Jim Fixx Jim Fixx James Fuller "Jim" Fixx (April 23, 1932 – July 20, 1984) was an American who wrote the 1977 best-selling book "The Complete Book of Running". He is credited with helping start America's fitness revolution, popularizing the sport of running and demonstrating the health benefits of regular jogging. He died of a heart attack while jogging at 52 years of age. His genetic predisposition for heart problems and other previous lifestyle factors may have caused his heart attack. Born in New York City, Fixx was a graduate of Trinity School in New York and Oberlin College in Ohio. His
Running boom of the 1970s Running boom of the 1970s In the United States, there was a boom in the 1970s in competitive road running and in jogging for recreation and fitness. It is estimated that 25 million Americans took up some aspect of running in the 1970s and 1980s, including President Jimmy Carter. Many running events, shoe and apparel manufacturers grew and formed to accommodate the demand. The boom also occurred in other countries. Frank Shorter's victory in the men's marathon is credited with inspiring the running boom. He was the third American to win the Olympic marathon, but the first since 1908. The