2011 News & Updates: The Growing Movement, New Books and What I’ve Been Up To
I turned 58 last week and, as I usually do around my birthday, I took some time to reflect upon all that I have to appreciate in my life and all that my Mark’s Daily Apple and PrimalBlueprint.com team have accomplished in the last year. With that, I thought I’d hit a few highlights and bring you all up to date on some of what’s been happening at MDA and with the Primal Blueprint, as well as what’s in store for the near future.
But first things first. And let’s get this one out of the way early, ‘cause I get one or two of these every week.
Mark,
I have heard you have gotten fat. And all the photos you have on the web are old. Please put up a recent photo with a recent newspaper.
Charlie
No, I have not gotten fat in the last year and not all the photos are old. I chuckle (and often bristle) at the inane innuendo floating in the Interwebs: that I only use pictures from five or six years ago on MDA; that I was doped up when those pictures were taken; that I train way more than I admit to, or that I starve myself, etc. etc. Well, if you’re interested, here’s a picture of me taken yesterday (with copy of the LA Times to prove the date). And here’s one of me out on the paddleboard a few days ago. And here I am in the gym a few months ago. Do I look fat in these genes?
(FWIW, as much as I depend on the Internet to deliver you guys the straight scoop, it’s my pet theory that the Internet is actually history’s largest experiment in pure democracy – and it offers proof that democracy will ultimately fail, as everyone’s “right” to say whatever they want about anything or anyone eventually de-evolves us to an irresponsible, blaming Idiocracy). But I digress…)
Alexa.com and Site Visits
Speaking of the Internet, the Primal/paleo movement continues to grow. In the past few months MDA has dipped under the 10,000 mark on Alexa, reaching 8,575 as of today. For those of you unfamiliar with Alexa, that basically means that of the 300 million websites in the world, we are unofficially ranked in the top 9,000 overall in traffic. According to Dr. Joe Mercola, we are the third most visited natural health site in the world, and notably ahead of Prevention.com, Life Extension Foundation, Andrew Weil and Deepak. July will have seen over 700,000 unique visitors for the month, and we are well on our way to a million uniques per month by year end.
Many thanks to everyone that has helped get MDA to where it is today. You, MDA readers, have played a huge role: sharing articles with friends, imploring family members to pay a visit, regularly dropping by yourself. So thank you! Conventional Wisdom has taken a beating, and it couldn’t have been done without you.
PAST Seminars
We launched our Saturday six-hour, intensive Primal Accelerated Success Trainings in February at Karma CrossFit in Manhattan Beach and followed that up with five more: Pleasant Hill, Reno, Kansas City, Seattle, and Austin. My chief Primal Blueprint editor and Primal Leap writing partner Brad Kearns led two of them, and I did the rest. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive throughout, as up to 75 people per event were deeply immersed in Primal Blueprint theory and practice. My intention was to have each person leave the seminar completely confident of his or her ability to handle any and all Primal hurdles forever. In the coming months we’ll announce a newer, “lite” version that will typically take place from 6:30-9:30 on a weeknight in a more downtown facility, so attendees won’t have to give up a whole weekend day.
PrimalCon
PrimalCon was a huge success again this year. 83 people took the plunge and committed to a fun- filled, education-packed three day weekend at Oxnard Beach Park in April. The weather cooperated perfectly as our small groups – led by returning PrimalCon counselors – learned sprint technique from US Olympian Michael Stember, new kettlebell routines from Billy Vives, unique forms of bodywork and stealth training from Angelo dela Cruz, posture secrets from Esther Gokhale and cooking tips from Chef Rachel Matesz. Once again, renowned chef Oren Zroya made sure everyone was well fed with the best Primal foods possible. Plans now are to hold PrimalCon 2012 the weekend of April 13-15 again at Oxnard Beach Park. This year we will offer a wider range of sleeping accommodations and a few new twists. The details will be posted in the coming months.
New Cookbook
In May we released The Primal Blueprint Quick & Easy Meals cookbook, nearly a year after the release of the original Primal Blueprint Cookbook. Both have done well consistently and seem to be the missing link (gateway drug?) for many people who haven’t yet read The Primal Blueprint.
Hiked the Grand Canyon
In May Carrie, Devyn and I hiked into the Grand Canyon over a long weekend. It was every bit as spectacular as you’d expect one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World to be and I highly recommend hiking it if you have the chance. Of particular note, I did our 17 mile trek in my Vibram KSO Treks and they performed exceptionally well (no blisters, no sore arches, no Achilles issues). Don’t think I’ll ever wear hiking boots again.
Indy HIT Seminar
In June, I spoke at the Indy HIT Seminar. If you are interested in SuperSlow and/or High Intensity Training (the kind that Doug McGuff writes about in Body by Science), then Bo Railey’s annual Indy HIT Seminar is the place to go. It’s a two-day event that covers everything relevant to this unique and effective training method. Bo invited me to speak on diet and nutrition as it relates to that style of working out, which fits perfectly with the Primal Blueprint eating and exercise strategy.
