A special interview with Mark Sisson
Posted on Nov 17, 2008 by Andrew in Guest Posts, Interviews .
I am very pleased to announce that today we will be getting quite a treat, a special interview with Mark Sisson of Mark’s Daily Apple. Frankly, I could be here all day mentioning his list of accolades (health and fitness guru, triathlete, blogger extraordinaire, etc.) but I think that you should just hear about it from the man himself!
How did you get involved in physical competition such as your experience as a triathlete?
I was always interested in sports, but was too scrawny to play football, basketball or baseball. I lived about two miles from my school and had to walk to and from every day. I started running home every day, just to get home quicker. That morphed into my becoming a distance runner on the high school track team. As I got older, I realized that I didn’t have much raw speed, but I could grind it out on the longer distances with the best of them, so I became a marathoner. After several years of torturous training (over a hundred miles per week) and some satisfying performances, I broke down pretty significantly. Injuries kept me from running hard, but I was still “jonesing†for the endurance high, so I gravitated to triathlon for a few years. After I finished 4th at Ironman Hawaii, I decided I’d had enough beating myself up for little reward. I have been retired from any serious endurance competition for twenty years.
How did you come up with the Primal Blueprint?
This idea that we are the sum total of millions of years of evolution has always driven my psyche. The notion that we can influence gene expression day-to-day with our diet, thoughts and movement has interested me since I started doing research in this field 25 years ago. The synthesis of the two concepts: a primal, evolutionary origin and the power we have to recreate ourselves by manipulating our genes led to the Primal Blueprint. My goal with this concept is to demonstrate to the public how “easy†it can be to achieve relatively high levels of fitness and health with just a few lifestyle changes that mimic our ancestors’ lives.
How did you come up with the “Damage Control” formula and how does it differ from other supplements?
I have always believed that the reason to take supplements is to prevent damage we do from all the stresses of modern life – not just for among athletes, but among everyone. I had developed a line of specific lifestyle formulas (Extreme Antioxidant Protection, Extreme Cortisol Protection, Extreme Anti-Inflammatory, Extreme Liver Protection, etc) and was selling these individual bottles to thousands of people. Most of them were buying each of my products and, after a while, I was getting comments like “why don’t you just combine all these into one formula, since everyone can benefit form all of your products.â€
About eleven years ago, I formulated the Damage Control Master Formula - the most comprehensive all-in-one product on the market. To this day I know of no other broad-spectrum supplement that covers as many bases as this one product. I update the formula every year to reflect new science.
Who were the most influential people in your living a healthy lifestyle, not just as a blogger?
My dad was a track star and my mother was always reading the latest health and/or diet books and encouraged me to read them, so both parents were the original sources. I was also a fan of Jack Lalanne when I was just a kid, but I think it points back to parents being the primary source of inspiration for living a healthy lifestyle.
Were you psyched when you found out that one of the first things that President elect Obama did after winning the election was get a little workout in?
I would have done the same thing. I’m sure he was “pumped†– to say the least.
If you could dispel one farce surrounding health and fitness, what would it be?
There are so many, I don’t know where to begin. I guess the big one is the assumption that whole grains are good for you and that fats are bad. In my new book “The Primal Blueprint†(due out January) I dispel about 15 of these myths.
What’s your favorite color apple? Green or Red?
Green. I much prefer sour over sweet. Lucky for me, I always have…although maybe it’s not so much luck as acclimation.
Who have been your top 3 favorite bloggers over the years?
Another tough one, since there are so many I look up to. I really appreciate the guys who go out on a limb and say what’s on their mind and then back it up with solid science. I could name 20, but I’ll give you three here: Peter at hyperlipid always has a unique spin and well-thought substantiation, Michael Eades, is fearless in the pursuit of his cause despite the fact that most of his medical peers still buy into the Conventional Wisdom, and Scott Kustes, simply because he really takes the time to explain important concepts in a way that is easily understood.
When describing our distant ancestor and how his diet was “Primal”, you use the name “Grok”. How did this come about and if there was a female equivalent, what would her name be?
Grok just sort of came up as an instinctive guttural sound one day. The literal definition of the term grok is: “to understand intuitively or by empathy, establish rapport with, empathize or communicate sympathetically with…so thoroughly that the observer becomes part of the observed.â€Â As popular novelist and science fiction writer Robert Heinlein (1907-1988) would say in the context of quantum theory, grokking is “the intermingling of intelligence that necessarily affects both the observer and the observed.†Combine the profound meaning with the fact that “Grok†sounds primal and cool and you have a perfect name for our prehistoric role model! I’m open to suggestions for naming his mate.
