Trail Runner Nation EP 749: The Pendulum of Running-Lessons from 19 Episodes with Dr. Mark Cucuzzella
Dr. Mark Cucuzzella returns for his 19th visit (first joined us in 2012) to unpack the “pendulum swings” in running—
- from minimalist to maximal shoes,
- handhelds to hydration vests,
- and data-free runs to tech-heavy biometrics.
He shares how his natural-footwear ethos (and Two Rivers Treads) started before the trend, why different terrains and athletes may benefit from different shoes, and why rotating options can build stronger, more resilient feet.
We talk about rucking with a weighted vest as a low-impact way to boost strength, bone density, and aerobic fitness—especially for masters runners—
plus the value of short, fast strides to keep leg speed with age.
On fueling, Mark reframes the carbs-vs.-keto debate around individual metabolic health and race-day pragmatism: maintain blood glucose, experiment cautiously, and avoid one-size-fits-all prescriptions.
Big takeaway: be an experiment of one—choose the tools, shoes, and fueling that keep you healthy, happy, and on the trails for life.
LInks to stuff we talked about:
- Dr. Tim Noakes article on hypoglycemia
- Mark Sisson's free ebook on minimal footwear
- Dr. Mark's Battle of the shoes article
- Don mentioned the 8:20 video of running form that Dr. Mark produced
More information about Mark
Book www.runforyourlifebook.com Personal site www.drmarksdesk.com Education Site: www.naturalrunningcenter.com Store: www.tworiverstreads.com Event Series www.freedomsrun.orgEpisode Sponsors:
- Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
- Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
- Bear Mattress, get 40% off your first order with code TRAIL
- Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat