Can you be a Runner AND a Recreational Drinker? // Running, Drinking or Both? MARMERS decide!

[@doingmybest6438]

Over thirteen years without booze. Best decision I ever made. Just need the same discipline now with food...

[@middleagedrunningman]

EXACTLY the same. No drinking hasn’t sorted out the chocolate addiction. Or bread. Or pizza. Or bacon.

[@emmarunyeard6832]

I was a very good drinker, great at it.. Never got ill and was life and soul AND then I hit 52 years old and my body decided to reject Jack Daniels... It did this by using a nasty combo of hangovers and self loathing.. Naturally I fought this betrayal but to no avail... I now don't drink at all, ever... Don't miss it and I actually derive great pleasure from being smug and lively in the mornings.. Ooo let me get you a pint of water and an alka seltzer before I head out for a blissful coastal run.. You never regret the drinks you don't drink! 🎉

[@middleagedrunningman]

It’s the self loathing isn’t it? I used to start getting the morning after fear, 2 days BEFORE the actual event.

[@clairemilsom7241]

Great video as always. I stopped drinking for 2 years in my 20s and went on nights out and weddings and didn’t bother me now. Now going into my 40s I can call myself an occasional drinker. I don’t drink generally but on a sunny day after a nice walk I do enjoy a drink in a country pub or very rarely on a Saturday night. But it is just the one drink, 2 max. Being drunk is something I have zero interest in. If I have a marathon coming up I’m a zero drinker for about 2 months prior.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks as usual Claire. An occasional drinker is the goal I think. I just get carried away very easily and go from occasional to binge. A country pub though...surely nothing finer?

[@markfoz7248]

Gave up drinking in September 23. Doctor told me off. 43 years old and I reverted back to being an early teenager sitting opposite my parents who had an itemised phone bill and seemed miffed at how many 0898 numbers had appeared. Being told off by a guy who minutes earlier had his fingers up my backside. I listened to him and stopped. Nights out were and sometimes are still very difficult but believe me, they get easier. Love my life now. Love it. Like you I’ve become addicted to running. Great video and very important message.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Great to hear that Mark. Got a couple of nights out coming up that are in the balance, but I’m going to give it a go.

[@garythompson3597]

Great video, very interesting too. I’m 52 and as you know I love my running! I never have any alcohol during the week but every Sunday evening I look forward to my four small bottles of peroni, a plate of cheese and crackers and some crisps. I eat well all week so really enjoy it. I feel giving this up would just be spiting myself. I also enjoy a couple of pints of ale when on holiday in Cornwall with all the family. After a very drunken Christmas a number of years ago I made a decision never to get drunk again, and I have stuck to it, a hangover is something I never want to experience again. I’m pretty sure if you have a couple of beers once a week like I do and you enjoy it there there’s no harm in that. Keep up the good work 👍

[@middleagedrunningman]

Is it wrong that I’m fascinated to know about what happened that Christmas??

[@jonathanwake2964]

Great video as usual. I only drink on a Friday night after work at the local. I have 2 pints of Guinness and then home! You are correct though, the less you drink the quicker you become.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Love that Jonathan!! Couple of chasers after work!! Superb. I miss the 1980's.

[@davidfox4910]

Great content and totally agree with you regarding drink mate 😊👍🏻💯. You can have a goo time without drink mate.

[@middleagedrunningman]

You can!! Not as mental, but still good.

[@David_Hamilton]

You are the first person that I have subscribe to, top job. Best running channel on KZbin,.

[@middleagedrunningman]

I’m absolute delighted with that David!! It’s a quote that I will be using, never fear!

[@jasondurkin234]

Ive only just come across your channel,glad i found it,i live round the corner from the malt shovel, i would love to stop drinking,to concentrate more on my endurance training

[@middleagedrunningman]

Jason!! Round the corner from The Shovel….not the best location to cut back!! Thanks for watching mate!