If you could give a few words of advice for those who are just beginning to enter a world of health and fitness, what would you say?”
As cliché as it sounds, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Everything you do on your path to health can contribute to the end result, so don’t get frustrated at the fact that you haven’t embraced it all at once. Start by cutting back on sugars and walking. Then cut back or eliminate grains and do a little weight training. Don’t look day to day, but week to week for your results. And those results will come.
I just want to throw a big thanks to Mark Sisson for providing Go Healthy Go Fit with this exclusive interview! And I’d also like to thank Aaron Fox, editor of Mark’s Daily Apple, for helping put everything together!
Possibly Related Posts:
- How To Survive A Party Without Gaining
- Flaxseed Or Flaxseed Oil?
- My Guest Post At Zen Habits
- Healthy Blogger Recipes - Food Renegade
- Fit To Be Tied - Living With Diabetes
17 Responses to “A special interview with Mark Sisson”
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Nov 17, 2008
[...] out the interview here, and check back on Thursday when I’ll be publishing Andrew’s guest post on how to stay [...]
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Nov 17, 2008
[...] out the interview here, and check back on Thursday when I’ll be publishing Andrew’s guest post on how to stay [...]
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Nov 17, 2008
[...] out the interview here, and check back on Thursday when I’ll be publishing Andrew’s guest post on how to stay [...]
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Nov 17, 2008
[...] out the interview here, and check back on Thursday when I’ll be publishing Andrew’s guest post on how to stay [...]
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Nov 17, 2008
[...] out the interview here, and check back on Thursday when I’ll be publishing Andrew’s guest post on how to stay [...]
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Nov 17, 2008
[...] out the interview here, and check back on Thursday when I’ll be publishing Andrew’s guest post on how to stay [...]
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Nov 20, 2008
[...] health and fitness blogosphere having just started a couple months ago. Be sure to drop by and read Andrew’s interview of me if you haven’t [...]
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Nov 20, 2008
[...] health and fitness blogosphere having just started a couple months ago. Be sure to drop by and read Andrew’s interview of me if you haven’t [...]
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Nov 20, 2008
[...] health and fitness blogosphere having just started a couple months ago. Be sure to drop by and read Andrew’s interview of me if you haven’t [...]
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Nov 20, 2008
[...] health and fitness blogosphere having just started a couple months ago. Be sure to drop by and read Andrew’s interview of me if you haven’t [...]
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Nov 20, 2008
[...] health and fitness blogosphere having just started a couple months ago. Be sure to drop by and read Andrew’s interview of me if you haven’t [...]
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Nov 20, 2008
[...] health and fitness blogosphere having just started a couple months ago. Be sure to drop by and read Andrew’s interview of me if you haven’t [...]
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Nov 24, 2008
[...] what a week! We had a great guest interview with Mark Sisson, Ray Lampe aka Dr. BBQ, and we got a chance to see what health and fitness bloggers around the web [...]
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Nov 24, 2008
[...] what a week! We had a great guest interview with Mark Sisson, Ray Lampe aka Dr. BBQ, and we got a chance to see what health and fitness bloggers around the web [...]
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Nov 24, 2008
[...] what a week! We had a great guest interview with Mark Sisson, Ray Lampe aka Dr. BBQ, and we got a chance to see what health and fitness bloggers around the web [...]
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Nov 24, 2008
[...] what a week! We had a great guest interview with Mark Sisson, Ray Lampe aka Dr. BBQ, and we got a chance to see what health and fitness bloggers around the web [...]
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Nov 24, 2008
[...] what a week! We had a great guest interview with Mark Sisson, Ray Lampe aka Dr. BBQ, and we got a chance to see what health and fitness bloggers around the web [...]
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Nov 24, 2008
[...] what a week! We had a great guest interview with Mark Sisson, Ray Lampe aka Dr. BBQ, and we got a chance to see what health and fitness bloggers around the web [...]
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Jan 04, 2009
[...] My interview with Mark Sisson was a blast! [...]
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Jan 04, 2009
[...] My interview with Mark Sisson was a blast! [...]
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Jan 04, 2009
[...] My interview with Mark Sisson was a blast! [...]
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Jan 04, 2009
[...] My interview with Mark Sisson was a blast! [...]
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Jan 04, 2009
[...] My interview with Mark Sisson was a blast! [...]
