The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

The TriDoc Podcast is a bi-weekly show that gives answers to triathletes' questions on all matters related to health, wellness and medicine as it pertains to multi-sport. With interesting guests from around the world, the TriDoc provides an entertaining and educational 40 minutes or so for athletes at all levels, from newbie to Kona qualifier.

A special episode of the TriDoc podcast with a crossover debut of another podcast! Dead and Slaughter visit the Bates Motel to discuss the impact that Hitchcocks's classic film had on the horror genre. While it may not be the scariest film that Sam has seen given how things have changed in the intervening decades, she still appreciates it as a masterpiece and Dad might have a few things to point out that make her viewing experience all the better.

Bicarbonate has been advocated as a means of enhancing performance for many years by virtue of its ability to neutralize lactic acid in muscle cells but the evidence has been lacking to really support its use. A relatively new product purports to deliver bicarbonate in a novel manner-through the skin and makes claims to have some pretty impressive impacts on training for cyclists and triathletes. Is there any science to back up these claims? I do some research and let you know. In the second part of my continuing series on increasing diversity in the sport of triathlon I have a conversation with Washington D.C. based triathlete Faren Campbell. Faren is an accomplished athlete in many sports and shares her insights on how to increase involvement of and be more welcoming to black athletes.

USAT released guidelines for a phased approach to a return to racing. Do these guidelines make sense? Will they adequately protect participants from infection with Covid if races do return in 2020? Dr. David Wyles, an infectious disease specialist joins me for a discussion. In the first part of my series on the lack of diversity in triathlon, Marcus Fitts, a USAT certified coach and founder of District Triathlon and GRIT USA joins me to share his thoughts on why there are not more POC in the sport and what can be done to change that.

Wearing a mask reduces the spread of Covid-19. This is not debatable. Some have suggested that wearing a mask is necessary when exercising because heavy breathing while exercising by asymptomatic infected individuals can result in significant spread of the virus. Is this true? And what of all the naysayers (aka Karens) who insist that wearing a mask makes it harder to breathe and impairs oxygenation and ventilation? I review the evidence. Lance Panigutti of Without Limits Sports joins me to discuss the impacts of race cancellations on his business and the possibility of moving forward.

In part 2 of my series on muscle cramps I look at the science behind the neuromuscular theory of exercise associated muscle cramps. Is this the real reason for cramps? Is there anything that can be done about it? What is the best method to avoid cramps? Michelle Lund is the co-owner and the face of BBSC endurance sports. She joins me to talk about the impact that the pandemic has had on small race organizers and her ideas for moving forward. Finally, another episode of Motivation in Isolation with Uberman finisher Melissa Urie.

Exercise associated muscle cramps are the bane of many athlete's existence and cause so much havoc to even the best laid plans.Despite more than a hundred years of research, the reason for cramping is still hotly debated and not well understood. In part 1 of a 2 part series, I take a look at one of the two most likely underlying causes of cramping; electrolyte imbalances. Jay Weber has a long time association with triathlon as a participant and as the director of operations at Base Performance. But he is also a certified triathlon official and he joins me to talk about that aspect of his life in multi-sport. Finally, Ann Barnes is a multiple Kona qualifier and podium finisher on the big island. She talks to me about her motivation in isolation.    

Morton's Neuroma is a common cause of foot pain especially in middle age and more so in women. What is it and how can it be treated? George Cespedes has a long history in triathlon and is now a coach but more importantly is the driving force behind the Tri Animals group on FaceBook. He joins me to talk about what drew him to the sport and how he has developed the Animals into a worldwide influencer of positive energy in multisport. Finding Motivation in Isolation is difficult enough for age groupers, it is a whole different level for professional triathletes whose livelihoods have been completely upended. Alise Selsmark and Cal Millward have an intimate perspective on both worlds as pros themselves and operators of the age group team the Cupcake Cartel. They join me to talk about how they are doing and to give ideas for you to keep moving forward as well in this time of uncertainty.

Blood donation is the ultimate selfless gift to those in need. But how does the gift of life interfere with endurance sport? Does a pint of blood result in significant losses in hemoglobin that can impact exercise performance? Can triathletes be blood donors and still effectively train? Kevin Koskella is the TriSwimCoach and has a podcast of the same name. He has made a career out of helping triathletes swim better and faster. He joins me to talk about how even adult learners can be better in the water and gives his thoughts on the need for flip turns when training in the pool. Finally, another member of the Cupcake Cartel joins me to share thoughts and tips for keeping up Motivation in Isolation.

The Covid-19 pandemic has shaken the world in ways that we can barely begin to comprehend. Why all the fuss? The TriDoc brings a triathlete's perspective to understanding this disease and why we need to take it so seriously. How long will all this last and what can we do to stay safe?Mikael Ericksson preaches the science behind triathlon and has a podcast dedicated to the same. He joins me to give his perspective on this and other matters in coaching and training. Finding motivation in this time of isolation can be difficult. On a new segment I speak to a guest to learn how they are managing.