Run No.63 10 Nov 2013

Not only is this my first opportunity to scribe, but this was also my first hash so please forgive me if my account is not on point. Not sure how I ended up with the job but nonetheless, I feel honored to scribe the accounts of the Hayama Hash House Harriers 5th anniversary Hash.

As fellow hashers gathered outside Higashi Zushi station the wind was ripping and cold rain was falling. I was praying that at any moment my husband would want to bail and we could secretly sneak back into the station and catch a train home. However, I'm so glad he didn't.

As virgins, and without the details of markings, check backs, arrow minimums, etc. explained, we set off blindly following veterans. We hadn't run for 100 yards before the whole group was stuck, unable to find more than one arrow in any given direction. After about 20 minutes and a few phone calls to the Hares, we were back on track - up what felt like 3 million stairs. We kept on through a park, down hills, following streets and finally up on a bridge that let us to a trailhead leading up a mountain where the majority of the run took place. The trail began through a picturesque bamboo forest. My awe soon wore off as we ran up, up, up and up. At this point I thought back to the moment at the beginning when Ass Licker said he had done the trail that morning in hiking boots - that should have been a clue. This was definitely a hike-run. Very cross-country, which was awesome. At the top of the mountain there were some gorgeous views - so worth the effort to get there. The trail down led us on many wild goose chases, but our stellar communication skills had us quickly navigating ON ON, even beside and through a rocky stream. Once off the mountain we ran through several residential neighborhoods, passing several small shrines and local shops. We were led through many nooks, crannies and short cuts that only a local would know, which was so fun. On several occasions I nearly ran into a parked car or human being as I scoured the streets for the teensy tiny arrows that might lead us in the right direction. As we caught up to those in front of us, we came to uncharted terrain. [And for the grand finale drum roll.....] This lovely run ended on Hayama beach just as the sun was setting. After a 200 yard stint in the sand we saw the Hares and leaders waving us down, beers in hand. Ahhh the taste of a cold beer after an 11.7k run.

After all were finished and changed we circled up for the normal go-around and began the 10 minute walk to the OnOn in town at a picturesque fish and chips joint. Delicious salad, sashimi, lightly fried salmon and grouper, french fries and of course beer and wine. Thoughtful veterans Sweetie and Dragonfly hosted an afterparty at their house, but as we weren't able to attend I do not have any stories to share.

Very much looking forward to the next 4H adventure! Happy anniversary!