[@richjm78]

Erdinger 0%, the runner's beer. Isotonic, apparently! Feels like a treat

[@middleagedrunningman]

Off to Sainsbury's Rich. I've had one before. Enjoyed it. Wonder if Nightclubs stock it.....?

[@markfoz7248]

We’ve come a long way from Kaliber ! Thank Christ!

[@markg99]

I can relate to so much of that. These days the thought of going into a club to prolong a night out is abominable. I'm at the taxi rank by 11pm at the latest on my 2 or 3 nights out per year 😅 I keep a bottle of whisky in the house but it'll last me about 4 months. Feel much better for not drinking, but I'll join in on social occasions now and again, then revert back to not drinking for weeks at a time. Thanks for the usual dose of laughs 😂

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Mark. A few of my mates have the whisky bottle in the house and have become connoisseurs in the way you describe. I’m a bit impulsive, so I would end up signing up to a whisky delivery subscription service.

[@user-jw1iu1rc7z]

Couldn't agree more. The odd drink perhaps but running is the best addiction to deal with.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Yep. But bloody hell. Let’s Do This are quids in since I ditched Cobra.

[@CarlTheAmateurRunner]

Another great video!! I’m 43 and from someone that use to drink a lot, I hardly ever drink now. And when I do, (1 pint in January) the 1 drink I have is plenty for me now. Only when you stop drinking do you realise that you don’t need it, you feel better for it, and eventually you don’t miss it! But I’m the same, swapping one addiction for another, I run a lot now. I’m currently training for my first Marathon and although there have been occasions when I thought I could do with a drink, I don’t want to undo any hard work I’m putting into that!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Amateur!! Another comment I can massively relate to. I don't think one drink would undo your hard work - it's just the breaking of the seal... You do realise though don't you? Funny how you slowly come to the realisation it's not something you need.

[@PaulClark-by3cy]

Very timely, I've been off the booze since having my head down the bog new year's survived my mates 40th in Birmingham last weekend still on the wagon might try and do the year and reevaluate

[@middleagedrunningman]

Took the kids to the theatre in Birmingham last night. Drinking there didn’t appeal at all. All the people? Just made me mildly anxious.

[@davidhayward1261]

Brilliant 🤩👍🏃🏻‍♂️💪

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks David!!

[@tashacollins9562]

Marm! Life’s too short to not have a few bevvies! No need to go overboard all the time, but 🍷 and 🍺 are so good!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Yep. I've got MARMFEST planned. People think I'm joking. Unthinkable without wine and beer??

[@CouchToUltraMarathon]

Really relatable video, I am at the beginning of my training. I have quit smoking, which is great. But, I have substituted smoking with more eating and drinking. Have been strongly considering stopping drinking over the last few days, and this video could not have come at a better time. Thank you.

[@middleagedrunningman]

To be fair, substituting smoking with anything is positive. Be kind to yourself though mate. The odd Kit Kat and a can of Fosters won't hurt.

[@CouchToUltraMarathon]

@@middleagedrunningman Yeah, I agree, have been thinking about it a lot this morning, and I think I am going to try and do a no booze month, then just enjoy the odd drink here and there after that, who knows how it will turn out though!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Let me know how you get on. That would be my ultimate!

[@TqOnTheRun]

A fever tree tosser! hahaha! Great vid as always mate.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Todd. (Actually quite like Fever tree…)

[@michaeldallaway1988]

Middle aged RUMing man, if you will. Seriously though as you get older i think other plans gets in the way of drinking as much - and its almost always a good thing. Be it running or another hobby, pets, raising a family - if you are drinking it takes months of planning and you just cant afford to not have a clear head or waste the day after.

[@middleagedrunningman]

So true. I have to plan all of my running around family events. Couldn’t get away with it if I added waking up leathered into the mix.

[@vince7607]

I've always liked a drink, but wasn't happy about how I could get, so now when I go to the pub it's a pint then a pint of alcohol free, this works for me, I enjoy me drink but don't get in mess 👍

[@middleagedrunningman]

Cheers Vince. Can absolutely relate to that. Might be wrong, but I quite like the sound of drunk Vince. Dont be too hard on him.

