Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it?

Oh, the marathon. I've come to find I don't love distance running. Not super-long distances or not right now, anyway.

While running today, I let my mind wander, as I usually do (one of the best things about running), and I found myself thinking...wait a minute...didn't Pheidippides die after his run from Marathon to Athens?? Is this really a wise idea? Fables and myths don't persist through the ages unless there is an aspect of truth involved, right? Sure, maybe the truth is that great accomplishments are worth a certain sacrifice (um, but someone's life?). Maybe some writers/poets have said his heart burst due to joy at the Greek victory. Also quite noble--fine. But for me it seems as good a reason as any to question my initial desire to run in the first ING GA marathon...in two short weeks.

I, for one, might just choose to learn my lesson from the past, lest I repeat it. I felt pretty close today, and judging from personal experience, I'd say the "joy" theory of heart-bursting is looking pretty unlikely.

Pheidippides
by Robert Browing

So, when Persia was dust, all cried, "To Acropolis!
Run, Pheidppides, one race more! the meed is thy due!
Athens is saved, thank Pan, go shout!" He flung down his shield
Ran like fire once more: and the space 'twixt the fennel-field
And Athens was stubble again, a field which a fire runs through,
Til in he broke: "Rejoice, we conquer!" Like wine through clay,
Joy in his blood bursting his heart, - the bliss!