If you're interested in an exhilarating, fun running experience and you want to explore your adventurous side, try Hashing. It's an interesting break from normal runs. You can still log your miles and combine it with a little bit of orienteering and partying.

There many elements to Hashing, none of which have anything to do with the marijuana or hashish. Here's a few to give you an idea:

The Run or Trail - One or two hasher hares, lay a trail. Trails are marked with chalk arrows, shredded paper, flour, or pieces of toilet paper hanging in the bush, depending on local tradition or terrain. Some pre-lay trails a day or so ahead or they might lay the trail as "live hares," running ahead of the pack with only a 15 minutes head start. At a given signal, the rest of the Harriers set off in pursuit. The idea is to keep the pack somewhat together, achieved by setting false trails, checks, sneaky loops and shortcutting. The length and difficulty of the run varies and will typically take about 45 minutes to an hour of running.

The Circle - At trail's end hashers gather to drink beer or non-alcoholic beverages and observe ritualistic ceremonies. Circles may be led by the hash Grandmaster, the Religious Adviser, or by a committee of mismanagement. Traditions (and the degree of rowdiness) vary from hash to hash, but in general the Circle consists of awarding "Down-Downs" for misdemeanors real, imagined, or blatantly made up by fellow hashers.

The On-On - Some hashes suspend ceremonies for awhile to consume food often at a nearby restaurant or pub that will tolerate such a group. This social part of the hash often features joke telling and or the singing of outrageous songs (think Monte Python).

Hashing, began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1938, when a group of restive British company men started a hare & hounds running group patterned after the traditional British public school paper chase. Today there are thousands of Hash House Harrier clubs in all parts of the world, complete with newsletters, web sites and conventions.

There is some mystique about hashing. Why would one choose to run on slippery trails or follow false trails only to back track to the slower runners? What sadistic impulse drives the hares to lay trails that would make you climb over fences, slosh through streams or encourage trespassing on farmland, private estates, and golf courses or down escalators of shopping malls? Some even do this in the dark with flashlights. It's an excuse to let go of everyday life and to give way to creativity and the expression of lunacy. Why else would hashers reconcile themselves to a degree of shamelessness that allows them to participate in event called a "Red Dress Run where free spirits reign supreme garishly decked out in outfits as they careen around crowded business districts in cities throughout the world yelling "On, On!" or just screeching like banshees.

There's something scandalous about a bizarre behavior being displayed by a bunch of silly runners. Runners that they let themselves get caught up in a wave of mob psychology which makes it okay to be seen as offensive or infantile. The hashers' way to fitness takes you into an environment filled with the sounds, sights, and smells of nature.

Hashing rewards include a higher level of camaraderie that can only exist among close friends. Hashing is about diversity and encompassing different people into the circle. The criteria for acceptance into hash events are simply a few bucks to pay for food and drink, a love of adventure running on trails, and a zest for acting a bit crazy.

Hashers tend to be rebels, because the rules are that there are no rules in the hashing. It's the place for behavior based on a mock disrespect for genteel conventions, all done in a spirit of fun. A lot of tongue-in-cheek insulting that elicits smiles rather than hurt feelings. It's clearly understood that teasing is just a light-hearted bit of fluff among people who have profound respect and genuine affection for each other. Kidding about mismanaging events, laying ugly trails, or botching up whatever it is that somebody with a brain would do correctly. Many hash groups create special irreverent nicknames for newly inducted members. Hanging an indecent moniker on the suspecting member gives the group a degree of harmony that seems to have become one of the major characteristics of hasher's remarkably inclusive society. There is a real sense of fraternity among hashers throughout the world that opens doors and multiplies friendships.

Just remember one more thing . . . never wear new shoes to the hash!

Upcoming Hash Event: Sunday April 13 at 3 pm - The Starting Gate at Center Street in Northville. Contact the Ann Arbor - Motown HHH Hotline at 734 332-9314 or the web: http://my.voyager.net/~tashjian/index.htm