A Crooked Trail or Two

I totally loved wearing those vampire teeth.

I know, I know. We runners can get a little serious about our running from time to time, whether it's wanting to qualify for Boston or Western States, or getting enough vertical feet into our long workouts.

Fortunately, most runners - at least most of the runners I know, are also good at poking fun at themselves, and are adept at relaxing and have a good time.

Yesterday was the Fourth Annual Human-Powered Brewery Tour, and it was a great opportunity to share the joy of running with others while wearing silly costumes, raise money for a good cause, AND enjoy some fantastic locally-brewed beer!)

This was my first HPBT, but my friends Scott and Celeste have produced this event for four years now, to raise money for ALS and remember Annie O'Donoghue. Each year the event has grown, and this year saw still greater participation, despite some questionable weather that looked at any moment as though it might snow. Since my dad also enjoys beer (and doesn't mind doing so in silly costumes, attested to by his multiple appearances at New Belgium's Tour de Fat) I thought I'd invite him to join me as well.

We met at New Belgium Brewing, then made our way (by any human-powered means: mainly running or biking) to the Fort Collins Brewery, followed by Funkwerks, and Odell Brewing Company.

At that point, Dad and I stepped off the "tour bus," but the hardy HPBT participants then made their way to Equinox Brewing and Coopersmith's Pub and Brewing.

It was such a fun event, and I hope that at least a few of the non-runners we met at these breweries were able to see how much fun running (and runners!) can be. Maybe next year, on the Saturday before the Super Bowl, they'll be joining us.

Celeste and Cat (veteran HPBT-ers) demonstrate how it's done.

Ready to run to the Fort Collins Brewery (no, those are not my real teeth!)

On the run between Fort Collins Brewery and Funkwerks.

Many thanks, Scott and Celeste, for a really enjoyable day. Cheers to you, and see you on the trail!