

The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place
Dr. Jeff Sankoff
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 2, 2020 • 43min
The TriDoc Podcast, Ep. 29: StaminaPro/The Game Changers-Vegan Powered Athlete; Daniel Reintjes/R4W
The StaminaPro aims to be a recovery aid with a difference. By wearing it during exercise its makers claim that you can benefit from 'active recovery'. What does this mean? Is there any evidence to support these claims and should you consider this patch for your own recovery toolbox? For part 3 of my series exploring the issues raised by the Game Changers film, I speak with Daniel Reintjes, aka the Vegan Powered Athlete. Daniel has embraced a plant based diet and feels that it has made him healthier and a better athlete. He tells me why that is and how he got there.Reels for Wheels has two new recommendations for your trainer rides.

Dec 21, 2019 • 50min
The TriDoc Podcast, Ep. 28: Compression wear/The Game Changers-Simin Levinson/R4W
The TriDoc Podcast is one year old! In this episodes a look at the science behind compression garments? Sure they make you look great but how well do they affect performance and recovery? In the second part of my series exploring the issues and controversies raised by The Game Changers I am joined by Simin Levinson, a nutritionist and sports dietician from Arizona State University. What are her thoughts on plant based diets for athletes? Finally, Reels for Wheels has two new suggestions for your trainer rides; a heist film and a kung fu classic.

Dec 9, 2019 • 47min
The TriDoc Podcast, Ep. 27: Alcohol/The Game Changers-Peter Ungar; Evolution of Diet/R4W
It's holiday season and off season for many so drinking alcohol is very much on the menu. But when training begins again and races are on the horizon, should drinking alcohol remain part of your routine? What is the evidence for how alcohol impacts performance and recovery? The Netflix documentary the Game Changers was a hugely controversial film but still thought provoking. In this episode I begin a multipart exploration of some of the many issues raised by the film makers and try to give a more evenhanded approach. Dr. Peter Ungar is the first guest and will discuss the evolution of human diet-have we always eaten meat? Must we continue to do so? Reels for Wheels looks at the Holiday classic (?) Die Hard and a more recent entry, Logan Lucky.

Nov 27, 2019 • 1h 1min
The TriDoc Podcast Ep 26; BCAA/Kent MacKenzie-IAEF/R4W
Recovery is an important part of training for triathlon. Can supplementing with branched chain amino acids (BCAA) after intensive or prolonged exercise help enhance that process and does it confer any performance benefits? Iliac artery endofiobrosis id a devastating diagnosis increasingly affecting cyclists and occasionally triathletes. Although it still remains rare Dr Kent MacKenzie a vascular surgeon fro Montreal, Canada joins me to discuss this disease, its diagnosis and management. Reels for Wheels bearings you more Keanu Reeves movies to help make trainer rides more enjoyable. This time we discuss the Matrix trilogy.

Nov 18, 2019 • 53min
The TriDoc Podcast Ep. 25, GO2/Ashinsky Sorenson pt2/Reels for Wheels
The GO2 breathing device has been swamping social media advertising with bold claims about how using it can dramatically improve performance. What is this device and how is it supposed to work? More importantly is there any evidence that it will do what it's makers claim? Part 2 of my interview with medical students and IM athletes Beth Ashinsky and Elisabeth Sorenson on balancing busy academic lives with training and racing triathlon. And, Reels for Wheels returns for a second season with a review of the 2nd and 3rd chapters of the John Wick movies.

Nov 2, 2019 • 54min
The TridDoc Podcast Ep. 24: Airofit/Ashinsky&Sorenson/IMAZ
Triathletes do strength training but most ignore their respiratory muscles. Is this a mistake? Should triathletes be concerned with training their diaphragms to be stronger and have more endurance? The Airofit is one device that promises to do this but what does the science say? Beth Ashinsky and Elisabeth Sorenson are medical students who have managed to fit Ironman training in to their busy schedules and somehow succeed in all areas of their lives. How do they do it? They provide insights and perspective in part 1 of an interview with me. The Triathlete Routard heads for the desert outside of Phoenix and the popular Ironman Arizona.

Oct 16, 2019 • 51min
The TriDoc Podcast Ep 23: Train while sick?/Ken Benesh/IM Cozumel
Regular exercise can boost the immune system but high intensity exercise can suppress it. So is it safe to exercise when you are already sick with a cold? The TriDoc looks at the evidence to help you decide when you can get that workout done or when you should pass. Ken Benesh was one of the creators and directors of the SBT GRVL race in Steamboat Springs. What was involved in making this race such a huge success and how can they top it in years to come? The Triathlete Routard goes to Mexico for a review of the popular late season IM Cozumel.

Sep 30, 2019 • 52min
The TriDoc Podcast Ep 22: Cold Water Therapy/Triny Willerton/Xterra WC
Cold water immersion or garments are becoming a hot new idea in recovery for cyclists, runners and triathletes. But what does the evidence say? Is there support to this idea or will the TriDoc throw cold water on the notion that this can improve performance? Triny Willerton survived a terrible collision with a truck while out riding her bike training for an Ironman. She is back riding and racing and founded the #itcouldbeme movement. She talks to me about survival, moving on and giving a name and a face to cyclists. The Triathlete Routard goes to Maui for the Xterra World Championships.

Sep 11, 2019 • 1h 2min
The TriDoc Podcast Ep 21: Dry Needling/Lance Panigutti/SBTGRVL
The TriDoc podcast investigates the evidence behind the practice of dry needling. What is it? Is it helpful in rehab for injuries and chronic ailments? Lance Panigutti is a race director in Denver and leads Without Limits Productions. He talks with me about the logistics of running triathlons and other multi sports events and opines on the future of the sport. The Triathlete Routard goes off road in the Steamboat Springs area to give you a guid to the inaugural SBTGRVL race.

Aug 22, 2019 • 58min
The TriDoc Podcast: Ep. 20: Clavicles/Dye/Boulder 70.3
Clavicle fractures are an unfortunately common result of even minor bicycle crashes. For decades conservative management of these injuries was all that was needed but in the past fifteen years a move to surgical management has been slowly gaining popularity. What does the science say? If you have this injury should you go for a sling or go under the knife? Cameron Dye had a successful career as a professional triathlete winning 12 major titles and a bronze medal in the ITU world Championship in the relay. He speaks to me about life after sport and opines on the health of triathlon. And, the Triathlete Routard stays local to provide insight on the Boulder 70.3 race.The TriDoc Podcast: Ep. 20: Clavicles/Dye/Boulder 70.3