He had run two hours, 21.23 minutes a month before the Games but that effort had been at altitude and close to home in Abbis Adaba.

CNN: Olympic memories: Bikila's triumph

Those two brief stretches of time when all electronic devices must be turned off -- after the doors to the plane close until it is at cruising altitude, and then again on approach for landing -- are being questioned.

CNN: Cell phones on planes? For texting, not gabbing

It was, she decided, close to ideal, owing to its medium altitude, gentle slopes and unself-conscious charm.

FORBES: Flocons de Sel: A French Alpine Gourmet Sanctuary

As hikers reach the jagged crags and boulders close to the summit, climbing can get technical and the altitude will leave most people short of breath.

BBC: Venezuela��s Andean playground