
The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place
Jeff Sankoff is the TriDoc, a physician who will do the research so you don't have to in order to understand if any of those things marketed to endurance athletes can deliver close to what they promise. Before you put anything in or on your body, understand what the science says by listening to an expert who has done the work for you.
Latest episodes

Apr 9, 2021 • 60min
Ep. 63: Anxiety and your gut/Dan Empfield
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/

Mar 26, 2021 • 50min
Ep. 62: Asthma and triathlon/Tim Reed
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

Mar 12, 2021 • 1h 10min
Episode 61: The Keto episode with Celine Evans and Allen Lim
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

Feb 26, 2021 • 50min
Episode 60: Caffeine-good for performance and for life/Marshall&Paterson
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

Feb 12, 2021 • 50min
Episode 59: Continuous glucose monitoring/Jason Friedman-ultrarunner
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

Jan 29, 2021 • 45min
Episode 58: Bicarbonate supplementation/Tom Miller-life changing diagnoses
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

Jan 15, 2021 • 34min
Episode 57: Post-Covid Syndrome/Jon Mason-Running with power
In this episode:The pandemic continues to be a scourge around the globe but even for those who recover the virus often leaves significant disability for many, many months. I discuss what is known of the post-Covid syndrome and why athletes need to be especially wary of contracting this virus if they haven't already. Plus, I speak with Colorado State University Triathlon coach Jon Mason. Mason is an avid proponent of the Stryd running power meter and he explains how it works and why he thinks you should use it to train and race.Segments:[04:33]- Post-Covid syndrome[11:50]- Jon Mason, running with powerLinksJon Mason-Coaching

Jan 1, 2021 • 53min
Episode 56: Athlete heart with Murray & Papadakis pt2/Hunter Allen
In part 2 of her interview with Dr. Michael Papadakis, Helen Murray of the Inside Tri Show explores the association between endurance sports and atrial fibrillation and gets some insight in to the risks for sudden cardiac death that while rare are obviously important! The doctor addresses the ideas behind screening and whether or not athletes should concern themselves with this risk to any great degree. Plus, I am joined by Hunter Allen, a giant in the world of endurance cycling when it comes to understanding power and how to best use it to inform your training and racing on the bike.The Inside Tri Show: linkHunter Allen:Peaks Coaching GroupBook: Training and Racing with PowerPatreon page for bonus interview and video with Hunter Allen

Dec 18, 2020 • 46min
Episode 55: Athlete heart with Murray & Papadakis pt1/Iggy Perillo
In a collaboration with Helen Murray of The Inside Tri Show, I present part 1 of her interview with Dr. Michael Papadakis, a leading cardiologist and expert in sports cardiology on the impact of exercise on the heart and the risks of cardiac issues with exertion. In addition, I have a conversation with Iggy Perillo. Iggy has worked with world champion athletes and people in corporate spaces as a leadership and team development coach for the past 20 years. She brings her expertise to the podcast and gives some insights that are invaluable for triathletes to win the mental aspect of training and racing.Inside Tri ShowDr Michael Papadakis TwitterDr Michael Papadakis's work at St George's University in LondonMy Heart which offers support for young people diagnosed with life threatening heart conditionsIggy PerilloIG: @wsl_leadership_coachingFB: @WSLLeadershipCoachingMonthly newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/wslBooks:DriveMindset

Dec 4, 2020 • 42min
Episode 54: DVTs and training/Tim Crowley; The Powerful Triathlete
Deep vein thromboses are potentially dangerous clots in the large veins of the legs or pelvis that can break and travel to the lungs. Treatment is to take a blood thinner for at least three months. But is it safe to get back to training after this diagnosis is made? I review the evidence. Tim Crowley is a successful triathlon and strength and conditioning coach. He recently published his first book; The Powerful Triathlete and he joined me to talk about it.Lance Watson Tri ClubLifeSport CoachingThe Powerful Triathlete on CoachtubeTC2 Coaching