The Complete Book of Running to heart problems, Fixx died of a heart attack after his daily run at age 52, which opened up discussion about the links between running, health, and life expectancy. The Complete Book of Running The Complete Book of Running is a 1977 non-fiction book written by Jim Fixx. The book discusses not only the physical benefits of running, but its psychological benefits as well: increasing self-esteem, acquiring a "high" from running, and being able to cope better with pressure and tension. Jim Fixx was the author of the 1977 best-seller "The Complete Book of Running", which sold over one million
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