Anyway... last night inspired this morning's post. I'll start by declaring that I am not a big drinker. Truth be told, I hardly drink at all. This is not a typical characteristic of someone in the music industry, or really, someone my age, but all my colleagues were used to it. Even in college I wasn't a huge drinker. Sure, I'd have a few beers at parties and at the bar, a few mixed drinks in there too, but my need to be in control usually overruled everything else. And while I still definitely enjoy an occasional glass of good wine or a beer, the last few years my gym habit and then marathon training have been the most common reasons why I don't drink.
I had planned ahead for last night and decided that today would be my day off from the gym. If I don't plan ahead when I go out, I end up with two choices:
1. Stick to Diet Coke - no drinks
2. Prepare myself for a not-so-great workout the next day
Obviously, I'd rather not have a good workout if I'm going to go to the gym or for a run, so I usually choose #1. Also, I rather eat my calories than drink them plus I often have a tendency to eat more when I drink. So, not drinking is a way for me to increase the odds that I'll have a better workout the next day and forgo unnecessary calories.
Last night I enjoyed a pint, plus a little, and a few great hours with good friends. This morning, I slept in a bit and plan to take a long walk later today.
As an active person, do you find yourself drinking less than the typical person (if there is such a thing)? I know many runners enjoy a cold beer after a race or feel no need to decrease alcohol consumption while training. Do you fall in this category or the less is more category with me? Is there a relationship between food and alcohol for you?
water or beer? which do you reach for?
6 comments:
I am the same way. I went through a period where I would drink..but still didn't think I drank a ton. Now I barely drink and I don't crave any sort of alcohol. I get a buzz so quickly! Training and running are my new outlet!
when i started marathon training, i found that i became a total light-weight! i've definitely decreased for the sake of weekend morning runs, but i still love me a cold beer after running off a ton of calories!
yes- i too have become a light weight. actually, its more that i get sleepy by midnight as im so used to waking up early for a swim, bike or run. i dont cut back at all though.
as far as 'kinds of booze' is concerned: pre race (nights leading up to a race) i can only have beer though. if i have liquor or wine it messes me up big time. and yes, my favorite thing ever is a cold beer after a long race!
I used to consider drinking beer "carbo loading" for whatever sport I would be playing the next day. In the past year, I've become a lightweight and have cut back to almost no alcohol. After the Disney Marathon I had one glass of wine and it knocked me out! I enjoy a beer after a race, but I definitely can't hang like I used to, not that I want to anymore anyhow.
I still enjoy a night out (or in) every now and then, but they have become very few and far between. I've realized that I really enjoy my days off a lot better when I make it out of bed before noon and don't have to spend the day on the couch recuperating.
I love the social aspect of the beer, but never the consequences. Not only do I feel like crap the next day, but it's extra calories, my muscles tighten up because I get dehydrated, I always want a pizza with the beer, and one beer always leads to another and God knows I have no self control.
Good to see you last night. Btw, it took a LOT of self restraint from getting a pizza last night but I did it.
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