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Jan 04, 2009
[...] My interview with Mark Sisson was a blast! [...]
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Jan 05, 2009
[...] A Special Interview With Mark Sisson [...]
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Jan 05, 2009
[...] A Special Interview With Mark Sisson [...]
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Jan 05, 2009
[...] A Special Interview With Mark Sisson [...]
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Jan 05, 2009
[...] A Special Interview With Mark Sisson [...]
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Jan 05, 2009
[...] A Special Interview With Mark Sisson [...]
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Jan 05, 2009
[...] A Special Interview With Mark Sisson [...]
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Mar 03, 2009
[...] Interview with Mark on Go Healthy, Go Fit [...]
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Mar 03, 2009
[...] Interview with Mark on Go Healthy, Go Fit [...]
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Mar 03, 2009
[...] Interview with Mark on Go Healthy, Go Fit [...]
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Mar 03, 2009
[...] Interview with Mark on Go Healthy, Go Fit [...]
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MizFit
Nov 17, 2008
3:12 am
we’ve previously established Im a fan of marks…thanks for the interview as there were so many things I didnt yet know about him (and dont get me started on the abs…).
Son of Grok
Nov 17, 2008
5:00 am
Awesome interview! Mark’s musings helped get me down the right path. Maybe when I am in my 50’s, I will have abs like that.
Oh yeah and green apples FTW!
The SoG
Andrew
Nov 17, 2008
8:23 am
Miz: My pleasure! Thanks for checking it out!
SoG: I’m aiming for the Sisson-Eight-Pack sometime this decade!!! hahaha, glad you liked the interview!
All the Best,
Andrew
Calvin
Nov 17, 2008
10:56 am
Great interview with one of my three all-time favorite bloggers. Not only does Mark walk the talk (go Mark!), but he also has a total understanding of the principles behind health and fitness, and a real knack to clearly communicate these to the lay person in an engaging manner. BTW: great interview and choice of questions.
Calvin
Andrew
Nov 17, 2008
12:06 pm
Hey Calvin,
I agree, Mark’s one of my favorite bloggers too! Thanks for the comment!
All the Best,
Andrew
Scott Kustes - Modern Forager
Nov 18, 2008
6:21 pm
Thanks for that interview Andrew! And thanks for the kudos Mark. I’m honored to be in your top three.
Cheers
Scott Kustes
Modern Forager
Mike OD - IF Life
Nov 18, 2008
6:27 pm
Andrew - Great interview. Mark is one of my top fav bloggers out there ever since I first came across his “chronic cardio” post from long ago….I knew he has a guy worth listening to.
Andrew
Nov 18, 2008
6:38 pm
Hey Scott,
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview! I’ve got to say, if I personally had to pick a top bloggers list (coming soon…), you would definitely be at the top!
Thanks for the comment!
All the Best,
Andrew
Andrew
Nov 18, 2008
6:43 pm
Hey Mike OD,
Thanks for the comment! I was referred to The IF Life recently by another faithful Mark’s Daily Apple reader - Son of Grok (www.sonofgrok.com), but I’ve enjoyed reading your articles from the get-go just as you enjoyed MDA after the chronic cardio post!
I particularly enjoyed the post about how eating more meals doesn’t boost your metabolism. I wrote a comment, have you seen it yet? Here’s the link for my readers.
http://www.theiflife.com/2008/11/05/eating-more-meals-does-not-speed-up-your-metabolism/
Thanks again!
All the Best,
Andrew R
Rusty - Fitness Black Book
Nov 18, 2008
7:13 pm
Andrew,
Great interview buddy! Mark is one of the guys that really blazed the trail for a lot of us fitness bloggers. With sites like Mark’s Daily Apple, I am not sure why people even subscribe to paid magazines anymore (other than the fact that they can read them offline).
Mark is spot on about reducing grains…it is tough because so many foods that we eat are grain based. I’m eating more and more primal because of being influenced by Mark.
You have a good thing happening here with this site…keep at it!
Rusty
Andrew
Nov 18, 2008
10:09 pm
Hey Rusty,
Thanks bro! I am also living a primal lifestyle, with exception of my cheat day, and I couldn’t be more happy and healthy! This is really awesome… I’ve got pretty much all of my favorite bloggers in the comments section! I’ll be honest, the reason I’ve got a good thing happening here at Go Healthy Go Fit occurs as a result from reading sites like yours and Mark’s!!
Thanks for the comment!
All the Best,
Andrew