投稿日: Jul 15, 2017 12:45:21 PM
Scribes: Jeff
Hares: Pasoconti, Code Poo,
Benjoguchi Date: 9 July 2017 Start Time: 15:30 Start Location: Jimmuji station
(Keikyu Line) Weather: fine Run Type: A to B
Distance：Eagle 10Km, Turkey 8Km Hashers: 19
This report is being written from the view of a Hash Virgin for the benefit of other potential Hash Virgins. The concept of a drinking club with a running problem is appealing to many. However, one should be prepared for their first run as a Hash House Virgin. It may not be what you expect. We met up under a sweltering sun outside the Jimmuji Station. There were veteran runners, virgins, visitors, even a father and son pair. Before any run kicks off everyone gathered up for the pre-run Chalk Talk. The Hares laid out the legend of their signage for everyone and answered any last minute questions. Runners were given the option of the Turkey (shorter) or the Eagle (longer) route. Given the heat of the day, in hindsight, the Turkey was probably the wiser choice.
After some pre-run waters and the Chalk Talk everyone strode off through the neighborhoods of Ikego. The streets outside Jimmuji Station were relatively flat tricking everyone into thinking this would be a very easy 12K. It appeared that “Cliffhanger” would be the lead runner as he effortlessly outpaced the pack in just the first couple of KM. As overconfidence set in, the Hares’ nest of Checks struck fast. These flat roads were going to take longer than anyone expected. Check after Check kept runners from getting a good stride going and caused a bit of early frustration. The Checks finally spread out and the pack stretched thinner and thinner as the lead runners pulled away hitting Check after Check. After a while “Cliffhanger’s” blue mark became the go-to Check mark.
Once the trail left the Ikego neighborhood and entered Zushi Town, the pack of Hashers had stretched out somewhat and the heat began to take its toll. Snaking through the Shinjuku neighborhood keeping track of location became impossible as the trail twisted left and right along various streets, alleyways, and narrow walking paths. These Hares were definitely disorienting the pack pursuing them. No fellow hashers were seen save for “Good on top” for at least half an hour. Having someone to keep pace with provides some sense of confidence that one is on the right trail and that you’re making it through despite the pain and exhaustion.
With the increasingly steep hills through Kotsubo the last few KM ended up being more walking than running when combined with the heat. Reaching that critical Turkey/Eagle split, Hashers had to decide to tack on a few extra KM to their run. As we crept through more neighborhoods and started heading downhill some prayers were answered when Hashers got to an H2O stop at a neighborhood playground. With just enough cool water to reinvigorate the mind, the rest of the run seemed doable. However, the Hares saved their best trial for last. If a Hasher could put up with constant steep uphill roads, they would be rewarded with amazing views of the mansions of Zushi and a beautiful view of the Sagami-wan and Enoshima.
Once on the last part of that trail, the Hashers got to enjoy a leisurely neighborhood jaunt down through the hills of Kotsubo toward the beach. Passing a few of the ongoing festival parades Hashers got to see many of the locals decked out in their parade regalia. Everyone was finally rewarded for all their meandering with refreshments at the bottom of the last hill in Kotsuboiijima Park. After a brief respite a post run Circle was formed and fines/rewards were levied out. Some Hashers were clean and dressed too well for the Circle and others were just too evil at playing the Hare. In the end everyone seemed to be smiling and joking. So the run couldn’t have been too bad.
The On On provided an enjoyable and relaxing way to socialize after a successful run. The Hares picked out the Kikori-Shokudou restaurant. This beachfront restaurant provided some beautiful views of Sagami-wan. The servers kept the pitchers of beer flowing and the assorted plates of food coming. The Hashers were treated to garlic and parmesan seasoned edamame, some fresh cut vegetables, mixed green salads, grilled meats, grilled fish, nuts, and soft cheese for all to enjoy. Many fun stories were shared with Hashers new and old. After a hot windless run, relaxing around the dinner table was just what the doctor ordered.