According to legend, the original Marathon runner was named Pheidippides. After the Persians were routed at Marathon and driven back to their ships, the Athenian generals were concerned that the Persians might chance an attack directly on Athens. With no word of the events at Marathon, the leaders remaining at Athens might have thought the Athenian forces were defeated and surrender the city. Pheidippides was renowned as the Greek’s best messenger, so he was selected to deliver the message to the Athenian council, despite having run messages not long before. Pheidippides nevertheless ran the 26 miles between the battlefield and Athens, pushing himself almost beyond mortal endurance. Pheidippides went directly to the Athenian Council; upon arrival he shouted “Rejoice! We conquer!” and collapsed at the Council’s feet still clutching his message.
Got behind a car with numerous Euro-ovals on it, one of which read, in a bat-crap-crazy typeface, “13.1 because I’m only half-crazy.” I’d like to catch up to that car someday and ask which one is half-crazy and which one is orders of magnitude beyond crazy — because across the top of the back window was a group of stick figures showing swimming, biking, and running — in other words, a triathlete.
Alabama_Al: A few days before, he had run to Sparta and back, in an unsuccessful attempt to get Spartan help. He fought in the battle itself. Then the eponymous run itself. And no carbo-packing! It’s a wonder he didn’t cramp up on the way.
Polsixe about 10 years ago
10k is over by Piraeus isn’t it? A good 60 min jog.
Steve Dutch about 10 years ago
Actually, a marathon was no big deal for couriers in those days. He probably had a stroke or aneurysm.
Alabama Al about 10 years ago
According to legend, the original Marathon runner was named Pheidippides. After the Persians were routed at Marathon and driven back to their ships, the Athenian generals were concerned that the Persians might chance an attack directly on Athens. With no word of the events at Marathon, the leaders remaining at Athens might have thought the Athenian forces were defeated and surrender the city. Pheidippides was renowned as the Greek’s best messenger, so he was selected to deliver the message to the Athenian council, despite having run messages not long before. Pheidippides nevertheless ran the 26 miles between the battlefield and Athens, pushing himself almost beyond mortal endurance. Pheidippides went directly to the Athenian Council; upon arrival he shouted “Rejoice! We conquer!” and collapsed at the Council’s feet still clutching his message.
K M about 10 years ago
Got behind a car with numerous Euro-ovals on it, one of which read, in a bat-crap-crazy typeface, “13.1 because I’m only half-crazy.” I’d like to catch up to that car someday and ask which one is half-crazy and which one is orders of magnitude beyond crazy — because across the top of the back window was a group of stick figures showing swimming, biking, and running — in other words, a triathlete.
hippogriff about 10 years ago
Alabama_Al: A few days before, he had run to Sparta and back, in an unsuccessful attempt to get Spartan help. He fought in the battle itself. Then the eponymous run itself. And no carbo-packing! It’s a wonder he didn’t cramp up on the way.
Jim Kerner about 10 years ago
Be BOSTON STRONG tomorrow! 4/20/14.