As Beagle said - this was back in the 70s when we somehow managed to fly, and carry out out our other duties without attempting to emulate Olympic athletes.
Being able to run a couple of miles doesn't qualify one for the Olympics. Going out a running a few miles is a nod towards staying in shape. If you can't see an advantage to that, then I doubt I can explain. Aversion to exercise aside, it goes back to integrating ones self, you know, when in Rome...