[@vince7607]

Cheers for the reply 👍

[@michaelager2540]

thanks so much for uploading this , as you know im new to your channel / f.book and strava , but this is a dilema i face on a day to day basis , im alcohol dependant and despite being short i can consume a lot of cans of fosters each day , recently i tried to stop drinking cold turkey ( against medical advice ) after a couple of weeks my parkrun times were going from 29 back to where i was 2 years ago ( 27 ) , also did a copule of decent ( for me ) 10k's , gettin back from 60 to 57.34 and also did a 56.02 at snetterton 10k , also lost 1.5 k in a month , i managed to go 36 days , then fell off the wagon the weekend just gone , but as i have something wrong with my hamstring , ive not been able to really run , but i dont really have a choice , i have to give up the beer , as my liver is starting to pickle , but im now back on the wagon , so fingers crossed , keep up the videos fella

[@middleagedrunningman]

Stick at it Michael. Loads of really decent 0% beers out there.

[@deansummerton2577]

Really good video. I'm definitely a red wine, cheese and crackers man. I try and only buy the very small bottles now so that I drink in moderation. If I get a full bottle, I know I'll drink it. I definitely feel better cutting back.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Yep. Full bottle. Gone. Check the watch...has the shop shut? maybe just pop and get a bottle for the rest of the week??

[@xxmorancxx]

Great video. I’m in the same boat at the moment. Was never a huge drinker but I had my moments over the years lol. In recent years I’ve just been a social/casual drinker. Today I’ve been off the booze completely for almost 4 months. Lost interest in it. Making good progress in my running and not drinking is helping I’m sure. Not sure if I’m bothered drinking again. But still undecided.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Exactly the same. I've just got a couple of social things coming up. If I can get through those without drinking, then I might make the decision... Thanks for watching and commenting Catherine.

[@robidoo99]

Steve Jones once famously drank 5-6 pints at a friend's wedding, had less than 5 hours sleep and ran a half marathon the following morning, breaking the world record. But I don't think he made a habit of it, and he was a different breed, even to his competitors. Agree with what you said in the video. Would add that the non alcoholic offerings now are so much better/more varied than a few years ago which makes it far easier to still socialise and stay sober.

[@middleagedrunningman]

They are much better. Like the sound of Steve Jones. Showing off that.

[@Dmanz67]

I just cannot do hangovers anymore. I value being fresh in the morning over being drunk.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Me too. I get the fear before I’ve even been out.

[@gavinbruce-thegreyrunner5581]

Stopped drinking alcohol Nov 2022. No issues or problems- just had a good run with it and decided to leave it for a bit. I don’t consider myself a non drinker but I just prefer enjoying myself without it. I’m more sociable and enjoy the nights out. But when the night turns I’m in the car and gone.

[@middleagedrunningman]

I think that’s EXACTLY what I’m going for Gav. And it’s the same for me, just have had 30 years with it, think any laughs I’ve had with it, I’ve probably had by now.

[@vanessamartinez4917]

Love the funny running videos. My favorite post run drink is chocolate milk. As hilarious as it is to think of kidnappers taking you in a white van, I think they would quickly return you after listening to some of your stories. 😂 … As a female runner I don’t run in the dark, at night or early morning because assaults and rape are a real concern. Alison Walker, a British ultra runner was recently assaulted while on a run in Portugal. Appreciate the jokes, but next time I see a white van, I’m running in the opposite direction. Thanks MARM. 😀👟❤️

[@middleagedrunningman]

Knew I was right to be terrified. Think they probably would send me straight back.

