Hashing: A drinking club with a running problem...

[Earth_First]

Hashing?

So you're interested in hashing. Maybe it's because you've seen strange flour markings on roads and trails in the Pikes Peak region (arrows, circles, and the such), or you've noticed a group of people on a Saturday afternoon senselessly running in Monument Creek or through Chapel Hills Mall. Most likely, it's because a hasher's silver tongue convinced you to consider the sport. In any event, welcome to the Pikes Peak Hash House Harriers and Harriettes (P2H4).

Variously described as "the lunatic fringe of running" and "the drinking club with a running problem," the Hash House Harriers are a worldwide group with some 350 chapters in the United States, including a dozen in Colorado.

Our premise is simple, one harrier (the hare) lays a trail of flour over a course (s)he chooses. The other harriers (the hounds) try to follow that trail to the end where we enjoy munchies and beer (or soft drinks for those disinclined to imbibe). The typical hash is 3-5 miles over hill and dale, through suburbs, woods, malls, et al. The hash isn't a race - no prizes to the swift. Following the trail is the challenge, camaraderie and beverages are the rewards

http://harrier.net/primer/hashing.html

[underpants]

1. I never did call the Richmond group

I meant to several years ago and never did. Sounds like it is quite fun.

[LostinVA]

2. Do it! I did it in NC. i's fun! .. however, my local club here

is run -- literally by a bunch of mid 20-something. And, get this: they told me they preferred not having someone as old as me be a harrier. Fuck them.

Let em know about the Richmond club -- if it's on the Short Pump side, I'm only 35 minutes away.

[underpants]

3. Looks like it is a mostly FAN thing

http://www.richmondhash.com/next-hash.htm

A bit pricey I must say.

[Patiod]

5. What's a "FAN thing"?

Most of the people I knew that were involved don't have to worry about money. (must be nice)

[Midlodemocrat]

9. Location in Richmond.

[underpants]

11. One section of Richmond

the streets sort of FAN out going from east to west.

[LostinVA]

15. Expensive, historical part of Richmond

[LostinVA]

7. That sucks... maybe we should start our own "Progressive Hash"

I have never paid to hash -- only $3-$5 for beer, etc.

[Patiod]

4. I have friends that used to hash in Philade4lphia

It's a young person's pursuit -- GREAT fun running, and then a party afterward. Often in drag (for guys). Popular with preppies.

I told my S.O. I wanted to join, and he said "so you're already involved in a group that meets Wednesday and Saturday and drinks and puts on amateur theatrics, and now you want to get involved with a group that meets Tuesdays and Thursdays and drinks and runs? You'll need to check your schedule to be sure you can squeeze in a Monday AA meeting!"

I got the point. But I always thought it sounded like a lot of fun.

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

6. I'm a big runner

and I love to drink but somehow the combination of the two always seemed a bit dicey. Don't people get sick doing this?

[LostinVA]

8. Yes, they often do

[underpants]

10. The drinking is usually done AFTER the run

I've known of people who really only ran so they could take Saturday morning off from the wife and kids ...have a run...and then down a few. Then go home and cut the grass and have a few more.

BEER is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy-Ben Franklin

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

12. I've always heard there are multiple stops.

Run a little, drink a few. Rinse. Repeat.

[LostinVA]

16. They can be!

[AllegroRondo]

13. Its a worldwide thing

and very well known among the military. I got started with it when I was in the Army stationed in Korea. The local hashers would meet every Saturday, run 5 to 10 miles, then hit the keg.

other strange rituals:

every person earns a "hash name" after completing 5 runs. Its usually something embarassing. People who have earned a name may only be called by that name during the hash.

the first person to cross the finish line is called the "front running bastard" and gets special hazing.

there are hundreds of bizarre and (usually) explicit songs that are sung before drinking.

[kwassa]

14. I have friends involved, though it is not close enough for me.

I love both running and drinking.

Let me tell you about the 50-mile bike race from Tijuana to Rosarito Beach .... riding and drinking. Nothing like pounding down Tecates in a roadside bar halfway through the race.

you had to be there with the 15,000 other riders.