The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

In this BONUS episode:Tim O'Donnell had a heart attack during a race and just recently announced this to the world. Now, collectively, the triathlon world is quite justifiably freaking out. If this happened to him then couldn't it happen to anyone? In this special bonus episode I discuss what it all means and why most people don't really need to worry. I am also joined by interventional cardiologist Dr. Matt Holland to discuss some of the nuances of what Tim disclosed in his video and leave you with some important take home points of what you should consider going forward to remain healthy.LinksTim's YouTube announcement video

In this episode:Continuing the series on alternative therapies for injuries I look at the evidence in support of platelet rich plasma injections (PRP). While it has attracted a lot of attention and is advocated as a near miracle cure for all sorts of ailments, is there any research that actually bears out some of the claims? I take a look and give you a summary of the findings. Also, a conversation with the editor in chief of Triathlete Magazine, Keely O'Mara. Kelly is a pro triathlete with a lot of experience in and around the sport and has some great insights on all things triathlon.Segments:[8:40]- Medical question[27:26]- InterviewLinks

In this episode:No one wants to get an injury as an athlete let alone be faced with a prolonged period of recovery before being able to return training. For this reason, those with injuries, especially of the chronic kind, are always looking for ways to hasten the healing process and get back to it. On this episode I begin a series of segments looking at the evidence for or against some of the more popular treatments that athletes may turn to. The first one I will examine is the use of steroid injections. Are they helpful? Can they cause harm? Who should consider them? Plus, a conversation with recently retired professional triathlete and the entrepreneur behind Dimond Bikes, TJ Tollakson.Segments:[05:53]- Steroids for injury[19:33]- TJ TollaksonLinksDimond Bikes YouTube videos on the history of beam bikes: https://youtu.be/rKqTnuhAVZwDimond BikesRed Crown Cycling

In this episode:In episode 66 I covered the benefits of massage as well as the risks if used too close to an event. On this episode I look at what has been done to evaluate the use of massage guns and vibration massage tools. Are they helpful? Are they any different than standard massage? Plus a conversation with High Intensity Interval Training expert and consultant Paul Larsen. He literally wrote the book on how to use this popular modality of training to get stronger and faster. He joins me to discuss the methods, the evidence to back them up and how triathletes can use HIIT to get faster in all three disciplines.Segments:[06:55]- Massage guns[18:56]- Paul Larsen-HIITLinkshttps://hiitscience.comhttps://athletica.ai/Instagram@hiitscience@athletica_ai

In this episode:Injuries are a constant threat for endurance athletes including triathletes but many don't consider swimming as high risk as biking or running because of the no-impact nature of the activity.In reality, shoulder injuries are very common among swimmers including triathletes. I review the evidence on just who is likely to be affected, what kinds of activity in the water is highest risk and what might be done to decrease the likelihood of getting injured.Plus, a conversation with Andrew Patterson the author of the popular Ironman Hacks newsletter, blog and race planning app.Segments:[06:25]- Swimming injuries[26:15]- Andrew PattersonLinksTim CrowleywebsiteThe Powerful Triathlete e-book: linkAndrew PattersonIronman HacksIron Hack app

In this episode:It has long been held that what surface you run on is a major contributor to injuries in running. Harder surfaces lead to more injuries than softer ones. Or is the other way around? Is it possible that we have this upside down? Newer analyses and thinking on this matter posits that in fact, the biomechanics of running on softer surfaces might actually be worse for injuries than when running on harder ones. I look at the research and give you the inside scoop. Plus, a wide ranging conversation with six time Kona champion and legend in the sport, Dave Scott.Segments:[04:40]- The relationship between running surfaces and running injuries[14:35]- Dave ScottLinksDave's website: Link

In this episode:Tapering is a well accepted part of a triathlon training program leading up to an event. But how should a taper be structured in order to get the most out of it and how long should it last? There is actually a fair bit of research on these questions and on this episode I take a look to help answer them along with some others like whether or not the 'taper tantrums' are a real thing. Plus, an interview with USAT CEO Rocky Harris. Rocky talks to me about the state of triathlon, the future coming out of the pandemic and efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the sport.Segments:[06:00]- The science of tapering[24:00]- Rocky Harris

In this episode:Massage therapy does a body and mind good but is there any science to support the gestalt that we all may share that it really improves recovery or performance? Despite the fact that it has been around pretty much forever and the fact that there are many technological aids that leverage massage to purportedly enhance recovery, the truth is, evidence to support these claims is pretty scarce. I look at the science of a good rubdown. Plus, my conversation with Simon Ward a longtime British triathlon coach with numerous accolades and awards to his name. Simon is the toast of an entertaining podcast that espouses his philosophy of triathlon training-that we should all aspire to be 'high performance humans' as opposed to just high performing triathletes. We discuss what that means and how you can become one.Segments:[06:30]- Massage and recovery[15:50]- Simon WardLinksIt Could Be Me: https://www.itcouldbeme.orgSimon Ward podcast: linkSimon's website: link

In this episode:Humans domesticated wheat millennia ago and in so doing created a civilization. Despite a harmonious and fruitful relationship, the past decade has seen a revolution against the grain precipitated by one man and his book 'Wheat Belly'. The subsequent rush to a gluten free lifestyle has been as rapid as it is mystifying. Is there any scientific evidence to support the claims in Wheat Belly or is it all one man's theorizing? And what of claims that being gluten free can enhance athletic performance? I look at the evidence. Plus, the conclusion of my entertaining and thought provoking interview with Sara Gross and Sarah True-in this segment we discuss the role for men in advocating for women in triathlon as well as their thoughts on transgender women in the sport.Segments:[06:30]- Gluten free diet[16:00]- Pt. 2: Sara Gross & Sarah TrueLinksFODMAP diet: https://www.monashfodmap.comLive Feisty Media: linkIf We Were Riding podcast

In this episode:Cold has long been advocated as treatment for sore muscles after a hard workout but recent research is beginning to suggest that heat may actually be a better way to go. Can heat decrease the soreness associated with delayed onset muscle soreness and actually accelerate recovery to improved performance? I review the evidence. Sara Gross and Sarah True are the dynamic duo behind the podcast If We were Riding one of many podcasts that celebrate women in sport and can be found among the many excellent podcasts geared towards women on the Live Feisty Website. In part 1 of my conversation with them we tackle subjects like issues facing women in triathlon and how men can be better allies.Segments:[6:10]- Heat for recovery[17:30]- Sara Gross & Sarah TrueLinksUSAT & Triathlete webinar on return to racingLive Feisty Media: linkIf We Were Riding podcast