May: the Hash Continues

On May 15^th, I ran my first race since having my left Achilles reattached and everything went really well. The Coventry Woods 10K was run in beautiful Coventry Woods Park in Pottstown, PA. Both the 5K and the 10K started together completing a short loop before heading up into the hills. The two races split around mile one as the 10K continued to climb. The first half was mostly uphill which meant the second half would be more to my liking. I’ve always been a better downhill runner than up and have been told I border on reckless. To me running downhill is almost a religious experience. In the split second I am free falling down the hill I have to have faith that my foot is going to find something solid to land on. By keeping my knees bent and my feet moving fast I feel less likely to twist an ankle and this is where I pass the most people. In fact all the times I have twisted my ankles over the years have come on relatively flat sections of trail. The race was a good test to let me know how my recovery is truly going and while my overall speed is not back yet I am very happy with my progress.

 

Other than running the Coventry Woods 10K my ambition to race lately has taken a back seat to my ambition to just run and have a good time doing it. This has led me to seeking out more Hash runs. My last post told the story of two hash runs I ran in April but I didn’t explain what a hash run is. Now if you are already a Hasher you’re probably rolling your eyes so just have a down-down (drink) and gaze at the pictures while I educate the rest.

"The 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" (www.harrier.net). These trails also include many false trails which aren’t used just to mess with the hounds but also serve a real purpose, to keep the pack together. While the front runners are searching for the real trail the slower runners have a chance to catch up. The goal is for everyone to reach the finish around the same time and have a lot of fun doing so. All hashes end with a circle where accusations and penalties (in the form of drinks) are paid along with announcements of future events and assigning hash names to previously un-named participants that did something memorable on-trail.

I visited the Bimbos of Jersey Hash House Harriers (BJH3) on May 27^th for an evening hash. We had daylight to start out but our headlamps were soon needed which added to the difficulty to find the true trail. Working together we found our way back to the host’s house where she had food and beverage waiting for us. When the circle was complete we gathered around the camp fire while “Rear End Wrangler” entertained us with song and jokes. Most camped there overnight as well.

 

 Identity hidden for National security purposes (doesn't want to be embarrassed about getting stuck).

 

On May 29^th I hared the second McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Hash House Harriers (MDLH3) hash in Country Lakes, NJ. We had a good turnout with 18 hashers and three dogs searching for the correct trail through the forest. I included a section thru what I named the Browns Mills Marina. It’s actually just a couple boats that have been dragged out into the woods by some locals to use as a paintball area. I took the hounds up, not across, the Greenwood Branch Creek which felt amazingly refreshing on an otherwise blistering humid day. There was a "clothing optional" section for those that dared to be bare (no photos available nor would you want them). I also included three beverage (aka beer) stops along the way to keep everyone well hydrated. Fun was had by all and that’s what its all about; running and having a good time doing it!