More Great Books
I am pleased to announce that I will be publishing Denise Minger’s new book Death by Food Pyramid around the middle of 2012. We are both wildly excited about this project which will not only call on Denise’s unique set of analytical skills in destroying many of the “landmark” studies that CW hangs it’s hat on, but will trace the bizarre history behind the faulty US public policy-making regarding diet and health, and she’ll actually teach the reader how to take just about any study and critically review it from a layman’s perspective.
In November 2011, we will be introducing the Primal Blueprint 21-Day Total Body Transformation. This is a paperback guidebook/workbook geared more for newbies who don’t want – or need – all the science and theory and just want to cut to the chase. We’ve employed some of the strategies we’ve learned from the Primal Leap and the PAST Seminars to drill down to some key concepts (no, not the PB 10 Laws) and several action items with a day-to-day, “do this, don’t do that” approach. The idea is that after 21 days of doing everything by the book, you will have reprogrammed your genes to make you a fat-burning beast for the rest of your life (provided you stick to the plan).
In January, we will be launching the paperback version of The Primal Blueprint. The plan is to update the book with some success stories, several Primal lifestyle “hacks”, and other features.
Around June, 2012 we will introduce my new book The Primal Connection, the answer to “what’s next after the Primal Blueprint – you know, after I have that diet thing figured out?” Among other topics, The Primal Connection will explore how and why our modern lives have created such conflict with our hunter-gatherer brains and what specific actions we can take to realign ourselves with the hard-wired expectations of those 10,000 year-old genes. With this understanding, we can once again become the happy, loving, productive, fulfilled and satisfied person each of us longs to (and was meant to) be.
Finally, I will be attending the CrossFit Games this Friday and Saturday in Carson, CA, so stop by the Primal Blueprint booth and say hi (and get your copy of the PB autographed). And next Saturday (August 6), I will be one of many speakers at the inaugural Ancestral Health Symposium at UCLA. Maybe I’ll see you there.
That about covers the first half of 2011 and some of my plans for the next six months or so. Thanks for reading today, and let me know what you think in the comment board. Grok on!
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Posted By: Mark Sisson
I wonder how Grok looked when he was 58.
Mark, I cannot agree with you enough on the ultimate failure of democracy as a system of governance. If we ever meet in person, looks like we’ll have political philosophy to discuss as well!
Look for my success tory in about six months. I’m finally rocking the Primal lifestyle after two years of hemming and hawing — and it is, quite simply, amazing.
I like your cheesy smile
Happy Birthday Mark! I just started the paleo-primal way of eating 7 weeks ago. I had been thinking about it for quite awhile but your website was the final catalyst. MDA is inspiring. Reading everyone’s stories is so great. I am 65 and weighed 260 pounds and have only lost 5 pounds so far, but feel so much better emotionally and physically. Hoping for my metabolism to catch up sooner than later. Keep up the inspirational work.
I have come to learn there will always be naysayers, no matter what…till the end of time. Like cockroaches.
I echo the sentiment here Mark. You look utterly STUNNING. Wow…what an inspiration you are (for ANY age!).
See you in a week at the AHS!
holy crap Mark! I’m half your age and those pictures inspire me, big time! Nicely done, keep up the good work, and thanks for being an inspiration to many of us!
Ooh, Grand Canyon! I went with my family in June. It was hot. We only hiked along the rim a little bit (I have a 5 year old). I should have worn my Vibrams – but they were new then and I was still getting used to them.
I *love* my Vibrams now though!
Mark, you’re totally awesome, and I’m thrilled with your success. I hope to be able to make it to PrimalCon or another event one day. Meanwhile, I’m trying to get my grok on. Thanks for the help and inspiration!
Dear Mark, Happy Birthday! You look fabulous…at any age. You and the Primal team have been a wonderful resource to me as I have piece by piece adopted a primal lifestyle and regained my health. Thank you. Today, I shared the coconut recipe book with a friend who has been struggling with the MSM and CW recommendations. I will keep my eye out for Denise’s book. Many, many happy and healthy returns. Fondly, Ann
Happy belated Birthday & thanks for continuing to be an inspiration!
Happy (belated) birthday!
I’m kinda bummed that I didn’t hear about the AHS until today. I clicked on the link and it’s all sold out. Was there a way to know about this before? That would’ve been awesome to attend.
Like everyone else, thanks for all you do. You changed my life for sure, hope life is reciprocating all of the good things you’ve given to all of us readers.
Mark, Many Thanks for all you have done, and continue to keep doing. I’m 45 and in the best shape of my life. Between kettlebells/MDA(after SLAP surgery/Shoulder 2 years ago), I have taken a whole new perspective on life. I am a Youth Soccer Coach, and have inspired many of my players and their parents to go Primal. Keep up the Grok work!