[@vanessamartinez4917]

@@middleagedrunningman Definitely a return to sender situation. COD at the door. Now off to Karate class where I will practice my groin strikes. 😉🥋😂

[@hardipchima7828]

Nothing wrong with a few beers just like everything in life moderation after all if you are here you are not an elite runner so just enjoy life.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Agree almost entirely Hardip But Not elite?? You actually think this ISN’T a channel for elite athletes?? 😂😂😂😂

[@lizzilake3106]

I stopped last year for 6 months and back drinking now .. I watch your content as it is extremely funny and I like running .. but have just bought the Adrian Chile’s book AND I need to give myself a good talking too 🙏

[@middleagedrunningman]

Really interesting read Lizzie. Dont think he’s really saying go teetotal, but for me, I’m starting to believe it’s one or the other.

[@middleagedrunningman]

And thanks for watching. And saying I’m funny. (Bigger buzz than booze.)

[@lizzilake3106]

Also vaguely embarrassing that my grammar was wrong .. “ talking to “ .. yes you are on point .. love your content ..I’ve watched this post a couple of times with my husband .. ( both of us with wine in hand 🤣) ..we have both resolved to stop drinking during training blocks .. has to be done .. 🙏for the kick up the arse ..

[@middleagedrunningman]

A married couple watching an episode of MARM with a red wine…. A year ago that was my one aspiration for this channel!! I think it’s fine!

[@eddycurrant1380]

it wasn't the coffee that was the prop Marm, its WAS the ale.. you know that. Summer holidays are my weakness , canoe holiday, camping , France, shit camp food but nice beer+wine to compensate, better still , meal out, great food, nice beer+wine to complement.

[@middleagedrunningman]

I know. Sitting outside my caravan in a cosy hoodie and a sun lounger….no bottle of Fosters?…. Tough one.

[@TTSGwlad]

Did the wagon until start of March, now need to go on a crisps and chocolate wagon. Now only having a beer on a Saturday.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Still on the wagon, and crisps to be fair….but chocolate? Good god. Like crystal meth. Just can’t let it go. Every night when we sit down to watch MAFS…

[@JCeeeeeee.]

It's a tricky one....I love my evening red wine....but I really love running, 1 is day time tho, the other is late evenings, i'd say listen to the Buddhists, anything in moderation (well almost anything).

[@middleagedrunningman]

Day time drinking JC??? I miss that. Lovely phenomenon. Early start, 9pm finish…..

[@JCeeeeeee.]

Lol, no couldn't do that now, apart from maybe Baileys on Xmas day.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Treat yourself.

[@williamthompson.585]

Not too many veterans following this channel, alcohol and fitness comes hand in hand 🙈🙈🙈🤗🤗🤗

[@middleagedrunningman]

I love a veteran. Follow away my veteran friend. Share with your veteran friends.

[@nicmarlow6388]

excellent content as always MARM. I particularly liked the "2/8th" comment... err, so you mean that's a quarter then? 😂 but seriously, Oxford is *ridiculous* for drinks prices, and Woodstock is top dollar for extortionate rip off, your poor friend!! I think there are so many decent non-alcoholic versions out there these days that not drinking really doesn't bother me. If I fancy a lager then i'll have one but most often i'm driving anyway so wouldn't even entertain the idea, zero alcohol if i'm behind the wheel. And what is your next adventure in Oxford, interested to know about that one (obvs living here i'm a nosey bugger for what's happening). 👍🏻 Also, for bad breath, try lemon water, apparently something about the acidity in the lemons counteracts the smell. also, brush your tongue to clean it, debris and grime build up contributes to stinky breath.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Oxford in October. Always. Love that place. Considering the Chilterns Trail nearby. Always good. Thanks for the top tip on the breath.....

[@nicmarlow6388]

@@middleagedrunningman I shall try and hunt you out as i'm doing Oxford myself this year (I volunteered last year). Ohh Chiltern Trail sounds good.. *heads off to google*... :)

[@louiseboxall5583]

Great video, im with you, i just get really bored with drinking nowadays and much prefer a run. I think zero alcohol are pretty good now too. So you can have the best of both worlds..... sort of!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Cheers Louise!! 4 pints of Lucky Saint doesn’t appeal…..but the morning after does!

