The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

In this episode:On the Medical Mailbag we look at the concept of fueling your endurance performance with potatoes. Can it be done? Should it? Then, I talk with Phil Billikopf the Chilean born CEO of Mauna Endurance and MNA Coaching. He has covered a lot of ground and brings his success in multisport and business acumen to triathlon apparel and coaching.Segments:[08:40]- Medical Mailbag: Potatoes as endurance fuel[34:18]- Interview:Philip Billikopf Links@pbillikopf on Instagram

In this episode:We’re diving into the chaos of triathlon training this week, and trust me, it's not a walk in the park. Our guests today, the dynamic duo of Gerard and Jordy Donnelly, are here to spill the tea on why nailing your power output is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle—nearly impossible, but oh-so-rewarding when you get it right! They’ve seen countless beginners pedal like they’re in a wind tunnel, struggling to keep their power steady against Mother Nature’s whims. We’ll also chat about the absurdity of athletes questioning their race plans like they’re trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. If you’ve ever thought about how to balance fun with performance, this episode is for you. So grab your favorite gel (the kind that won’t send you spiraling into a sugar crash), and let’s get into some serious triathlon talk!Segments:[08:57]- Medical Mailbag: Can sports fuels lead to diabetes?[31:56]- Interview: Gerard and Jordy DonnellyLinks@trivelocoaching on Instagram Jordy and Gerard's Website Jordy and Gerard on YouTube

In this episode:On the medical mailbag we look at respiratory muscle training and the Breather device. Do you need to inhale hard to pump up your diaphragm to get more power to the pedals? Plus Michael Arashita joins us today to dive into the wild world of triathlons and nutrition, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. With a background that screams “overachiever” — think pre-med biochemistry and an MBA in healthcare — he’s transitioned from pro triathlete to the mastermind behind Blanks Nutrition, a company that’s literally taking the labels off traditional sports nutrition. Segments:[12:41]- Medical Mailbag: The Breather[33:56]- Interview: Michael Arishita Links@Swimmikerun on Instagram Michael's Website

In this episode:We’re diving into the world of off-the-bike training, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! This episode kicks off with a bang as we chat about the four fitness foundations that every endurance athlete needs: mobility, flexibility, stability, and strength. You heard that right—no one-trick ponies allowed here! We’ve got Dr. Stacy Brickson joining us to break down how these elements work together like a well-oiled machine to keep us from turning into creaky old bicycles. Seriously, if you think you can just pedal your way into your golden years without some solid off-the-bike action, think again! So grab your yoga mats and resistance bands, because we’re getting real about how to keep our bodies functioning at their peak and fend off those pesky age-related declines. Buckle up, folks, it’s time to get functional!

In this episode:This episode features a Medical Mailbag segment that tackles the latest in sports technology, specifically lactate sensors. Are they the holy grail of performance metrics or just another shiny gadget? Jeff and Juliet break it down with their usual wit and sarcasm, dissecting whether these sensors provide meaningful insights for age-group athletes or if they’re just fancy toys to make us feel better about our training. Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might hope. Then, the podcast dives into an unexpected yet fascinating realm of sports: pole vaulting, as seen through the eyes of David Bonham, a former high school pole vaulter turned masters athlete. It’s wild to think that after years away from the sport, an impromptu return was spurred on by his daughter’s passion for vaulting. David’s journey is not just about jumping over a bar; it’s a rollercoaster of life experiences, including a near-fatal heart attack and a major knee injury that would make anyone else reconsider their athletic aspirations. But not David. Oh no, he saw that heart attack as a wake-up call—an invitation to reclaim his athletic past and, quite literally, jump back into the fray.In this episode, we get a front-row seat to David’s world of pole vaulting, where he humorously recounts the absurdity of being the 'old guy' among teenagers at practice. His story is sprinkled with moments of irony, especially when he mentions how he was once self-taught, only to find himself once again under the watchful eye of coaches who actually know what they’re doing. It’s an inspiring tale of resilience; after a year of recovery from a devastating ACL tear, David not only returns to pole vaulting but also competes at a master's level, proving that age is just a number when you’re having this much fun. Trust me, you’ll want to hear how he navigates the perils of high school competition and the joy of setting personal records in his mid-fifties—it's a story about passion, persistence, and the occasional ridiculousness that comes with chasing your dreams at any age.Segments:[06:10]- Medical Mailbag: Lactate sensors[36:13]- Interview: David Bonham LinksThe TriDoc Podcast in Supplement Form (newsletter)@flying_higher2022 on Instagram David's Facebook page

