Accomplished runner James Nielsen combined athleticism, scientific principles, and a few cans of Budweiser to accomplish what many thought impossible.
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The Beer Mile is an established tradition among segments of the running community. The rules are simple. Chug one 12-ounce beer, run one lap. Chug second beer, run second lap. Chug third beer, run third lap. Chug fourth beer, run final lap. Step outside the chugging “exchange zone” and your performance is nullified. Puke at any point, and your performance is nullified.
Just as the naysayers doubted men like Roger Bannister who sought to break the four minute mile barrier, many naysayers familiar with the Beer Mile believed breaking the five minute barrier impossible.
Thirty-four year old James Nielsen, a two-time NCAA 5000m champion, 2007 Eugene Marathon winner, and 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon trials qualifier disagreed with the Beer Mile naysayers. And on Sunday, April 27, 2014, he proved them wrong.
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When you’re running a mile for time, the last thing you want is to ingest liquid, waste breath, or stop mid-run–all of which you must do during the Beer Mile. What makes the Mile even more difficult is the high level of carbon dioxide consumed when chugging all four beers. Having over 10 liters of gas in your gut doesn’t make your stride comfortable.
Enter science.
James Nielsen did his research and found that, if he ensured the beers were warm, the CO2 would rise above the liquid, releasing most of it upon opening the can. In addition, it just so happens Budweiser has a lower CO2 content than other comparable beers.
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Lest Nielsen’s performance be cast aside by those unfamiliar with running, it’s important to understand how fast he really ran. In my college years, I once ran a 1500m race with a time equivalent to a 4:19 mile (official mile is 1600m). I will never forget the burn in my legs and lungs and my utter amazement at those who could crush this speed. That night, I relaxed with my track teammates and drank some beers. Who knows, perhaps I drank four.
Nielsen ran the equivalent of a 4:20 mile, spending only 37 seconds drinking four beers in between laps. That means each lap around the track was only a few seconds over 1 minute. It’s an incredible athletic feat!
Upon finishing, Nielsen gasped, “That was really painful.” Watch the video below, and you’ll see why.
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Image credit: Official Beer Mile World Record: 4:57 by James Nielsen
If you’ve never run a competitive mile this may go over your head. Like the author I was a sub 4:20 guy at one point but never could I chug down four and remain breathing while running that pace. This guy is a monster! Wow.