Marathon Lessons, Soccer Superfan, 'Bullet Man'

This week on Only A Game, a trio of stories acknowledging Monday's Boston Marathon; the lessons of the bricklayer and marathoner who won the race in 1917. Plus, another marathon (of sorts) for one soccer fan who singlehandedly stood behind his favorite team for 90 straight minutes. And, the runner who was shot in the head during a marathon and lived to race again. Join us!

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Life And Lessons Of Bricklayer Bill, The 1917 Boston Marathon Champ

"Bricklayer Bill" was the 1917 Boston Marathon champion, best known for riding the rails to races and wearing a stars and stripes bandana. But that's only the beginning of his story.

Elissa Ely: On The Sport Of Swapping Stories About Athletic Injuries

Achilles tendonitis gave commentator Elissa Ely a limp — and an earful of stories from sports injury sufferers.

3 Stories: Ray Lewis On OBJ, NBA G League, Mark McGwire's 70

Julie DiCaro, a host at Chicago's 670 The Score, and A Martínez, host of KPCC's Take Two, join Bill Littlefield.

Through Thick And Thin, Home And Away, Soccer Fan Cheers On

Bill Littlefield has the story of English soccer fan James Beardwell who has followed his favorite team by train and bus, sometimes as the lone supporter, to cheer and sing no matter the result.

Charlie Pierce: The Week In Sports

Bill and Charlie discuss Angels' rookie phenom Shohei Ohtani's plea to play more. Also, the NBA and NHL playoffs begin. And Aaron Rodgers introduces the Dalai Lama to Cheeseheadism.

How Getting Shot During A Marathon Made The 'Bullet Man' A Better Runner

Dennis Rainear was 10 miles into a marathon in Michigan when something struck the top of his head. It was a bullet. Rainear finished the race and went on to run 21 marathons and six ultramarathons.