"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
Have you ever read the consent form you sign at every obstacle race? Like actually read it? You know... how you are supposed to read everything before you sign it?
I have. In fact, I keep a copy of consent forms from certain events, simply because they are so much fun to read.
Here's an excerpt from a typical form: "I, , acknolwedge, appreciate (!) and agree that:
The risk of injury and/or death from the activities involved in this event is significant including, but not limited to the following: 1) drowning, 2) near-drowning, 3) sprains, 4) strains, 5) fractures, 6) heat and cold injuries, 7) over-use syndrome, 8) injuries involving vehicles, 9) animal bites and/or stings, 10) contact with poisonous plants, 11) accidents involving, but not limited to paddling, climbing, biking, hiking, skiing, snow shoeing, travel by boat, truck, car, or other convenience, and 12) the potential for permanent paralysis and/or death." With a cherry on top.
Now, snowshoes probably would not have helped in the Ultra Beast. And I didn't even know we COULD paddle or travel by boat in an obstacle race. But then, I didn't know that you could have two legs blown off while running a marathon either.
A typical consent form for a road race seems more tame, with a sweeping statement releasing the race organizers from "any injuries or damages I may suffer as a result of my participation in the marathon and related events".
In retrospect, the consent forms seem incomplete. Maybe now, we should add a section on accidents involving, but not limited to: intentional violence, acts of terror, and man made explosives. Because you know... it could happen.
It has happened.
... Dear Ang Young Reynolds, Andi Hardy, Alec Blenis, Robert Blenis, David Mick, Olof Dallner, Junyong Pak, Ramona Gellel and all others - I'm so glad you are ok. My favorite band seems to know just how I feel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6MH2aGekgI Down, I am downOn the ground, sad and tiredI'm down, it's over nowYes I'm down, should I like it It's deep and darkDeep down in my heartIt's deep and darkSince we've been apart Is this love that comes aroundThat takes me up light years higher'cause I wanna feel love once again It's deep and darkDeep down in my heartIt's deep and darkSince we've been apart It's deep and darkDeep down in my heartIt's deep and darkWithout someone's love P.S. I was planning on a different post after Citi Field. I really was. But this blog writes itself, and I gotta respect the creative process. My muse... She's a finicky bitch. Signing off, Solo