article:

• The night before a race, it’s ok to have ONE beer without throwing yourself off to much. Just be sure to have a glass of water after the beer. It’s also best to have the beer with dinner so the food will help absorb the alcohol.
• Beer does not have enough carbohydrates to count as “carb loading” the day before a race. The average beer has as many carbs as 1/2 a piece of bread. If you have more than one beer, the alcohol will dehydrate you more than the carbs will give you energy.
• Beer during a race, not a good idea.
• Beer after a race is fine, just be sure to drink at least 16 to 20 ounces of water or another fluid before having beer so that your body can rehydrate and recover more quickly. It’s also a good idea to have at least 200 calories from carbs or protein before starting the beer.
• My favorite quote (not in the online version) about “low carb” beer: “It contains just 2.5 grams of carbs (and 95 calories per 12 ounces) but the same amount of alcohol as regular. “‘It’s pure alcohol and carbonation,’ says Bonci.” Amen.