When Alex Hendy toed the line at the Chicago Marathon, he wasn’t just chasing a time - he was running for balance. Known online as Schooner Scorer, Alex has become the voice of a new generation of runners who train hard, have fun, and don’t take the sport too seriously.
“Running gives me structure,” he tells Anya Culling on The Runna Podcast. “But it doesn’t have to take over your life. You can still go out, have a pint, and hit your PB.”
Fresh off a 2:56 marathon and a 1:20 half in Copenhagen on four hours’ sleep, Alex shares how a uni in-joke became a 500K+ community, and how running became his way to stay grounded, creative, and connected.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Whether you’re chasing a sub-3, trying to find balance, or just love running and beer in equal measure, Alex’s story will change how you think about motivation.
His Chicago Marathon debrief: from being paced by Anya to surviving the pain cave
“Paying the deposits”: the mindset behind earning balance through consistency
Why mental and physical health are directly connected
The reality of being a running creator content vs. competition
How Schooner Scorer grew from a private account into a movement
The story behind Schooner Socials: the social “drinking club with a running problem”
Listen or watch the full episode for Alex’s reflections on balance, community, and how running became more than just a sport.
From Pub Joke to Viral Sensation
Like most good stories, it started with mates, beers, and banter. At Newcastle University, Alex created Schooner Scorer as a private joke - posting beer reviews with his friends for fun.
“There was no plan,” he laughs. “It was just me, my mates, and a few pints. Then it blew up.”
Fast forward two years, and Schooner Scorer has become a viral phenomenon. His mix of one-take beer reviews, self-deprecating humour, and genuine love of running has inspired hundreds of thousands to find joy in balance.
“It’s about showing people you can do both,” he says. “You don’t have to pick between discipline and fun. You can train properly, push yourself, and still live your life.”
Running for Balance and Mental Health
Behind the laughs and lager lies a serious message: running keeps Alex grounded.
“I drink because I run, and I run because I drink,” he says. “If I’ve had a night out, I’ll still get up and go for a run. It resets me. It’s about earning balance - paying the deposits so you can make the withdrawals.”
For Alex, movement is medicine. “When I’m fit, I’m mentally better. It’s that simple. Running gives me headspace, structure, and time to think - most of my content ideas come while I’m out on a run.”
That message has resonated deeply with his followers, many of whom say Schooner Scorer helped them rediscover their joy for running after burnout or pressure to be “perfect”.
The Schooner Socials and Building Real Connection
What began as a digital movement is now a real-world community. Schooner Socials, Alex’s meet-ups where runners come together for an easy run and a pint, have exploded across the UK.
“Running is better when it’s shared,” he says. “You might come for the beer, but you stay for the people.”
The events blend everything Schooner Scorer stands for: fun, inclusivity, and balance - proving that community is the best recovery tool of all.
The Lesson Behind the Laughter
Beneath the banter and beer reviews lies a clear philosophy: consistency over perfection.
“You don’t need to overcomplicate running,” Alex says. “Train well, have fun, and find your rhythm. That’s the secret.”
It’s a message that aligns with Runna’s coaching philosophy: helping runners build long-term habits, not short-term fixes. Because progress, like a good pint, is best enjoyed slowly.
Watch the Full Conversation
Hear Alex’s full conversation with Ben and Anya on The Runna Podcast, including his sub-3 marathon debrief, mental health insights, and how Schooner Scorer went from a pub joke to a platform inspiring thousands.
Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.