729 Monkey

So today I am a little late because I am writing to report to you on an event called Hashing. It has nothing to do with Hash - it is actually a drinking club with a running problem.

I learned about it through a friend of my boyfriend's during our time in DC. I like to run. I like beer. It seemed like a decent enough combination.

Today I ran (and walked a bit too) through about 6.2 miles of trail and brush in 90 degree heat. It was great.

Here is how it works. First, you have the Hares who set up the trail, provide the food and beer and try to ensure everyone has a nice time. You show up to the start, someone takes your $5, you have a beer and socialize until it is time to begin the run. You follow a trail, usually marked with flour or chalk until you reach a check. From there, you search for where the trail leads next. You may eventually come upon an F, which means it was a false trail and you have to turn around and find your way to the real trail. This happened to me at least three times. You keep going until you find a beer checkpoint (there is usually at least one), where everyone regroups and has a beer or two and then the run goes on to the next beer check or eventually the end.

When you get to the end, there is water, food, and of course, more beer. After everyone comes in and fills their bellies it is circle time.

Before I get into circle time, I should explain that this is a long term sort of group. There are people who have participated in hundreds of hashes, easily. I would estimate the average age of a hasher is about 45, at least among the group I was with. Given the clubby nature of the group, there are nicknames. Everyone has a name and it is usually made up of a perverted pun. Vagina, cum, wank and other such words being in your name are par for the course. And - you are named - you do not choose your name. It is given to you, usually based on what has happened at previous hash events you have been a part of.

Now, circle time. First, all the the virgins (first time hashers) come to the circle. Songs are sung, always ending with drink it downdowndowndowndown. At that point in the song, you have the option of chugging your beer, pouring over your head, or spilling it down your shorts. The songs are what you would image pirates or sailors singing. They are loads of fun. After the virgins drink, the time comes for accusations - the Hares are accused of making a shitty trail, the front running bastard is accused, racers (called racists) are accused and the circle of drinking and song goes on.

It was a load of fun. Contrary to what one might think of when they hear about this kind of event, it is friendly environment where people have food, drink (more drink) and silly fun. I think I might make a regular thing of it.

Cheers!