Accidental speedwork and “Thirsty Thursday”

Yesterday I planned to run when I woke up, but I had a raging headache that was likely a result of dehydration.  I ended up spending most of the morning working on my computer and drinking glass after glass of nuun.  When I finally changed out of my pajamas (at a time later than I’m willing to confess), I changed into running clothes.  Unfortunately, by that time, it was pretty darn warm out.

I pretty much puttered the day away – some time working, some time doing an errand with the boys, a few random situps.  I still planned to run, but the likelihood started to slip away.

And then it happened. The boys decided they wanted their grandparents to take them out biking (my parents own 2 tandem bikes).  Bam!

I ran along (and behind and took shortcuts and got left behind and…) My first mile was an 8:24.  I thought I was dying.  But I kept trying to keep up.  Mile 2 was 8:57.  Then my dad hopped off his bike and joined me for the last mile – 8:59 (Pretty sure that was my dad’s first brick ever.)

In the end, 3.1 miles in 27:18. That’s my fastest road 5K in a very long time.

And now…

I’ve always said I’d like to talk about beer more on the blog, so I’m going to start adding some beer talk to my Thursday posts.  No guarantees I’ll always remember, but hopefully I’ll have some good stuff for you.

Today it’s all about Tyranena Brewing Company.

Tyranena is a hop, skip and a jump from my parents’ house in Wisconsin. They have a great little tasting room and a Beer Garden in the summer.  They don’t serve food, but they do allow you to bring food in with you.  Even better, each year they host a Beer Race with half and sixth marathon routes.  (Trying to get a half marathon in every state?  This would make an awesome Wisconsin one!) One of these years the timing will work out and I’ll get home for it.

But the best part about Tyranena is the beer.  Seriously awesome beer!

Down and Dirty Chocolate Oatmeal Stout is one of my (not so) guilty pleasures when I visit my parents.  It’s a seasonal that comes out in February, but thankfully, there were still a few hanging out in the beer fridge when I got here.  At 6.3% alcohol, it’s a little higher than a “session beer” (AKA a beer you can drink lots of), but it’s a nice dark, flavorful beer that’s perfect for sipping.  It’s got a nice chocolatey smell and a bit of a chocolate flavor.  All in all, an excellent oatmeal stout that I am happy to get my hands on any time I can.

Other awesome beers include their Bitter Woman IPA, Chief BlackHawk Porter, and Sheep Shagger Scottish Ale.  And who wouldn’t love a brewery that names their “one time” beers (AKA “Brewers Gone Wild”) with names such as Who’s Your Daddy? (a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter) and Spank Me Baby! (a Barley Wine-Style Ale)?

Want to know about a specific style of beer or a specific brewery?  Be sure to hit me up.  And I’ll be gathering these posts and more up in my new page “I heart Craft Beers.”