Great abs! Great stats! Great sites!
Belated congratulations and “Thank you”.
You got me started with primal living and your articles keep me inspired.
Mark…you look amazing ! Having met you a few months ago with my son in Danville…I knew you were everthing you say in your book and more. So nice of you to share these psitures with us. You just keep proving everyone including conventional wisdom wrong. Thank you for all you have done for us
(FWIW, as much as I depend on the Internet to deliver you guys the straight scoop, it’s my pet theory that the Internet is actually history’s largest experiment in pure democracy – and it offers proof that democracy will ultimately fail, as everyone’s “right” to say whatever they want about anything or anyone eventually de-evolves us to an irresponsible, blaming Idiocracy). But I digress…)
The big difference between democracy and the internet is that democracy requires a minority to act as the majority dictates. This is not true of the web. There are stupid folk on the web, there’s no doubt, and sometimes it seems like they out-weigh the rest, but the web can’t force you to agree with any viewpoint, but that can (and does) happen in a democracy.
On the cusp of my 50th birthday this year, I can say that MDA has been an inspiration in my goals to achieve a balanced and natural approach to diet and exercise. With the ideals of the primal blue-print in mind, application and transformation of my diet and exercise regimen, I can honestly say that at 49, I’ve achieved a 29 inch waist, robust health, and energy I haven’t seen since high school. Unfortunately in this society, the saddle bags of a sugary middle age, have become commonplace and accepted. Well I don’t accept it, and I’m mad as hell that institutions like the FDA whole heatedly accept this carb loaded hypocrisy in the name of health while our population grows increasingly obese, and more sick. Live the principals of the Primal Blue Print, and lead America back to greatness by example, one sugary pound after another.
YUM- you look fantastic for any age. Nice serratus anterior.
Happy Birthday,
I have to say for 58 you are a bit out of shape. Are those stretch marks on your side? Oh, I am sorry those are your Serratus Anterior muscles! A muscle most people will never even know they have because they are so hard to have show. To me that is by far the most impressive aspect of your physique. GREAT WORK!Just think in like 40 years if you stay on track you will give Jack LaLanne a run for the money of people everyone should be jealous of. And thanks for all you do for people.
I say Charlie posts a picture next to your now so he can check in on his own physique which by the way he should be way more concerned with, not yours.
Happy Birthday Mark! You look incredible!
Kimmy aka FitIslandGirl
I’ve been visiting this site for a longtime, and although I don’t follow a strict primal diet, I love the wealth of information it provides. Having said the that: Kudos to you Mark! Someone asked for a photo with a newspaper and you delivered. That’s leading by example. Great job!
I teach an advanced grade 12 biology course, and I am STOKED about the upcoming book “Death By Food Pyramid.” So much of the curriculum I am required to teach is CW…but I’m a rebel and introduce quite a bit of new research. I am so looking forward to introducing this resource as a way to stimulate critical and creative thinking amongst my students.
P.S. Mark…you are TOTALLY hot!
Wow! thanks for the eye candy. I mean inspiration. Your web site sure makes turning 50 alot less painful. Thanks for all you do.
GROK ON!
Happy Birthday!
I have learned that leading by example persuades people much louder than any words of wisdom. Quick example, look at our own children…monkies see, monkies do. Thank you Mark for showing us the way rather than relying on preaching the way.
Happy Birthday Mark!
Looking good!
I agree with you about hiking. I’ll send you some “Grok in the wild” pictures from Kilimangaro. Bought some new KSOs for the trip.
Robin
p.s. How about a PAST seminar in San Diego?
I’m so glad to hear about how the Trek’s held up on your Grand Canyon hike. Did you wear Injinji’s inside them?
Also, part of me wishes that I hadn’t just moved to NYC in October 2010. I would totally stop by to say “Hey!” at the Crossfit Games this weekend. But alas, I’m stuck in Brooklyn.
Gilliebean, I don’t wear any socks with my VFFS – and it rained and snowed (and then the sun would come out and it would be 75 degrees) during the two days of hiking and camping. Never got “cold feet”, so I’m sure I am acclimated/adapted to that aspect of the minimal footwear life as well.
Sorry I’ll miss you at CF Games. Maybe next year…
holy hottness!
Wow, I can’t believe all the snide little bashers here…why are you here?
Mark’s Daily Apple & the people who read/share ideas, simply are helping each other lead better healthier lives!
Rock On Mark!
Happy Birthday Mark, you look great! I’ve shown your pictures to a bunch of my friends and they are all Blown Away!
It makes it real easy to spread the word on Primal Living when you are setting such a great example for all of us to follow! Keep up the good work and thank you!
Happy birthday and thank you for your website. Easing into the Paleo lifestyle little by little, and loving the wisdom of it all. Telling friends about marksdailyapple and hoping that they listen. I do believe that you are what you eat, but sadly so many don’t take care of themselves. I will try and spread the good news about PB. Thank you again and God bless you….