EP 749: The Pendulum of Running-Lessons from 19 Episodes with Dr. Mark Cucuzzella

Dr. Phil Maffetone returns to revisit the MAF Method—training by low heart rate (≈180 minus age)—with Don sharing how it saved his a 100-mile race. Phil explains why most endurance performance is aerobic and how building that system (plus cleaning up diet) beats “no-pain-no-gain.” The episode pivots to his new brain-health research: refined carbs and excess body fat can impair the brain, but the good news is the brain is highly resilient and improves quickly when you remove junk sugars and eat healthy fats. Practical takeaways include using a heart-rate monitor to measure progress, prioritizing diet alongside training, and adding brain-boosters like aerobic exercise, novelty/music, meditation, deep breathing, and even cold exposure. Phil shares daily habits (his “fat-burning coffee,” eggs, veggies) and the famous Mark Allen story to show how speed rises at the same heart rate as fitness improves. Throughout, the crew keeps it playful—touching on music, comedy, and even AI—while reinforcing one theme: train smarter, feed your brain, and you’ll run better. Here is the LINK to the Brain Training research paper we talked about. Here is the Human Error article Link to Dr. Phil's music Episode Sponsors Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off NEW!  MudGear Socks - Get a special discount by clicking the link Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  Limited supply.... and they are on sale!  

Have you ever heard a runner drop out of a race and say, “It just wasn’t my day”? Well, Meghan Canfield—known to the trail world as The Queen—has something to say about that. She argues, “Of course it’s your day! It’s certainly not anyone else’s.” In this episode, Meghan joins us to explore what that really means. Inspired by her recent article in UltraRunning Magazine titled “Adventure of Life,” Meghan shares how every long run, race, or adventure mirrors the journey of life itself. Things rarely go exactly as planned—both on the trail and off it—but those unexpected detours aren’t signs to quit. They’re opportunities to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward. Meghan shows us how to: Reframe setbacks as chances for growth Trade frustration for curiosity when things go sideways. See each run—and each day—as an adventure full of surprises, struggles, and joy. She also opens up about the lessons she’s learned from her own mistakes and offers practical tips to help you push through those tough miles—on the trail and in life. Every day brings a new story. Meghan Canfield is here to remind us to run it with purpose, curiosity, and heart.  Find out more about Meghan and hire her or some of her friends as a coach at Zenith Coaches. 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

What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? In this sixth episode of The Aging Athlete series, Krissy Moehl co-hosts as we sit down with Meredith Terranova to discuss the fuel behind performance and longevity.   • In past Aging Athlete episodes, we’ve explored how to train smarter as we age, not harder—covering topics like  ◦ adapting your training plans,  ◦ hormone optimization,  ◦ navigating menopause,  ◦ and shifting recovery strategies.   Meredith has over 100 ultra finishes and three Ultraman finishes, including a 5th place at the world Championships in 2014, 3 days of swimming 6.2M biking, 315 miles and running 52 miles. She has a bachelor’s in Human Nutrition and a master’s in Advanced Nutrition and Human Performance. She brings a science-backed, experience-rich perspective on how to fuel our bodies through the decades—for energy, recovery, and resilience.    We don’t claim to have every answer—but together, with these experts, we’ll discover that aging isn’t something to fear, it’s something to understand, adapt to—and even celebrate.   Check out more about Meredith and how she can help you at Eating and Living Healthy   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!

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.org   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 Episode Sponsors: 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!

In this rerun episode, we dig into the science behind what’s happening inside our bodies with registered sports dietitian Ashley Reaver. Ashley highlights five key biomarkers that endurance athletes should pay attention to—explaining why they matter, what healthy ranges look like, and what steps we can take if our numbers are off. From performance to recovery, these biomarkers influence how well we train and how resilient we are to stress and fatigue. Ashley also shares practical strategies athletes can use to optimize their nutrition and overall health. With her background as a private practice dietitian, UC Berkeley instructor, and lead nutritional scientist at InsideTracker, Ashley brings both scientific depth and real-world application. Whether you’re chasing new PRs or aiming for long-term health, this conversation offers valuable insights every runner can put into practice.  Check out her private practice Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off JAMBAR: 20% off with code TRN20 Liquid IV, get 20% off your first order with code TRAILRUNNER Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  Limited supply

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Rosario, Head Coach and Executive Director of Hoka Northern Arizona Elite Team, aka Hoka NAZ Elite, to uncover how professional runners train—and how everyday runners can apply the same strategies. Ben shares why success isn’t only about big workouts, but also about the fundamentals: getting enough sleep, fueling properly, and building strength without needing a fancy gym. He emphasizes the importance of stretching and mobility, as well as truly respecting easy days to allow the body to recover and adapt. Listeners will also learn how pros approach pacing and why managing effort can make the difference between struggle and breakthrough. No matter your age, background, or ability level, these simple yet powerful habits can help you run stronger, faster, and further. This episode shows that elite training principles aren’t reserved for pros—they’re tools that anyone can use to reach their goals. Learn more in the book he co-authored with Matt Fitzgerald, In their new book, Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow): Elite Tools and Tips for Runners at Every Level,  they help us understand that we can reach our potential if we include some of these training techniques and strategies. 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!

What does it take to keep running strong from your teens into your 90s? Welcome to The Aging Athlete, a new Trail Runner Nation mini-series co-hosted by ultrarunning icon Krissy Moehl. Every 5 to 6 weeks, we’ll dive into what it looks like to grow older in this sport we love—exploring how to train smarter, fuel better, recover more intentionally, and stay motivated through the decades. In this fourth episode of The Aging Athlete series, we sit down with Selene Yeager, a leading voice in reshaping how we think about performance, aging, and the female athlete. In this episode, she shares her personal journey from elite triathlete and gravel cyclist to trail runner, navigating midlife hormonal shifts. As the host of Hit Play Not Pause and coauthor of ROAR and Next Level, Selene opens up about redefining success, adjusting training and nutrition, and managing the mental side of aging. She offers practical, empowering insights drawn from science, storytelling, and her own lived experience. We also talk about the changes she’s noticed in her own training and mindset while preparing for an ultra. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond, Selene’s message is clear: your best athletic years might still be ahead. Check out her new book, "Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond" Her Live Feisty Website Episode Sponsors Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Scarpa, Find your perfect shoe for the trails that lie ahead Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off JAMBAR: 20% off with code TRN20 Oikos Triple Zero Get the NEW "1 > 0" running hat HERE.  Limited supply

What if one simple idea could transform the way athletes fuel their bodies? In this episode, we explore the birth of the very first sports nutrition bar back in the 1980s—a product that forever changed performance and recovery. Can you guess what it is? You’ll hear the story behind its creation from one of its creators, Jennifer Maxwell, from the spark of inspiration to the trial-and-error experiments that nearly derailed it. Along the way, the creators faced unexpected setbacks that tested their resolve, but ultimately paved the way for a groundbreaking innovation. More than just a snack, this bar reshaped the entire sports nutrition industry and sparked a wave of creativity that continues today. Join us for a story of grit, vision, and the power of an idea that fueled athletes worldwide. Jennifer continues to share the reason why she is back in the business with a yummy and healthy NEW product, JamBar! Episode Sponsors: 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 Visit Electrokare before September 5th to get your spot Oikos Triple Zero Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat