EP 471- Bitesize: Why Running Might Be Wrecking Your Hormones (And What to Do Instead)

High Performance Health Podcasts -471

Bitesize: Why Running Might Be Wrecking Your Hormones (And What to Do Instead) | Mark Sisson

In today’s Bite Size episode, Angela shares a clip from her conversation with health renegade Mark Sisson, where they bust the myth that running is the pinnacle of fitness.

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Description

What if the secret to longevity, fat loss, and hormonal balance wasn’t a punishing workout—but a powerful, restorative walk? In today’s Bite Size episode, Angela shares a clip from her conversation with health renegade Mark Sisson, where they bust the myth that running is the pinnacle of fitness. Mark, once one of the top marathoners in the U.S., reveals why he hasn’t run a mile in 30 years and how walking became the foundation of his health philosophy.

From cortisol-driven fat gain to the myths propagated by the shoe industry, this eye-opening episode will make you rethink your relationship with movement. If you're a woman in midlife craving more energy, fewer injuries, and a smarter approach to fitness—this one's for you. Tune in to discover why you were truly Born to Walk.

Key Takeaways

Walking Reduces Inflammation: One of the most accessible ways to lower cortisol and support blood sugar.

Running Can Be Catabolic: Chronic running often leads to muscle breakdown and fat storage due to elevated cortisol.

Fat-Burning Secret: Walking helps you burn fat instead of glycogen, supporting better body composition.

Rethink Endorphins: Many people don’t love running—they love the feeling after and the label it gives them.

Sprinting + Lifting = Longevity: A minimalist combo of walking, sprinting once a week, and strength training wins for healthspan.

Timestamps and Key Topics

0:01 – Introduction

1:58 – Mark on why humans were designed to walk—not run

3:10 – Lymphatic flow, digestion, and the dangers of chronic cardio

5:52 – Runners vs. self-selecting walkers: the psychological shift

8:15 – Mark breaks down how running triggers cortisol and muscle loss

11:09 – Body composition, hormonal shifts, and why women should walk more

13:45 – Cortisol, glucose, and why elite runners struggle with muscle mass

14:30 – The role of footwear in injuries and how minimalist movement restores balance

High
Performance
Health

The High-Performance Health Podcast is all about optimising your body, mind and lifestyle for high performance.

Packed full of actionable insights, strategies, bio hacks, lifestyle hacks, mindset strategies and expert performance advice, Angela Foster is on a mission to optimise your human potential. Featuring interviews with some of the top experts on the planet in the fields of health, performance and business, this show aims to inspire, educate and empower you to live an energetic, healthful and limitless life.

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About Angela

Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Keynote Speaker and Host of The High Performance Health Podcast.

A former corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela regularly gives keynotes to large fitness, health and wellness events including the Health Optimisation summit, The Biohacker summit, Dragonfly live, Elevate Fitness conference and Gaia TV. She also delivers Health Optimisation and Performance Workshops to large multinational corporations and senior leaders with a strong focus on women’s health and burnout prevention.

Angela is also the creator of BioSyncing® a blueprint for high performing women who want to ditch burnout, harmonise their hormones and elevate their life.