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 559: Understanding Female Athletes with Megan Roche
EP 558: TRAINING PRINCIPLES - Consistency
EP 557: Eric Clifton- Racing His Own Race
556: Ultrarunning History
EP 555: Running Your First Ultra with Krissy Moehl
EP 554: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results with Atomic Habits
EP 553: TRAINING PRINCIPLES - Quality Training
EP 552: David Horton: Always Searching for the Next Challenge
EP 551: The Art of Running Free
EP 550: TRN Gift Exchange
EP 549: Running Through the Ups & Downs with Patrick Reagan
EP 548: Bon Courage: How to Become More Courageous
EP 547: Remember to LIVE!
EP 546: The Nation Speaks
EP 545: Survey Results Are In! Mental Health and Running
EP 544: Part 2- Wrapping Our Brain Around the Central Governor Theory - Part 2
EP 543: Part 1- Wrapping Our Brain Around the Central Governor Theory - Part 1
EP 542: Drop Bag with AJW
EP 541: Improving Performance Through the Aggregation of Marginal Gains
EP 540: Can You Be Fit and Still Be Unhealthy? Dr. Phil Maffetone Weighs In
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