Zulus Vs Spartans?

I have always been fascinated a bit by military history, not only Generalship and tactics, but also by soldiering. Who were the best soldiers? Zulus, Spartans or others? who was was the best General? Nelson, Shaka, Bonaparte, Khan?

More intersting is whats the connection between this topic and a running blog anyway?

Well, as runners we all like to think we are a bit 'tough', and that we're "hardmen" just because we train a few hours a week and put up with a few things that our decadant Western lifestyles dont require us to endure.

So, to pass some of the miles on Saturday morning whilst in the rain, probably day dreaming as I run up the fire trail in the rain and dark, my imagination drifted towards the topic: who were really harder: Zulu Warriors or Spartan soldiers.

The Zulu warriors were renowned for being able to run a marathon barefoot across the savannah, fight a battle (and win), then run another marathon home. They were fearless and courageous and trained relentlessly to win war!

The Spartans, also great runners and professional soldiers, were chosen at birth to be warriors, if they displayed weakness as an infant they were cast aside as scraps for the dogs. They trained everyday and were equally fearless and skilled at warfare.

Both forces won major battles against the Greeks and British despite impossible odds and with inferior weaponry because of physical toughness and preparedness.

As i ran and thought about my 'precious' little body I put my running into some form of historical warrior perspective. I then felt comforted that if I did break down, whats the worst that happens.... I go home, take a shower and lifes OK - I dont get speared in the pancreas (a Zulu way of saying you aren't good enough).

Anyway, enough ramblings, a good week, same as last week but a few more ks. NB was Tuesday 10 x 1 milers on the track on 6min cycle all on exactly 5m 20secs/ mile. Sunday was with Dr phils brand new race flats with no socks and through 12 flooded creeks and fire trails - the poor good Dr Phil got "blisters" and lucky the Zulus didnt hear him mention this fact.