A mail for Run No: 1695
feedback by John Marshall
on 19th June, 2007 at Serkam.
Thursday, June 21, 2007 11:35:01 AM
Dear Webmaster,
Please can you email this to all the MH3 members for their consideration and input:
The run on the 19th set by Alex Tiew and Rena Tay was a very good run but was obviously set by first timers.
I am sure the front runners enjoyed it but for old timers like me it was a nightmare and could have had resulted in injury.
I was an early bird and set off at approximately 5 30pm with the intention of sticking to paper and completing the run, I purposely didn’t take my GPS. I found the initial stages of the run enjoyable even the ditches, and as an early bird I had to look for the and locate the checks with out joining the paper which added to my distance run, I have no problem with that. I spent most of the run on my own. I was very fortunate to come across the large ditch just as the front runners arrived as they were able to assist me in crossing it, I think I would have been in trouble on my own.
Toward the end of the run it was getting dark, and I was joined by Peter and friends, and we navigated the Banana plantation together and reached the small ditch and track way. It was from here onward that it all went wrong for me, as it was now getting very dark. Peter and his party noticed that the paper was heading back into the oil palm and due to the darkness decided to continue off paper and follow the track, I also followed them for a little while but became worried that we were now off paper and didn’t know where we were, So having been unsuccessful in persuading them to turn back and find the paper, I decided to do it alone and back tracked to find the paper, It was now very dark. I found the paper and followed it into the plantation I could see the paper but only five or so meters in front, the plantation closed in on me like a blanket and it was impossible to get any bearings, so I slowly and carefully walked on, eventually I saw Dennis coming with a torch the other way looking for us, he confirmed that I was on track and that the run site was not far ahead, I explained that Peter and party were off track and gave him directions and he went off to find them. I continued searching for paper, which by now was very difficult to locate, unfortunately at this point I fell over into a small hollow left by a fallen tree. I found the paper again and followed it on the belief that the end was near, unfortunately my fall had completely disorientated me and I was following the paper in the opposite direction, and eventually ended back at the track by the banana plantation. Luckily for me I saw Dennis’s torch light in the distance and met up with Dennis, Dr Dave, Carol and some of the back markers. By now I was very hot and extremely tired and shortly after became quite dizzy, nauseous and was forced to rest. With the help Dr Dave, water front Carol and sympathy and a hand massage from a delightful young girl, I regained my composure and was able to complete the run arriving back sometime after 8oc some 3 and a half hrs later. (Thank you Denis Dr Dave Carol and pretty girl ever so much for all your help)
What can we learn from this?
We can’t blame the Hares it was their first time and they layed a good run for the front runners. I believe as an experienced Hash Chapter we must set guide lines and publish them and train our new members, may be on the lines of:
1. Advising on a maximum distance
2. Insisting that the last portion of the run must not be in dense plantations, but on a track, road or area free from ditches, holes or obstacles.
3. Be aware and mindful that there are older persons of varying fitness, and if there is a Ball Barker or long run advise us at the beginning of the run.
4. Lay more paper at shorter distances at the end so if it is dark it can be easily seen.
5. If the end of the run is on a main road to lay the paper to face on coming traffic.
I am sure there is more advice that can be given and I believe that the Committee should discuss this and whilst maintaining the sprit of hash and not in any way to diminish the fun and challenge for the front runners, be mindful that we oldies also enjoy the challenge of completing and enjoying the hash circle.
I personally have learnt from this and in future I will equip myself with a torch, water, towel, and a whistle and will not deviate from paper.
Lastly I had intended that the monies given for extra beer was extended to the 100 plus for the ladies and was disappointed to find that they were refused this at the last run.
I would understand your predicaments in these so called `Long Runs’ and the Hares have been advised to lay their runs to an average of 7 to 8 Km. Such a trail would take up approximately 2 plus hrs of walking time by the hares. The front runners would hv completed the run between 45 mins to an hour. However if the trail takes through dense vegetation or in situations whereby the running is limited the duration for the entire `RUN’ will be extended even if it is a 7 to 8 km trail. The boundaries of the Hash Runs have expanded over the years due to the surge in development and the hares are seeking new avenues to make the runs reasonably interesting.
Here are a few points for Hares as well as Hashers during the run.
Hares
--------
1) Runs between 7 to 8 km is deemed average.
2) Use paper of 4” X 4 “ and to be laid at approximately 3 meters interval.
3) Due consideration of terrain with respect to safety.
4) Last 1 to 2 km to have added paper trail and if possible on open paths / roads.
5) Do 1 or several recces to ensure the run is within consideration to all hashers.
6) Understand how to set runs with the proper identifications for checks , false trails, back checks etc etc.
7) Be prepared to organize `Search Party’ just in case. ( Torch Lights, GPS, Motrobike, 4x4 etc etc)
Hashers
1) Be early at the run site and do a proper `Warm Up’
2) Follow paper at all cost and front runners to Join paper.
3) Be specific and precise in the HASH terms during the run
a) On On ( you are on paper )
b) Checking ( looking for continuation of the trail)
c) Are You? ( seeking direction from others if there is a continuation of the trail)
d) On Up ( Trail takes up a slope or hill )
e) On Down ( Trail takes down a slope or trail)
f) Back Check ( an indication from front runners that trail not found upfront)
g) Join Paper ( last person at the checks to join up paper)
h) Indications as warning to others of Hole/ Barb Wire/ Thorns/ etc etc
4) Hashers who are late are advised to use the Back Trail
5) Know your limitations in terms of fitness as well as condition you are about to undertake.
6) Form your group at the run site indicating your intent . for example Doing a back trail run or run in and out on the trail with set timed duration .
7) Slow runners should consider taking along a Pouch containing Mobile phone, water, torch light GPS if you hv one, and a waterproof bag to protect yr electronic items in case of rain .
Note
All said and done , you are responsible for your own self being at the runs. The above are guidelines but no guarantee of compliances. Please be reminded that this is a `HASH RUN’ !
With Rgds, Kait
On On
GM says: ( Friday, June 22, 2007 12:08:37 PM )
Dear John,