Who knew watching someone walk would be a more popular spectator sport than baseball, football or horse racing? During the 1870s and 1880s, that was the case. Sold out arenas watched competitors walk around tracks almost non-stop for six days straight going over 500 miles. Some walking contests were created from wagers that had athletes walk hundreds of miles between cities....in the snow! Pedestrianism may be the long lost relative of our sport! Author Matthew Algeo joins The Nation to teach us about a long-forgotten sport, known as pedestrianism. This sport spawned America's first celebrity athletes, made them rich and opened the doors for immigrants, African Americans and women.
Matthew Algeo has written many books that evolve around interesting events in American history. He is a journalist that has reported from four continents and these stories have appeared on some of the most popular public radio programs. Matt currently lives in Sarajevo with his wife, Allyson, and his daughter, Zaya
His book, "Pedestrianism: When Watching People Walk Was America's Favorite Spectator Sport" is a fun read that might teach you some strategies on how to be a better runner!
Find out more about Matthew and his other books on his website
EP 619: Unleash Your Running Potential
EP 618: Baseline Mileage: A Better Way To Boost Weekly Running Mileage
EP 617: How One Man Changed Hydration for Running
EP 616: The Extramilest Show Hosted by Floris Gierman
EP 615: Zone 2 Training: The Key to Improve Endurance and Recovery
EP 614: How Can a Continuous Glucose Monitor Help You Train Better
EP 613: Breaking Out of the Standard Race Distances
EP 612: The Science of Creatine and Brain Function for Athletes
EP 611: Unlocking Your Potential
EP 610: Keep Running, No Matter the Age
EP 609: Adventure Planning- the Misogi Method
EP 608: TRAINING PRINCIPLES - Recovery
EP 607: AJW Launches His Own Podcast!
EP 606: G.O.A.T. - Pam Reed
EP 605: Ice Baths - Are They The Key to Improved Health?
EP 604: Year End Audio Magazine with AJW
EP 603: Process vs. Outcome. What are Your Goals Based On?
EP 602: G.O.A.T. Frank Hart 1870s
EP 601: Why we Run? It's Science!
EP 600: Knowing When to Back Off
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Runner’s World Show
The Rich Roll Podcast
Human Race
Beginner: the Guardian guide to running
Running On Om