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 599: Salt, Running and Pregnancy. What We Learn From Recent Research
EP 598: Intermittent Fasting - Will it Help or Hinder our Performance?
EP 597: You Don't Have to Run Ultras To Be a Trail Runner
EP 596: Do We Get Toughness Wrong? With Steve Magness
EP 595: Do Hard Things - Part 3
EP 594: TRN Takes a Group Run with Ryan Hall
EP 593: Do Hard Things - Part 2
EP 592: The Importance of a Mental Taper
EP 591: Do Hard Things - Part 1
EP 590: Rethinking Nutrition with Brad Kearns
EP 589: TRAINING PRINCIPLES - Strength Training
EP 588: Audio Magazine - Volume 11
EP 587: The Art of Pacing
EP 586: Anatomy of An Aid Station
EP 585: How to Use Biomarkers to Be a Better Runner
EP 584: Knowing Our Community: A Look at Some Recent Surveys
EP 583: TRAINING PRINCIPLES - Nutrition
EP 582: Chasing That Perfectly Imperfect Day
EP 581: Running in the Heat: How to Prepare For it and Tricks to Help Stay Cool
EP 580: Altitude Training - Best Practices for Adaptation
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