[@louiseboxall5583]

😅

[@thetimoneers]

The social pressure to drink can be overcome by drinking no alcohol beer or wine, there is no or little cost saving but just realizing one can enjoy social occasions without booze is a personal revelation. The jury is out for me, moderation in all things etc , but on the whole I’m better without booze and would say if you can kick it - kick it 😊

[@middleagedrunningman]

A wise man. Everything in moderation. Unfortunately, I get consumed with enthusiasm for certain things, then can't contain it. Moderation goes out of the window!

[@thetimoneers]

Yep - I strive to be a moderate and oft times fail, guess it’s all about striving and not drinking too much. Running that’s physical, mental and even spiritual exercise , as you release those endorphins you get a “ high “ no alcohol can provide.

[@middleagedrunningman]

As ever, your words have the wisdom that befits your status as MM. MARM’s Mentor.

[@paulk7663]

Had 2 stints 💯 dry (1yr & 18 months) but I like pubs and hate soft drinks. PBs are gone now I’m in my 50s so current regime - a dry Friday, Saturday is Parkrun, nonleague football match with the dog and couple pints. Still good to get up for a long run on a Sunday.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Sounds like a great balance Paul. What broke the lengthy spell on both occasions? A special event? Or just on a whim?

[@alfdickinson1971]

Two 8th's!!!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks for noticing Alf!! 😂😂😂

[@Journeyoflee]

🍻 Cheers Marm 🍸- brilliant video as always 👍🏻. I do like a beer, but 2 weeks before a big race it’s zero alcohol as it just has to much of an impact on me and the diet has to be on point as well. Your times are brilliant mate - If you did a 2 month hardcore training block with diet been spot on and no booze I reckon you could go sub 80 in the HM, depends how much you want the faster time 🤔🤔- All the best mate 🏃‍♂️💨💨💨💨

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks for your support. Actually feel like I should push myself a bit more. Try to actually train and prepare. Would LOVE to go sub 80. Just got to work out what I’m doing!

[@Journeyoflee]

@@middleagedrunningman👍🏻I really think you should , I’ve just started following you on Strava and I was surprised how little mileage / training you do 😮. To get the times you get I would of thought you would be doing 50/60km per week 😂😂 I think you could smash it. Or is Marm just from another dimension and just runs on beer, wine and humour 🤔🤔🫣🫣 - the truth is out there - your a top runner either way 🏃‍♂️💨💨

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks Journey. Yes, don’t really run in the week. Usually do a race most weekends. I think I’m doing that too much and need to train more frequently.

[@Journeyoflee]

It seems to work for you mate as your times are cracking but can’t help but think what they would be if your trained though the week and went into a proper training block 😊 look forward to see you setting your Strava alight 👍🏻👍🏻💪🏃‍♂️💨💨💨💨💨

[@Mrjay684]

Have been teetotal for four and half years, just woke up one day and decided it wasn’t for me anymore, hard going at first, friends didn’t understand, still went out of a night but i was always fresh the next day. i don’t miss it at all. i lost 12kg in the first few months, but then cake came along…..i went through a phase where i’d only enter a race if there was cake at the finish. 🤦 Personal reasons will stop me sipping a cold pint ever again. But true to what you said, you feel better, clarity, improved running performance.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Thanks for your continued support Jay. Really interesting. I think it’s the nights out sober that will be the biggest challenge. “Why don’t you just have a pint?” 4.5years is an amazing achievement.

[@andrewgoldsby]

Just over 3 years ago I was 20 stone and would have at least one beer a day after work to unwind! Now, I still enjoy a beer but save it for the right moment on holidays or if out with the good lady. Still got a fair way to go with the weight loss but running is much more important than having a drink.

[@middleagedrunningman]

That’s amazing Andy. Having had the pleasure of meeting you in person, what an achievement that has been. I think it’s probably all down to serious, intensive activity. Like a really tough warm up….

[@andrewgoldsby]

@@middleagedrunningman the MARM warm up twice a day - you need to do one of those fitness DVDs that were big in the 2000s!

