They had been their own drill sergeants through the self-imposed boot camp of marathon training. They were raw recruits, now fashioned into warriors. Common variety human beings, ready to take on the most grueling challenge devised by man. I do not exaggerate. World-class runners approach the marathon with trepidation.
Olympians fail to finish.
Record holders collapse. This contest has consequences in pain and exhaustion unrivaled in sport. And all the more so because this agony is self-inflicted. You can stop anytime you like. But on this day, the heroes were out.