Phidippides

However, those contemplating running a marathon in less than stellar condition should remember Phidippides' fate in 490 BC.

Developing Snowbird, Mr. Bass came close to bankruptcy a number of times and went through a divorce.Physical achievement — whether on mountains, or running the original marathon route laid out by the ancient courier Phidippides, or swimming the Hellespont a la Lord Byron — was an antidote.

While Greek soldier Phidippides only had to run 25 miles from Marathon to Athens in 490 B.C., they will have to keep going for 26 miles and 385 yards, a distance first covered in the 1908 London Olympics.

It sure was for Phidippides, the first marathoner.

Phidippides, for instance, is alleged to have run the 140 miles over mountainous terrain to ask the Spartans for help, and the 140 miles back after they said no, and then fought in the battle of Marathon before making his legendary run.