Greek myths

[Stick]

Well then the myth wouldn't have explained why all the long distance messengers were hobbling round.

...one imagines that the ancient greek's advanced communications network (runner version 6[ServicePack gamma] ) was every bit as sensitive to hackers as todays networks.

Only hackers being a bit more bloody in them days...

[XRunner]

Well then the myth wouldn't have explained why all the long distance messengers were hobbling round.

I expect that the feet of ancient men were very much more used to hard ground and were less susceptible to injuries.

Cosseting our feet in modern shoes may the cause of many of our problems.

[Deek]

I expect that the feet of ancient men were very much more used to hard ground and were less susceptible to injuries.

Cosseting our feet in modern shoes may the cause of many of our problems.

Not sure I agree with that.

[A.G]

No inserts to cure them or flash shoes.

It is these fancy shoes that are the cause of all the injuries today. I no longer wear bulky Nike Pegasus shoes, and run exclusively in flats or Walshes. I feel a lot better for it.

[gyppo]

Not sure I completely agree with AG. Shoes with medial support keep my right knee alive.

But trail-running barefoot (somewhat slowy and carefully) was great fun when I was suffering from achilles tendonitis. Gravel was hideous, holly leaves a hazard and mud just glorious.

[Deek]

So is it: Greek 'runners' had lots of sore achilles. A myth was invented to explain it. This myth was then taken by the English in about 1855 and extended to apply to any specific identified weakness and called an achilles heel? Befroe 1855 the term was never used in England?

[fellhell]

It's all greek to me.