22 Sep 2026 07:00
Why I Quit Running After 20 Years, And What I Do Instead: Guest Mark Sisson | EP 421
Most people think more cardio is better for you. Run more, burn more, live longer, right?
Well, my guest today says that's backward. He's suffered from aching knees, a busted hip, and a he has a brand-new book to prove it.
Mark Sisson is a New York Times bestselling author and the co-founder of the barefoot shoe company Peluva. He was one of the very first people I read when I left heart surgery to become a nutritionist, and today he's back with his latest book, Born to Walk: The Broken Promises of the Running Boom and How to Slow Down and Get Healthy One Step at a Time.
We get into why walking may beat running for long-term health, the surprising way running can actually work against your weight loss, and why Mark and his son built Peluva.
This episode is going to change how you think about every single step you take.
For full show notes and transcript: https://drgundry.com/mark-sisson-born-to-walk
On this episode, you’ll learn:
- How Mark Sisson went from three-time Runner's World cover model to falling apart with GERD, IBS, skin issues, and early arthritis (03:36)
- Why you should only run if you have these 2 characteristics (06:42)
- My unconventional prescription for living a longer life (10:01)
- What “exercise snacking” is (and how it beats most workout routines) (16:13)
- Why running too hard for too long actually stops you from burning fat (19:57)
- The incredible story of how a man reversed his own type 2 diabetes with 2 simple steps (23:57)
- Why more than 60% of marathon entrants today are overweight (25:43)
- The life-long toll running has taken on my body (and what I do about it) (31:07)
- How regular tennis shoes can be the culprit of most running injuries (32:39)
- Learn about the design philosophy behind Mark’s barefoot shoes (41:09)
- The one simple change that will do more for your health than any running program ever will (50:54)
Mark Sisson Resources
