The beer at the end of the long 10K tunnel: Trail to Ale 10K

I've heard talk of something called a "runner's high" - that elusive burst of endorphins that rushes through the brain like a well-earned opiate.

Having never experienced it myself (it isn't called "jog/walker's high," after all) I'm instead compelled to tamper with the caffeinated thrill of double-brewed coffee.

But following the 11th annual Trail to Ale 10K on Sunday, there was a runner's reward that didn't exclude those of us that are - ahem - less speedy.

The yearly race, a major fundrasier for Portland Trails, paired a 10K along the Eastern Prom Trail and Back Cove with an after party laden with Shipyard and Portland Pie.

And this year's crowd proved that people can be motivated by the beer at the end of the 10K tunnel.

The race kicked off at 9 a.m., the 1,500 racers charging along the paved trail like Black Friday shoppers.

Some folks donned costumes. You've heard the phrase, "Run like a butterfly, drink like a bee."

Cheerful volunteers directed the way, handed out water and "woo hooed" unabashedly.

Not long into the race, the crowd stretched out. My friend and I were just trodding onto the Back Cove Trail when our faster running cohorts were rounding the curve on the other side.

And by mile six - well, most of the herd was long gone. Or were we in first place? Only my timing chip knows for sure.

Maybe my pal and I are slower runners. Or maybe I spent too much time taking pictures of birds. Yea. It's probably the bird pictures that did it.

Inside Portland Company the after party had packed the room with sweat-coated racers, most already clutching a cup of chilled Shipyard in one hand and a slice of Portland Pie in the other.

And the folks behind the counters made quick work of the reward-passing.

It was a swell blend of effort, beer and pizza.

And pirates. You can't forget the pirates.

If you missed out this year, don't let regret consume you. It'll be back next year.

For more about Portland Trails: www.trails.org

Register for the beerly 10K: Trail to Ale '09

Finish-line applause is intoxicating.

The thrill of completing a 10K is amplified by the crowds of clapping friends and strangers along the way.

But you know what else is intoxicating? Free Shipyard and Portland Pie.

The motivational ovation takes a backseat to the beer and pizza at the end of the annual Trail to Ale 10K. The 6.2-mile run along the East End Trail and around Back Cove benefits Portland Trails and once again boasts a finish line full of beer, pizza and other grub.

Mark your calendars: 9:00 am September 20, 2009.

You might also want to register sooner rather than later.

The number of participants has continued to grow over the last nine years - and this year is expected to top over a thousand. In fact, the starting line is moving to accommodate the throng of beer-motivated runners:

"While the course has traditionally started on the Eastern Promenade Trail at East End Beach, this year's race will start on Thames Street between Hancock and India streets near Ocean Gateway Terminal. Starting on the road will give runners a chance to spread out before merging with the adjacent Eastern Promenade Trail." [From Portland Trails press release]

Through Monday, September 14, runners can register for $18 by calling (207) 775-2411 or visiting www.trails.org. After that date, entry is $20. Runners can sign up the day of the race from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. at the Portland Company on Fore Street.

Trail to Ale to extreme quad soreness

I ran the Beach to Beacon back on August 2nd. Immediately afterward I vowed to never run again.

And I didn't for an entire month. But as sluggishness began to reappear in my life, I worked my way back to the gym and started trotting on the treadmill.

Knock the treadmill if you must, but I appreciate the ability to start and stop at my leisure - and I appreciate the ability to watch the Discovery Channel while doing so.

But running on a treadmill and running outside are two very different animals. So when the Trail to Ale 10K approached I hesitated to register. I'd just finished a 10K so that whole "I just want to accomplish this" thing wasn't applicable anymore. I wasn't motivated by the desire to cross the finish line victoriously. That was soooo last month.

But there are other motivators, you know. Like free beer and pizza.

The Portland Trails race is sponsored by Shipyard Brewing and Portland Pie - so the finish line is made all the more enticing by plastic cups of beer and paper plates of pizza.

So okay, fine. I'll do it.

Runners and walkers are brought to the starting line via train (they can choose to walk the mile from Portland Company, but why waste the energy walking when you can sit, right?)

There were over 700 entrants this year - quite a crowd. I recall walking the 10K two years ago and there weren't nearly as many entrants.

Aw, look at the wee bitty runners up ahead. What's the rush, guys? Oh yeah - fame, fortune and Shipyard.

While I applaud the effort of everyone out on the course that morning, I have to take issue with people who run with small children in strollers. I had this problem during the Mother's Day 5K, too. See, I have this theory that new parents who run with strollers only do so to make the rest of us look bad. Sure, they act like it's about "maintaining a healthy lifestyle" or whatever…but I'm keen to the conspiracy, people!

Adding insult to injury, after I snapped this picture during the race I was slapped in the face by a tree branch. Just the world's way of telling me to stop being such an idiot I suppose. Sorry world, you cannot stop it.

By mile three my running partner and I were still going strong. Hadn't walked yet, though we were diligent to keep the pace slow. Guess I hadn't totally lost what I'd gained during the Reach the Beacon training after all.

By mile four I was petering out. I walked the incline leading to the 295 bridge but picked the pace back up for the final mile and a half. Then, coming around the Eastern Prom trail my eyes searched desperately for the finished line. "Where is it?!?" I yelled to a friend (who had finished long ago and was kind enough to stick around to cheer us on).

"You're almost there!" she responded.

"I need [pant, pant] specifics!" The path was curved and I could see no finish line "almost" ahead.

Then a stranger on the sidelines: "You're looking for specifics? See that big yellow thing up ahead? That's it!"

Hallelujah. Thank you. That's what I needed.



Worry struck me as we meandered (and sweat) our way back to Portland Company. Two years ago it took us so long to finish the race that the faster jerks participants ate all the pizza. A finish time of 1:12:54 isn't exactly fast - but is it enough to get a girl some dang food?

Apparently yes.

And for the record, free beer at 10:30 am on a Sunday is a beautiful, beautiful thing.

What isn't beautiful is waking up Monday morning to discover your legs are strict adherents to the Golden Rule. You tortured them yesterday, they shall torture you today. And probably tomorrow, too.

Is a little quad soreness worth it? Absolutely.

If you are likewise motivated by local events that involve drinks of some kind, here are a few dates you need to mark on your calendar:

Sunday, September 28: Portland Signature Cocktail Competition

Thursday, October 23: Grand Tasting at the Gateway (Harvest on the Harbor)

Saturday, October 25: Portland Wine Flight 5K

Saturday, November 1: Maine Brewer's Festival