Cock Radio, on the Couch, with Cock Radio

(This interview was conducted at Kuta Beach, Bali)

G’dday mate, how are you?

Ok, but I’m a bit worried about the beach sellers giving me funny looks for talking to myself.

Tidak apa apa.

Yeah , another 5 or 6 Bintangs and it won’t matter.

Where was your first run?

It was in Australia about 15 years ago. At the time I was running pretty seriously, 120km a week marathon training. I heard about this Harriers thing, gave it a try but couldn’t work out why I was made fun of for coming in first. So I gave hashing a miss until I moved to Singapore the first time in 2001 and joined Sunday.

How did you get your name?

It was at Kranji War Memorial on a Sunday Run, No Problem, or was it Big Problem, I get them mixed up, was moving back to the USA and was selling off some of her bits and pieces before the run. As I walked past she said does anyone want a clock radio. As I had just moved here I grabbed it graciously. After the run, she was charged for having an illegal car boot sale, so she thought all those that bought something from her should be charged too. As I was only new and not really known, and I didn’t give any money for my clock, I stayed quiet. However, someone called out what about the guy who got the clock radio. ‘Yeah, clock radio man’ called Spiderman, who decided that was a good Hash name. However, Elephant Man in typical Singaporean English repeated the name as cock radio, which had everyone in stitches and so Cock Radio happened.

Most memorable moment?

That would have to be Speedy Tits run for the Harriet’s at a park somewhere near Tagore a few years back. We were running along a path by a drain when I stepped on the edge twisting my ankle badly and causing me to fall heavily onto the concrete path. Once the pain of the twisted ankle had gone, I realized there was even worse pain in my left knee. Some kind people helped me to my feet and I commenced walking back, managing to get 150 metres before breaking out in a sweat and becoming light headed. Luckily there was a bus shelter near and I lay down on the seat before I passed out. Speedy came in her car and took me back to the park. By this time I knew there was serious damage as I could not bend my leg. Doctor Stiffy gave me ice and beer. I said I don’t have ice with my beer, he said the ice was for my knee. Knowing I had to get to hospital and would be there a while, I decided to stay for the Circle and ply myself with beer and food. Not that there is anything wrong with hospital food, but I thought the chance of a beer was rather remote. Anyway, eventually Shoe Shopper got me to Mt Alexander Hospital, where I emerged 4 or 5 hours later with my leg in plaster from hip to ankle nursing a fractured knee cap.

Nice one mate, you do seem to be a bit clumsy at times. Best Run?

Tough one mate, all runs are good, it’s just that some are better than others. Once after spending several weeks in hospital with a severe blood infection which almost saw me lose my arm, I finally got out into the fresh air and was just thankful that I could run again. I must admit I prefer runs that don’t require me to be bent over double in the jungle weaving in and out trees. I prefer more open trail where I can hit out a bit more and get into stride.

Favourite Run site?

Any site with some jungle and open trails for a good hit out. Out the back of Jurong Heavy Vehicle Car park is good for this, just as an example.

Ah yes, your old back yard.

What do you like about the Hash?

It caters for all standards of running and diversity of personalities.

What do you dislike?

When people forget to have fun at the Hash. Everyone is there to do their best, whether it be as hare, a whip, committee person or Hash Scribe. While we can’t agree with everything all the time, it’s not the end of the world. Come on, it’s just the Hash. Sometimes I am not as thick skinned as I should be, so I’ve been told but should I have to be thick skinned? I’m just there to have fun and get on with everyone, I’m just an easy going Aussie!

Best ON On?

Red Lantern and Mr Ho on site.

Anyone you particularly admire on the Hash?

Everyone who has contributed over the years to Lion City HHH in anyway at all. But in particular, Boo, because he is a bit of a character, a bit of a rascal, a bit of an annoying bastard, but he also is a good guy and has done so many runs. It is so hard to set a run that will trick him.

How would you improve the Hash?

Keep politics and undeserved criticism out of it. I would like to put a big banner up on the beer truck that says ‘FUN’

What about getting some of this cheap Bintang Beer in?

On the Hash you should……… have fun

Any food you would not eat?

I would not eat any food at all at the moment as I am suffering Bali Belly. But normally I will not touch the insides of any animal, that nasty smelling and tasting fish paste stuff, I have given up trying to like durian and anything with coffee in it.

Any words of wisdom to leave us with?

Run if you enjoy it and can. How many people in the world are there that would love to get out in the fresh air and have a walk or run? People in hospital, cancer sufferers, people who have had limbs blown off from mines etc. Relish the opportunity.

Finally, do you follow Boo?

Lately I seem to ne following Boo a bit for some reason. Although Astronut seems to be taking over and leading me up the garden path more and more. If I was on a run in the middle of no where, lost and it was dark, Boo would be the person I would trust to get me home safely.

On that note, thank you, and just remember ‘Run the F..ing Hash!’

Another Bintang?

Yeah, but just let me race off to the toilet first, bloody Bali Belly!

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