What are your thoughts on 'running of the bulls?' Have you ever witnessed it? Have you ever done it? Would you?

2015-07-07T05:54:07-04:00

Six people were injured and one American was gored by angry bulls in this year's "Running of the Bulls" in Spain. Let's just say the bull literally 'ripped him a new one.'

I have never quite understood the fascination of Americans who wish to run from charging, angry bulls, knowing they could die a painful death. One might think rodeo is the American equivalent, but no. Black Friday at Walmart is our equivalent.

One shouldn't worry about being faster than the bulls, only faster than the guys behind you. But I am willing to bet a guy can run pretty darn fast with big Daisy charging from behind.

Thus, I wonder. Would participating in a 'running of the bulls' be good practice for at least the running portion of the APFT? Speed would be of the essence.

But seriously, what are your thoughts on 'running of the bulls?' Have you ever witnessed it? Have you ever done it? Would you?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jul 7 at 2015 5:55 AM

2015-07-07T05:55:58-04:00

Stupid is what stupid does!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 7 at 2015 8:30 AM

2015-07-07T08:30:43-04:00

Good practice for the APFT, probably not unless your 1SG uses bulls to motivate Soldiers to complete the 2-mile run in time.

As to why people do crazy things like this I feel it comes down to one thing, the adventure! Why do we do any of the crazy things we do? Skydiving, bungee jumping, extreme sports, driving fast, etc? We all want that energy from cheating death. I think this is echoed louder in the Veteran community because for years we thrived in this environment. Adrenaline is like any drug found on the streets. Once you have it once, you get hooked. For years we served facing death everyday. We did some crazy things, some more crazy than running with pissed off bulls. Then you get out and you quickly find yourself looking for a shot of adrenaline so you find ways to do it. While not everyone agrees with how you get it, you do it because you want to, you need that rush and I'm not sure there is anything else that can give that rush than doing something that cheats death.

Response by SGT Juan Soriano made Jul 7 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-07-07T13:48:35-04:00

I think they shall be taught a good lesson and STOP messing around with the Bulls and or other animals.
Animals don't hurt people, We the people are the ones that hurt animals.

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made Jul 8 at 2015 2:27 PM

2015-07-08T14:27:49-04:00

I have never witnessed it but would not mind being there to see someone get gored. I would only run in it after purchasing some really great tennis shoes and making sure my sprint time is faster than the bulls.