Dancing with bulls

Times Reporter   

 

Everyone at work said I was crazy. Friends asked me if I had health insurance. My mother made me promise that this would be my last stupid stunt (I don’t think she knows I’m going velodrome cycling this week—please don’t tell her).

But I thought it would be fun. I mean, I loved the ones in Chicago when I was growing up. Michael Jordan is still one of my all-time favourites.

You may have noticed a full-bodied green brunette prancing around the Ag Grounds on Sunday evening. Well, that was me. 

I found a pair of green shorts, a green headband, and some green sunglasses. $10 worth of green body paint later from Party City and I was ready for a date with the bulls.

No, I was not green with envy for the $1,000 prize money; nor am I from Saskatchewan and a Roughrider supporter (I’m from Toronto and proud!). 

My reasoning for turning into the She-Hulk was that I had heard green was a calming colour to animals—I later found out that bulls are actually colour blind; movement is what sparks their anger the most, not the colour red. Also, I figured if I were to become ill from fear and turn green anyway, well…it just made sense.

In terms of other ideas to ensure my safety: I heard urine really turns off the bull’s attraction—but I’m still considered new in town and didn’t want to become that girl.

Throughout the rounds, I was truly impressed by the muscles these beasts have. I was truly thankful also, that they never happened to touch me. What really touched me was how supportive everyone was towards The Jolly Green Giant’s girlfriend. Ladies were coming up to me, saying “I’m rooting for you!” and men were giving me high fives through the beer gardens. I even posed for pictures with fellow runners, like a mascot—it really meant a lot. Everyone calmed my nerves and didn’t even make it feel like a competition. It wasn’t me versus the bulls; it was all of you and your spirit with me, against the bulls.

Only a few months of being here in Strathmore, and I continue to be touched by the town’s sincerity and kindness. I’m so privileged to have been able to add to such a proud tradition. See you again next year. (No really, I’m serious).