[@middleagedrunningman]

You can be one of my back up dancers. By the way, my reply was “having had the pleasure of meeting you in person” not “haven’t had”.

[@nearlywheelie]

Enjoy an occasional pint of the black stuff or ale, but that's it....'a' pint....(maybe two on a special occasion) and try to think of it as more of a Saturday or Sunday evening treat, , usually earned (via 'x' amount of goal runs, distance or whatever) - actually, for me personally, unlike when I was much younger, drinking more than 2 pints makes me feel unwell now anyway so not at all enjoyable - so best avoided!

[@middleagedrunningman]

Completely relate. A few pints completely knocks me off kilter. Makes me feel unwell. Particularly when I’m at the till.

[@trueredred859]

Very rarely drink,can’t be arsed with the aftermath

[@middleagedrunningman]

Correct. I was getting The Fear, 2 days BEFORE going out. Not joking.

[@lighteningbob1697]

Just drink the last Saturday in every month, moderation.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Solid Bob.

[@richardschofield2201]

Im a rubbish drinker and a binge drinker at that. I enjoy a drink, but get really bad hangovers so I dont touch the stuff at times for months. Got two young kids so dont exactly go out much anyway. Then I'll binge on someone's birthday, have a great time and write off the next day. And then wont want any for a while. Probably not a healthy relationship but at least I get long periods booze free.

[@middleagedrunningman]

I would relate to most of that Rich. The kids are the game changer, so when you do get the chance to let loose....you make an absolute clown of yourself!!

[@johnandrews8590]

I did a year off the booze in 2020. Unfortunately, that was Covid year and only one of my races survived. I felt good in it, but missed a turn and ran an extra 2km, thus ruining my chances of a top ten. Not drinking didn't noticeably improve my training, and it was pretty bloody boring I can tell you. Still, my ultimate goal is to quit for good...eventually.

[@middleagedrunningman]

I think boring is probably spot on. But then, drinking gets boring when it becomes routine. Made me laugh about the extra 2k. Did that 3 times in races last year!! Infuriating.

[@tworunningbrooms]

I drank virtually every day since starting University in 1988. Not a lot but a daily habit. Quit just over 12 months ago and feel so much better physically and mentally. I drink NA beer now and don't notice any taste difference But I don't have the temptation of boys' weekends to contend with

[@middleagedrunningman]

Isn't it funny John? In the job particularly. At the end of a long day / term..... "I deserve this." But you don't really need it.

[@petehoye]

When u live in Walsall, that's enough to drive anyone to drink!.. Like u said in a previous MARM comment, The vineyards of Walsall! 😂🤣😁. 🙈🍷🍺🍻.. But to be honest, alcohol doesn't interest me, prefer to spend money on running gear or race events.. 👍👍 I'll hit the bottle when I'm not able to run anymore!.. Great vid as always MARM!.. 👍👌

[@middleagedrunningman]

Pete - will see you in that retired runners bar in 20 years. You think you’ve saved money running, not drinking?! (Don’t think I have) 😂😂😂

[@petehoye]

Not a chance, but at least in my opinion the money was better spent on running gear than drink, and the rewards and feeling is more satisfying than any alcoholic drink could provide.. Retirement Runners Bar....😂🤣😆 ​@middleagedrunningman

[@middleagedrunningman]

MARMFEST is sounding a bit quiet 🤫

[@alexwoolley5173]

You and I are a similar age, weekend drinking has been part of my culture from a teenage years, it feels as if it's hard wired in me to have a drink on a Friday and Saturday night because that's the rules 😂 But lately, like you, I'm starting to wobble in that department now and I'm thinking of packing it all in but when the sun comes out and I'm sitting in my garden listening to some old tunes, a cup of tea or a glass of Dandelion and Burdock doesn't really hit the mark

[@middleagedrunningman]

Hi Alex. You have summed it up perfectly. Completely relate. But, lately the idea of the Dandelion and Burdock does actually appeal. Bizarrely so does Green Tea. Sounds like a great BBQ doesn’t it?

