If you are a person like me in that you enjoy booze and friendly banter but still would like to have some element of physical exercise in your life I cannot recommend enough for you to seek out your local Hash House Harriers. This is a global enterprise of rather foul-mouthed "drinkers with a running problem" that have chapters pretty much everywhere and their way of doing things is just fantastic.
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you're not going to know what this means until you are a member
So as some of you may recall from a week ago, i was injured in my first run with these people and actually had to go to the hospital. Don't get alarmed it was only because I have insurance that I went and there was nothing wrong with me other than a torn tendon and a sprained ankle. This is because I was trying to be a hero on my very first day for the most part but here I am merely one week later, with a sensitive ankle and knee and back "on the hash."
The day begins at 315pm (a very manageable time for anyone) and this truck loaded with chairs and ice will take anyone who wants to participate to the staging grounds where a circuit has already been prepared.
Upon arrival at the site you basically stretch out if you want to, get hydrated (no booze yet) and prepare for the start of the trek.
You head out as a team and it really isn't a competition... but it kinda is. However, it isn't as simple as "turn left here, turn right here" etc. The Hashers do things a little more complicated.
When you encounter one of these it means that they are not going to tell you exactly where to go next. As a team (or an individual if you are ahead of the pack) you have to search a 100 meter perimeter in order to find the trail again which will be indicated by some sort of colored paper. Keep in mind that the creators of the trek are trying their best to have you make the WRONG decision so in this regard the entire run becomes a team effort.
There is no prize other than pride for getting back to the camp first. Well, i suppose you get to drink beer before the other people but it's not like there is a cash payout.
Whether you get there first, 7th (me,) or last, everyone is entitled to the same rewards which is a bunch of beer, some food, and absolutely fantastic camaraderie. I have only known almost all of these people for 2 weeks but there is something about physical exertion and an almost military "find the way out of this crap!" trek that really brings people together.
If you are a little bit out of shape or would like to hang out with some people that can help you get into better shape; i strongly encourage you to seek out your local HHH (Hash House Harriers.) I have been on this planet for a while and I have to say that there are very few groups that I have found that have been as accepting and fun as this lot is.
PS: HHH is not free, and no-one is guaranteed membership... the existing members have to like you and the fees per run vary around the world. However, if you have a bit of cash and want to get some exercise AND drink some (lots of ) beers afterwards, well, this might be your calling.