In this episode:Forget what you've heard about the blood type diet—it's basically a glorified diet fad with about as much scientific credibility as my cat's opinion on quantum physics. We dive into the absurdities of this diet in our first segment, calling out the claims that your blood type should dictate your food choices and athletic pursuits. Spoiler alert: it's all nonsense. Then, we shift gears and get cozy with two amazing triathlon coaches, Jeff and Juliet, who share their coaching philosophies and how they tailor their approaches to meet athletes where they are—whether they're swimming like Michael Phelps or just trying to avoid sinking. Join us for a lighthearted yet insightful romp through the world of triathlon training and the hilarity of misguided dietary advice!Segments:[06:55]- Medical Mailbag: Blood Type Diet[30:58]- Interview: Jeff and Juliet talk coaching philosophyLinks

In this episode:In this episode we tackle a serious medical mailbag segment about the dubious world of 'Bro Peptides.' They sound great on paper, but you’ll want to tune in to hear why they might just be the latest health fad to avoid. Then, balancing a professional triathlon career and medical school isn't for the faint-hearted, but somehow, Matthew Marquardt is nailing it. You know, just casually winning the overall age group championship at Kona and juggling a full-time commitment to becoming a head and neck surgeon. No big deal, right? We dive into the whirlwind life of Matthew, where he shares how he manages to fit in grueling training sessions alongside his medical rotations. Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of prioritizing and some serious time management skills. We explore the importance of being intentional with time—because let’s be real, it’s so easy to lose track of hours swiping through TikTok or binge-watching yet another series. Matthew’s story proves that with a purpose, you can truly redefine what’s possible, whether it's in triathlon, medicine, or tackling that never-ending to-do list. So grab your headphones and get ready for a rollercoaster of inspiration, and a sprinkle of science!Segments:[10:02]- Medical Mailbag: BPC-157/TB500[35:32]- Interview: Matthew MarquardtLinksLifeSport Coaching Chalk Talk: The TriDoc podcast-what really works (3/15 at 8PM EDT)@matthewdmarquardt on Instagram

In this episode:Is hydrogen-rich water the latest miracle drink or just another marketing ploy? Juliet Hochman joins the fray to explore the claims surrounding this trendy beverage. We dissect the science (or lack thereof) behind hydrogen water. It turns out that while the hype is real, the actual benefits might not be worth the price tag. We dive into the absurdity of the wellness trends that promise the world but often deliver nothing more than a fancy label. If you’re thinking about spending your hard-earned cash on this new “super drink,” you might want to listen closely as we break it down.Next up, I'm chatting with Trevor Connor, a total cycling aficionado and the brains behind Fast Talk Labs, about how the explosion of tech in endurance sports can be both a blessing and a curse. Sure, tracking every heartbeat and watt can feel like you’re leveling up in a video game, but let’s be real—sometimes all that data can just leave us spinning in circles, right? We're all about that balance: how do we harness the awesome power of analytics without getting lost in the weeds? So grab your headphones and get ready for a ride through the absurdly complex world of cycling metrics, sprinkled with a side of sarcasm because, let’s face it, this is endurance sports—we’re all just trying to keep our heads above water!Segments:[08:13]- Medical Mailbag: Hydrogen Rich Water[37:09]- Interview: Trevor Connor LinksTrevor's Facebook page @coachtrevorconnor on Instagram Trevor's Website @Coach_TConnor on X

In this episode:In the medical mailbag Juliet and I answer a question about training with hypothyroidismm. How much of an impact does thyroid dysfunction have on an endurance athlete and what does this gland do anyways? We give you all the details. Then, in a world where triathletes are often left wondering if their competition is playing fair, Race Ranger swoops in like a superhero with a tech-savvy cape. James Elvery returns to the Tridoc Podcast to shed light on how this nifty gadget not only tracks drafting but also enhances safety for every participant. No more chaotic bike packs where someone’s drafting off you like they’re in a Tour de France highlights reel! The system uses a combination of lights and technology to enforce rules, and it’s finally making its debut among age-groupers. We get into all the juicy details about how it works, including the fascinating (and slightly terrifying) tech behind the scenes that tracks your distance from the rider in front of you. The conversation flows from the challenges of scaling up for larger races to the proactive measures taken to ensure that athletes are not only competing but are safe while doing so. Segments:[06:59]- Medical Mailbag: Thyroid disease[29:48]- Interview: James Elvery LinksJames's Website @Race.Ranger on Instagram @Race_Ranger_Tri on X TriDoc Podcast in Supplement form (newsletter) sign upTempo Talks Podcast

In this episode:Quercetin, a natural flavonoid, takes center stage in the Medical Mailbag as we dive into its potential benefits for preventing illness, especially during the cold and flu season. Jeff and Juliet explore the science behind quercetin's effectiveness, discussing various studies that highlight its role in supporting immune function for athletes and active individuals. The conversation shifts gears as I welcome Luke Tasker, a remarkable age group triathlete who has quickly risen through the ranks of the sport. Luke shares his unique journey from modern pentathlon to triathlon, detailing his training methods and the mindset that drives his success. With insights on goal-setting and overcoming challenges in competitive racing, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for athletes of all levels.Segments:[06:12]- Medical Mailbag: Quercetin[32:15]- Interview: Luke Tasker Links@Taskertri on Instagram