In December of 1960, while still the President-Elect, JFK wrote an article for Sports Illustrated called “The Soft American.” In it he bemoaned the fact that American young people lagged far behind their European counterparts in physical fitness.
Kennedy believed the “softness” of the nation’s youth portended greater consequences than the obvious health one. “The physical well being of the nation is an important foundation for the vigor and vitality of all activities of the nation.”
What did our 35th President propose doing about it?
In a word—WALKING.
Most notably, he revised a challenge begun by Teddy Roosevelt for folks to walk 50 miles in 20 hours (spread over 3 days). Though most Americans didn’t get that extreme, many did start walking regularly.
Hiking clubs and community walks surged. And, according to one source, “suddenly, walking was ‘cool’ again.”
Making walking cool—could it happen again?
Tomorrow’s blog.
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JFK’s brother Bobby (Robert F Kennedy) walked the 50 miles in street shoes. Is it any wonder RFK Jr. is so fit?