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:

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

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

Trail Runner Nation