Former submariner and age group triathlete, Mark Evans, shares his inspiring story of overcoming severe injuries. The hosts also discuss the claims and science behind magnesium supplementation for triathletes. The guest recounts their challenges of racing in cold weather and their successful transition from the swim to the bike leg. They reflect on their journey of recovery and the emotional experience of returning to racing after a serious accident.
Magnesium supplementation claims for triathletes lack scientific evidence.
Limited research suggests magnesium may have a possible beneficial effect on sleep.
Mark Evans shares his inspirational recovery journey after a severe bicycle accident.
Deep dives
Financial challenges faced by USAT and PTO
USAT faced financial difficulties due to declining numbers and rising costs. They announced a significant fee increase, especially for world championship events, which was met with strong negative reactions. As a result, they had to backtrack on the fee changes for 2024. While USAT's financial situation remains uncertain, it is likely that there will be future fee increases. On the other hand, the PTO faced controversy when the owner of the Malibu triathlon, which was previously sold to Super League, bought back the permits for the race. This incident raised questions of underhanded dealings, as it was revealed that the PTO funded the original owner. The PTO's actions have led to concerns and criticism within the triathlon community.
PTO announces a new race
In recent news, the PTO finally announced another event, a 100k race in Las Vegas, Nevada. The race will be held at the site of the previous 70.3 World Championships, and the course details are yet to be revealed. However, the announcement of just one additional race is underwhelming, as many athletes were hoping for a more robust series from the PTO. Some professional triathletes have already expressed support for the PTO, while others have remained committed to the Ironman professional series. The lack of additional events and the competition from other race series may impact the PTO's standing in the triathlon community.
Magnesium supplementation and its effects
The podcast discussed the benefits and potential drawbacks of magnesium supplementation. Magnesium is an essential micronutrient that plays various important roles in the body. While magnesium deficiency is not common in the general population, some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation can improve certain measures of muscle function, although the results are not consistent across all studies. Claims made by companies like Pillar Performance, which promotes its magnesium product for sleep improvement, muscle recovery, cramp prevention, and energy boost, have not been fully supported by scientific evidence. It is generally recommended to supplement with magnesium only when there is a deficiency, and taking supplements without a deficiency may not provide significant benefits. As with any supplement, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable.
Limited Evidence on the Effectiveness of Magnesium for Sleep
The podcast discusses a systematic review that found limited evidence on the effectiveness of magnesium for sleep. The review highlighted that there is a lack of high-quality research on the topic. Although some studies suggest that magnesium taken at more than 500 milligrams per day for more than eight weeks may have a possible beneficial effect on sleep, the overall effect size has not been significant. The podcast also mentions the theoretical reasons why magnesium could be beneficial for sleep, but emphasizes that current research does not provide a definitive answer.
Physical and Psychological Recovery After a Severe Bicycle Accident
The podcast features an interview with Mark Evans, an age group triathlete who was involved in a severe bicycle accident during the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. Mark shares his experience and recovery journey after the accident. Despite sustaining severe injuries, including a broken neck and injured arm, he has made significant progress and has returned to training and racing. Mark discusses his physical rehabilitation, psychological challenges, and his outlook on life. He also highlights the importance of attitude, love, and understanding in overcoming difficult situations.
Magnesium is the latest supplement to be advertised as a panacea for all that ails triathletes. Can it really do everything that the makers of Pillar, a powdered drink form of the element, promise? On this episode's medical mailbag, we take a look at the science. Plus, an interview with age grouper Mark Evans. The former submariner survived a terrible collision with an intoxicated driver during the 70.3 World Championships in Utah in 2022. Hear about how he managed to stay positive and come back to training and racing with his incredible mindset.
