This is just a terrible thing to happen.
This is really, really sad. It’s surprising, though, that it doesn’t happen more often. These guys and gals race hard for 3 to 5 days with only a couple of hours of sleep at a time. I really don’t know how they do it. I wouldn’t do some of that expedition stuff with a full night’s sleep, let alone 2 hours in the last 30. I’m not trying to take away from the tragedy, but we all have to admit that they’re doing risky stuff out there.
D.
I agree with you Dawn, i must admit that i’ve more than once found myself dozing off on the bike or in the canoe.
That is sad news.
What you say is true, though. While it is always sad when we hear of people getting killed during these events, that risk is a big part of why we are out there doing it. Every time you go rock climbing, ocean kayaking, bicycling, or participate in an adventure race or triathlon(or any of the myriad high risk sports out there), you are increasing your short term risk of death by a fairly high percentage(as compared to sitting on the couch.) But you wouldn’t be out there doing it if it wasn’t exciting specifically because it is risky. In the case of rock-climbing, the thing that makes hanging off the side of a cliff by your fingertips exhilarating is the knowledge that death or injury is just one mistake away.
My wife draws the line at letting me do triathlons. If she ever finds me in possession of an Eco-Challenge brochure, she will kill me herself.
Nigel was a wonderful guy and an extraordinary athlete. For those of us fortunate enough to have known him we will miss him terribly.
He was a prominent figure in ultra running, rogaining (a world champ), mountain running, adventure racing and other outdoor activities. A modest inspirational man who did amazing things.
Someone over on Gordo’s forum said that ISSAQUAH was in the race, who regularly posts here and on G’s forum.
I checked and his last post here was 9/14. Anyone know if it’s the same guy?
T