[@alexwoolley5173]

@@middleagedrunningman I'd agree with you and so would my running/cycling friends but I have a set of friends I see regularly who I've known since I was a teenager and have been with me throughout my drinking journey who'd state quite vocally that a party/BBQ which involves Dandelion and Burdock or any soft/hot drink is shit! And there's a part of my brain that agrees with them, I've got a foot in both camps at the moment which in itself is progress because a few years ago I'd never even contemplate the soft drink version

[@middleagedrunningman]

@alexwoolley5173 think we must have the same friendship group!

[@markbateman9222]

You say that alcohol has a "massively detrimental effect" on running performance. With all due respect - absolute cobblers! Moderate consumtion of booze, at the right time, can actually be a positive aid to performance. Why? It helps relaxation, can aid sleep (in spells of very hard work sleep, paradoxically, can be hard to come by and generally helps you forget running for an hour or two. For reference read RonHill's two volume autobiography and seek out "Marty Liquori's Guide To The Elite Runner". I have known and trained with a few internationals and Olympians and none of them were complete abstainers form alcohol. Frank Shorter had a few beers before his Olympic gold in 1972!

[@middleagedrunningman]

This is great news Mark!! I’m off to get absolutely leathered.

[@markbateman9222]

There is a world of difference between having a couple of pints with your mates and getting absolutely hammered! Nobody is saying that getting legless helps your running @@middleagedrunningman

[@middleagedrunningman]

I’m only messing. There really is something to be said for moderation, I’m just not that great with it.

[@ianl4518]

I'm not teetotal but I rarely drink, I've been like that pretty much all my life. I like to have one, maybe two full strength beers after a really good race but I'm such a shit athlete these days, I'm teetotal by default 😂

[@middleagedrunningman]

Couple of pints after sport sounds very civilised to me. Nothing average about that.

[@jordanarcher5899]

Not on the wagon, just not a drinker anymore. Nothing to do with the running just to a change in lifestyle and family...the ultra marathons have dropped the rare occasional one lower That wine budget is going on the coffee so it seems.

[@middleagedrunningman]

Yes Jordan!! Coffee!! Spending a ruddy fortune on the diesel.

[@SwimBikeRunStu]

I dont drink and im still sh*t at running 🤔

[@middleagedrunningman]

Not true at all Stu. Your before and after pics show how far you’ve come.

[@reluctantfellrunner]

Never volunteer! Sounds like the army.

[@middleagedrunningman]

No way Reluctant. For anything. Rule for life.

[@gloriab7801]

I abstain for a couple of days before a race & given I only really drink with food - because in our house, eating spag. bol. without Chianti or chilli without Duvel would be regarded as blasphemous - I feel it's all good. My father claimed he drank, to make other people - especially my mother - more interesting. I see his point & thank god George did too, or, we wouldn't have had this beuatiful thing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIqQlqOua5h3mpo

[@middleagedrunningman]

Do other people become more interesting after a couple of drinks? I know I do - just wondering. A whole other video there Glo.

[@KathyBly]

Have drunk really for probably 15 years. The longer you don’t, the less you miss it..

[@middleagedrunningman]

Agreed Kath. But….How you cope at those Rock gigs sober….

[@KathyBly]

@@middleagedrunningman haha I’m always driving! It honestly doesn’t occur to me to drink really 🤷‍♀️ I must be high on life instead 😆😆😆

[@middleagedrunningman]

Best high there is.

[@justanoldfashionedrunner605]

life is too short to waste it on alcohol.......that said i have a few sips of Whisky per year, other than that i never would trade a Sunday morning run for a night out drinking, never trade some of my running shoes for a few bottles of vine.....if you need alcohol to enjoy the time with your mates, something is very wrong in your priorities

[@eddycurrant1380]

or your mates

[@middleagedrunningman]

Funny how priorities change. I guess it’s just habit I guess. When away with friends it’s nice to relax and treat yourself. No pressure from them, more pressure from yourself. The “I deserve this” mentality. As ever, thanks for watching my friend.