The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

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

In this episode:Nutrition is often referred to as the fourth discipline of triathlon and for good reason but there are so many things that can contribute to undoing the best laid plans for a well fed race.On this episode of the podcast I am joined by Patrick Wilson PhD who has done a lot of research on how mental state can play a major role in affecting how the gut reacts during a race. We talk about anxiety and its potential impact on having a successful race. In addition, Dan Empfield, the inventor of the triathlon specific wetsuit, the first triathlon TT bike and the mind behind Slowtwitch joins me for a conversation about his journey through our sport and all the ways that he has made contributions.Segments:[04:47]- Anxiety and GI distress[31:24]- Dan EmpfieldLinkshttps://twitter.com/SportsRD_PhDhttps://theathletesgut.com/

In this episode:Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in the world and although it affects more children than adults, a large number of adults still suffer from its effects. In this episode, I look at the evidence that refutes many of the myths associated with asthma and endurance sport such as asthmatics have less ability to perform than non-asthmatics and exercise may be dangerous for people with asthma. In addition, I interview Australian professional triathlete Tim Reed who, it so happens, is an asthmatic himself. Tim shares his experiences as a longtime professional who has had success at all distances in the sport. He gives some insights on racing with underlying illness as well as his secret to success over a lengthy career.Segments:[07:03]- Medical question[19:50]- InterviewLinksTim Reedwww.timreed.com.auInstagram- timbo_reedTwitter: www.twitter.com/timboreedFB: www.facebook.com/timreedprotri

In this episode:It's finally time for the TriDoc to take on the keto diet. Although you likely have heard all about how keto can fix pretty much anything that ails you AND make you faster at the same time, the reality is somewhat different from the sales pitch that keto adherents love to espouse.The evidence on keto is actually really consistent: yes you can lose weight quickly but you won't keep it off and you definitely won't perform better. In fact you will perform worse. Nutritionist Celine Evans joins me to discuss the science that has been done on the keto diet and Allen Lim, founder of Skratch Labs talks carbohydrates and race day fueling as well as why you will want to stay away from keto if going fast is of any interest to you.Segments:[17:40]- Celine Evans-the science and rationale for the keto diet[44:00]- Allen Lim-carbohydratesLinksWomxn's Performance SummitCeline Evans:Celine on LifeSport CoachingCeline's websiteAllen Lim:Skratch

In this episode:Caffeine is one of the most frequently used drugs around the world and apparently for good reason. New research suggests that drinking coffee with caffeine can reduce heart disease and all cause mortality. There is also research that demonstrates that caffeine can enhance athletic performance. I review all the details and let you know how much coffee you should be drinking in order to benefit. Simon Marshall and Lesley Paterson are the dynamic author duo behind the deservedly successful book 'The Brave Athlete; Calm The F*ck Down and Rise To The occasion'. They join me for a conversation about the book and how it informs their coaching and their lives.Segments:[05:24]- Caffeine for performance and for life[17:11]- Marshall & PatersonLinksThe Brave Athlete on AmazonBraveheart CoachingLesley Paterson site

In this episode:More data is more better right? Maybe, and then again, maybe not. Just because you can measure something doesn't necessarily mean that you should or that knowing that measurement is necessarily helpful or beneficial to performance. In this episode I review the evidence and discuss the physiology on continuous glucose monitoring. Is this a metric that can be helpful in informing training, racing or recovery? Also, an interview with accomplished ultra runner and producer of the Pain Cave podcast, Jason Friedman. Jason gives some insights on what it takes to start in the sport of ultra running and what it takes to succeed.Segments:[05:39]- Continuous glucose monitoring[15:39]- Jason FriedmanLinksJason's website: https://www.gunksrunner.comPain Cave podcast: https://www.gunksrunner.com/paincaveJason's coaching site: https://boundless10200.com/bios

In this episode:Bicarbonate is the latest in a long line of supplements to get the TriDoc treatment. I review the physiology to support the theoretical benefits and then review the scientific evidence to answer the important question: does it work? Then, I have a conversation with Tom Miller, a Colorado ultra-distance cyclist who learned last year that you should always listen to your body and seek medical care when things don't seem right because often, they aren't. Tom shares his cautionary tale as a warning to all.Segments:[04:40]- Medical question-Bicarbonate supplementation[16:00]- Interview-Tom MillerLinksLinkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-miller-0ba1258/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tomcolorado