I can't remember the first time that I heard of running groups that promote "refueling" during a run with suds, but I've had knowledge of their existence floating in the back of my head for a while now. I was approached via inbox to join a like-minded group while studying in California, but never accepted the invitation. A little while later, a friend recommended a similar sort of triathlon which I believe was to be run on a hangover. Never got around to that one either.
So, when the invitation to begin "hashing" recently presented itself, I was skeptical about committing despite my affinity for both running a scenic six miles and drinking the occasional six-pack of beer. To me, however, the former has traditionally been an individual hobby and the latter done at an interval far removed before or after the former. But, the draw was too much to resist this weekend, given that it was accompanied by the opportunity to travel to a new place, meet new people and celebrate one of the member's birthday.
The new place was a small town south of El Jadida, named Sidi Bouzid (click for map). A tiny coastal village about an hour south of Casablana, Sidi hosted the weekend's activities in one of its spacious summer cottages a short walk between an underutilized beach and a short cliff bank that may as well have been located north of Big Sur, California.
With the coast as host, it was time to "set" the race for the rest of the running club. As one of a handful of early arrivals, I was asked to assist marking one of the routes. Having never participated in a race before and not knowing how to mark a route, I "eagerly" set out with another runner to assist her with the task. Using a limited amount of baking flour, we marked points with little piles, "x's," and circles that would later force the tracking "hounds" to navigate through false routes along the course to the rally point.
As we later found, setting a course with flour is best done carefully during windy conditions. Despite our best efforts, most of the marks had blown away between the two hours of setting and running. The three "hounds" that opted to run had ample assistance in navigating the route, as I ignorantly led the first part of it wanting a workout (not supposed to do that as a "hare" - kind of ruins the "hounds" need to navigate!). After a couple miles though, we were at the rally point, "refueling" and chatting about the first part of the race and getting to know each other a little better.
After a couple beers and about 15 minutes of chat, we proceeded back to the finish point and got to the more formal parts of the event, which I'll just say included more congratulatory drinking and socializing!
And afterwards, the real celebration began with a hearty meal of delicious shrimp curry, plenty of beers and one of the more professional DJ booths I've seen at a small house party - all put together and provided by fellow, talented "hashers."
A late night led to a late morning, where Moroccans, European ex-pats and Americans groggily met over steaming coffee, hot tea and light breakfast. Impressed with my initial weekend and how the group married its two major tenants, I'm confident I'll continue running and drinking into the distant future.
So, when the invitation to begin "hashing" recently presented itself, I was skeptical about committing despite my affinity for both running a scenic six miles and drinking the occasional six-pack of beer. To me, however, the former has traditionally been an individual hobby and the latter done at an interval far removed before or after the former. But, the draw was too much to resist this weekend, given that it was accompanied by the opportunity to travel to a new place, meet new people and celebrate one of the member's birthday.
The new place was a small town south of El Jadida, named Sidi Bouzid (click for map). A tiny coastal village about an hour south of Casablana, Sidi hosted the weekend's activities in one of its spacious summer cottages a short walk between an underutilized beach and a short cliff bank that may as well have been located north of Big Sur, California.
Sidi Bouzid
The monument in central square
The cliffs, reminding me of my last residence
The boardwalk at night with the new camera - my new favorite. The scene above happened around 30 minutes after dusk and offers the best of each color present along the boardwalk. However, don't be fooled by the larger, cosmopolitan feel - the town was a tiny little retreat tucked away from tourists.
As we later found, setting a course with flour is best done carefully during windy conditions. Despite our best efforts, most of the marks had blown away between the two hours of setting and running. The three "hounds" that opted to run had ample assistance in navigating the route, as I ignorantly led the first part of it wanting a workout (not supposed to do that as a "hare" - kind of ruins the "hounds" need to navigate!). After a couple miles though, we were at the rally point, "refueling" and chatting about the first part of the race and getting to know each other a little better.
Hounds and hare on the beach. Included are a couple more scholars.
Navigating the dunes
As we ran, others did back flips up small cliffs. The kid pictured mid-flip was one of two who made multiple, short sprints up a neighboring 8-foot dune.
A couple hounds foiled by the wind
Back to what's important - refueling
After a couple beers and about 15 minutes of chat, we proceeded back to the finish point and got to the more formal parts of the event, which I'll just say included more congratulatory drinking and socializing!
Post-run business
And afterwards, the real celebration began with a hearty meal of delicious shrimp curry, plenty of beers and one of the more professional DJ booths I've seen at a small house party - all put together and provided by fellow, talented "hashers."
Our DJ setting up
The bustling laser-lit and smoke-filled dance floor (and former sitting room)
A late night led to a late morning, where Moroccans, European ex-pats and Americans groggily met over steaming coffee, hot tea and light breakfast. Impressed with my initial weekend and how the group married its two major tenants, I'm confident I'll continue running and drinking into the distant future.
Hmm, I've never heard of Hash House Harriers, but it is interesting. We are bicyclists rather than runners. When we do the Hottern' Hell Hundred, I only do the 25 miles and then head to the beer tent to wait on my husband and daughter who are trying to impress someone by riding the big miles.
ReplyDeleteI love the boardwalk photo!