• deft
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    8
    ·
    14 hours ago

    I mean yeah it’s definitely a lie I’m not saying it isn’t.

    But I do think it’s not that insane of a lie. I mean for one apparently the guy died and for two genetic freak factor.

    • Fmstrat@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      6
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      12 hours ago

      It’s insane, and science agrees. Read up on Functional Threshold Pace (FTP), which is what would be a factor in runs like this. The sheer amount of fueling (food+water) required to keep pace going would be insanely impossible for 480km, unaided, without stops. And I mean all caps INSANE.

    • TranscendentalEmpire@lemmy.today
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      13 hours ago

      I still think it’s pretty crazy. The “genetic freak factor” is still moderated by the conditions of their environment.

      We have a lot more genetically gifted athletes now then back then, and our genetically gifted athletes grew up with diets fortified with vitamins and other nutrients. If modern athletes even slightly struggle with doing something similar, ancient athletes would find it impossible.

      It’s just as crazy as claiming that someone from ancient greece would be able to compete on the same level as Usain Bolt in sprinting.