The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

In this episode:Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) has been around for more than three decades but is only now becoming more widely known among endurance athletes. What is it? How does it work? Does it really offer benefits that make it something that triathletes and other endurance athletes should consider? I look at the science. Plus, a conversation with John Duquette the owner of Blue70 sports on the how and why of wetsuits for triathlon. Are they really that much faster? Am I better with sleeves or without and what about those floaty shorts?Segments:[6:45]- Medical question[22:14]- InterviewLinksTriDoc IM Indiana Race ReportBlue70Myfirstwetsuit.com

In this episode:Fall is here and with it comes the switch back to standard time. Why do we go through the annual changing of the clocks and is there any effect on health of doing so? I look at the evidence and include a discussion on a similar subject, crossing time zones for travel. How it impacts performance and why as well as what you can do about it. Plus, a conversation with six time Ironman World Champion and Master Coach Mark Allen.Segments:[10:40]- Daylight savings time/Jet Lag[26:00]- Mark AllenLinksKelly O'Mara opinion article in Triathlete (membership required)Mark Allen Coaching

In this episode:Are you a morning person? An evening person? Something in between? Whatever it is, that chronotype has implications for when you are likely to best perform as an athlete during the day. Circadian rhythm refers to our internal clock and it has control over many physiologic processes. It turns out that it also has effects on athletic performance but it can be manipulated. In this episode I review the science on what time of day we perform our best and how we can manipulate our biology to work for us when we want it to. Plus, an interview with Detroit attorney and Ironman Foundation fundraiser Bill Ogden. Bill has had an eventful 2020 and 2021 in and out of our sport and he shares his experiences good and bad to help us all see the good that is in triathlon.Segments:[9:00]- Circadian rhythm[20:26]- Bill OgdenLinksBill Ogden IMF donation pageBill's Story with MS

In this episode:In the third and final episode looking at novel treatments for injury, I look at the evidence supporting the use of Low Levels Laser Treatment (LLLT). This is a widely available procedure with no really well understood mechanism of action. Is there evidence to suggest that it might be useful? Plus, a conversation with up and coming Australian professional triathlete Steve McKenna. After an injury forced him to take time off from Aussie Rules football, McKenna discovered his natural abilities in multisport and he has never looked back.Segments:[9:30]- LLLT[24:25]- Steve McKenna

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