Exploring Peak Performance and Healthy Living with Brad Kearns

Jul 19, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Brad Kearns, a New York Times bestselling author and former elite athlete, discusses the balance needed in training while addressing the hazards of extreme endurance events. He highlights the psychological motivations behind competitiveness and redefines fitness with innovative approaches like speed golf. Kearns also shares insights on the role of walking and minimalist footwear in promoting long-term health, while advocating for personalized nutrition strategies such as intermittent fasting for optimal athletic performance.

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INSIGHT

Endurance Running Risks Revealed

Many endurance events like marathons are arbitrary distances without health relevance.
Endurance running at extreme levels can be destructive, raising injury and heart damage risks.

INSIGHT

Longevity Needs Age Respect

Former Olympic athletes tend to live longer due to lifelong healthy habits.
Yet, aging demands respect to avoid overtraining damage despite a youthful mindset.

ADVICE

Walk More, Run Less Safely

Recreational endurance athletes should prioritize walking over running to reduce injury.
Walking with a weight vest builds aerobic capacity and strength without damaging joints.

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In this episode of The Mark Divine Show, host Mark Divine welcomes Brad Kearns, a New York Times bestselling author, former world-ranked triathlete, and current number one masters high jumper at age 60. Brad is also a Guinness World Record holding speed golfer and a leading voice in peak performance and healthy living. Mark and Brad delve into the psychological aspects of competitiveness, the myths of endurance training, and the importance of balanced, adaptable training and nutrition habits. Mark and Brad also talk about the benefits of walking, strategic use of stress mechanisms like fasting and interval training, and innovative reimagining to sports. The episode concludes with insights into minimalist footwear and the importance of respecting natural human biomechanics for long-term health. Key Takeaways:

The dangers of overtraining and the benefits of balance and sustainability in athletic pursuits.
The benefits of walking, especially with weight vests.
The risks of endurance sports, injury rates
Training strategies that promote long-term health and fitness

Follow Mark: Website: https://markdivine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdivineofficial/ Brad's links: Website: https://bradkearns.com/ Book: https://borntowalkbook.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradkearns1/ Sponsors and Promotions Qualia: Qualia Life's supplements help eliminate senescent cells—zombie cells that accumulate with age and contribute to aging issues like slow recovery and low energy. The supplement, combining nine natural ingredients discovered by scientists in 2015, has significantly improved vitality Visit qualialife.com/divine15 for 15% off using the code 'Divine15' at checkout. Fair Harbor: Are you interested in unique breeze knit lining trunks that eliminate the discomfort of mesh linings, providing superior comfort and freedom of movement? Fair Harbor offers a range of swimwear, shorts, shirts, and hoodies for adults and children.Visit fairharborclothing.com and use the promo code 'Divine20' for a 20% discount. Indeed: Indeed's sponsored job posts help job listings stand out by pushing them to the top, attracting 45% more applications compared to non-sponsored jobs. The service does not require monthly subscriptions or long-term contracts, and users only pay for results. Visit indeed.com/divine for a $75 sponsored job credit. 00:00 Introduction 00:13 Introducing Brad Kearns 03:19 The Dangers of Extreme Endurance Training 06:09 The Myth of the Marathon 14:00 Speed Golf 26:21 The Importance of Team-Based Training 30:32 Born to Walk: A New Approach to Fitness 41:53 Morning Routine and Habit Formation 43:33 Incorporating Micro Workouts 50:28 The Importance of Personalized Nutrition 01:00:15 Balancing Stress and Recovery 01:11:54 The Discipline of Elite Athletes 01:15:46 The Benefits of Barefoot Running 01:18:08 Conclusion

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