No this is not a Clintonesq type of story about not inhaling or getting the munchies, rather it is about another sort of hash. I had never heard of a hash, hashers or the Hash House Harriers until I moved to Shenzhen. Even then during my first four years here, I didn’t really know what it/they were until I joined a local expat club/bar called The Snake Pit. Eventually, I came to find out that a hash was a run; hashers were the runners; and the hash house harriers was the generic name for the local unit.
Those that know me probably don’t think of me and running in the same sentence or better yet the same paragraph. I certainly didn’t, until I read this quote by Hasher Stray Dog, “Hashing is a state of mind- a friendship of kindred spirits joined together for the sole purpose of reliving their childhood or fraternity days, releasing the tensions of everyday life, and generally, acting a fool amongst others who will not judge you or measure you by anything more than your sense of humor.” I figured what better reason is there to run?? Being that is was the hottest day of the year, we left the running to 40 or so other fools and my first hash was actually a walk with 7 others. It wasn’t the most scenic walk I have been on, but I no longer wonder where those picking through trash cans do their sorting. I walked right through the middle of one soul’s collection of plastic bottles, bags, cardboard and who knows what else. The runners and walkers all wind up at the same meeting place and have what is called a down down. The smells and heat were soon forgotten while new friends were made amongst the foolishness and laughs.
For those that are curious about the history of hashing… Back in the 1930’s a group of British expats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia started a hare & hounds running group. They named the group after their meeting place, the Selangor Club, aka the “Hash House.” Hashing is basically about meeting people, drinking lots of beer and staying fit while doing the other two and now there are 1834 clubs located in 178 different countries throughout the world. To find a club near you and experience your first hash click here.
It will be a few months before I am joining the runners but when I do you better watch out! Until then I will be training with the walkers and enjoying the only reason I get to drink beer!
Hashing is usually the ONLY excuse of having alcohol in the flush of feeling ‘fit’ after runs.
I knew why you want hashing, just like what you said ” the only reason” is drinking beer!!! just enjoy it, from now on!!
Michael - I agree and this is the only occasion I get/want to drink beer anymore.
Pei Lin - You know the real reason I want to hash! To get fit, make friends and be my true childish self amongst other fools. I could give a hoot about the beer.
Of cos I know the real reason!