How Much Beer
Ocean State Rhode Race
How Much Beer Will You Earn?
Disclaimer: I’m promoting the Ocean State Rhode Race in Narragansett as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
If you read my last post detailing my top 5 reasons to run the Ocean State Rhode Race in Narragansett this weekend, you'll recall that one of my top reasons was the finisher's party being held at Whalers Brewing Company. But just how much beer will you earn during the race? Well, it depends on a number of different factors, especially which distance you're running on Sunday, but I tried to put together a solid breakdown for you.
Bear in mind that this is by no means scientifically accurate, these are just general estimates based on a few key factors. First, how many calories do you burn while running? I found a pretty handy guide on Livestrong.com that gives the following answer based on the speed at which you're running.
"Running at 5 mph (12-minute mile) burns 0.064 calories per minute per pound of bodyweight
Running at 6 mph (10-minute mile) burns 0.079 calories per minute per pound of bodyweight
Running at 10 mph (6-minute mile) burns 0.1 calories per minute per pound of bodyweight
Running at 12 mph (5-minute mile) burns 0.13 calories per minute per pound of bodyweight"
This isn't real high tech stuff, I run about an 8-minute mile which is halfway between the 10- and 6-minute mark so I'm going to guestimate that I burn around halfway between .079 and .01 calories per minute (let's call it 0.09), per pound of body weight (around 155lbs).
As mentioned above, this is by no means scientifically accurate but can hopefully give you a rough idea of how much beer you can enjoy "guilt-free" when you cross the finish line.
The next thing we have to consider is how many calories are in each beer? Now Whalers doesn't appear to have the calories posted on their website but let's use this chart from Beer of Tomorrow to work off of.
Race Distances
So we've got all of the information, now let's see how much beer you'll earn for yourself at the races on Sunday using the equation from above! I know that Whalers is offering a free half flight of beer to each runner but to make things easier, I'm going to work in terms of pints.
5k
At 8-minutes per mile, I'll finish the 5k in 24:48. If we plug that into the equation from above, I'll burn somewhere in the neighborhood of 346 calories (0.09 calories x 24.8minutes x 155lbs). So let's translate that into Whalers beer.
If you reach for their flagship, Rise Pale Ale, that comes in at 5.5% ABV or approximately 220 calories per pint so you could throw back a pint and a half to replenish what you lost on the run. You could also go for their lighter Orion Reserve Berliner Weisse at 5.0% ABV, approximately 200 calories per pint. Either way, be careful not to overindulge post-race!
Half Marathon
If like me, you enjoy the post-race party almost as much as the race itself, you'll have plenty of fluids to replenish after the half! I definitely run a half marathon a little slower than 8:00/mi but for the sake of consistency, I'll stick with that pace. That'll get me to the finish line in 1:44:48 after burning 1,462 calories.
Whalers Blockstar Pale Wheat Ale is even with the Rise Pale Ale with an ABV of 5.5%. That's about 220 calories per pint so you've earned yourself six cold ones after that race. You could also opt for a slightly higher ABV with the Hazelnut Stout at 6.5%. At about 260 calories you're looking at around 5 pints earned. It may be slightly less than their lighter ales but doesn't it just sound delicious?
Marathon
The marathoners came to party! I can say with confidence that an 8:00/mi pace is significantly faster than I'd hope to maintain. Assuming I could though, that's 3:29:36 of running which would burn a whopping 2,924 calories!
Let's say you stick with another of Whalers' lighter options, the White IPA. At 5.2% ABV, you're looking at an estimated 208 calories per pint. I hope you brought a designated driver because the marathon earns you 14 pints! Or you could opt for the seasonal #PumpkinBeer at 7.8% ABV. According to the chart that's around 312 calories. Although that brings your earned pints down to 9, it'll definitely make up the difference in flavor and strength.
All numbers aside, if you're running on Sunday, you deserve as much beer as your heart desires (as long as you're drinking responsibly). Good luck this weekend, have a great race, and earn your beer
Cheers!