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

Episode 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

In this episode, we welcome back Bob Crowley and Tim Twietmeyer, co-founders of History Expeditions, who’ve shown us how endurance fitness can unlock incredible adventures beyond racing.

This fall, they and a team of veteran endurance athletes will bring history to life with a never-before-attempted 120-mile horseback crossing of the Sierra Nevada, retracing the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party’s path.

Over five days, they’ll ride from Donner Lake to Auburn, uncovering long-lost routes, reflecting on the grit of California’s pioneers, and honoring one of America’s most harrowing journeys. This isn’t just an expedition—it’s endurance sport meeting living history.

Episode Sponsors:

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off
• Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER
• Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE. Limited supply.... and they are on sale!

What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? In this fifth episode of The Aging Athlete series, Krissy Moehl co-hosts as we sit down with Jeff Browning—coach, ultrarunner, and one of the sport’s most consistent and ageless performers. Jeff shares how he has adapted his training across decades, balancing intensity with recovery to stay competitive deep into his 50s. He talks about the importance of nutrition, mindset, and smart planning as the body changes, offering practical lessons that apply at any age. His story is proof that aging doesn’t mean slowing down—it means evolving. Tune in for insights on how to adjust your training and embrace the long game on the trail.

Learn More about Bronco Billy at:

• giddyupultra.com
• Instagram
• YouTube

• Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off
• Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance. Get 30% off your first subscription order
• Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN
• JAMBAR: 20% off with code TRN20
• Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat - THEY'RE on SALE!