The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

In this episode:Ginseng is a root purported to have myriad beneficial properties making its use widespread in Chinese medicine and across the far east. Recently, a listener asked if this traditional remedy might also have benefits for athletes? On the Medical Mailbag, we dig in to the evidence for and against. Dr. Jim Taylor is a PhD in psychology and has worked with many professional and high level age group triathletes. He believes that training the mind is as important as training the body and he thinks that there are ways to leverage psychology to extract mental marginal gains that add up to improvements in performance. He tells me all about it in our conversation.Segments:[12:42]- Medical Mailbag: Can Ginseng make you faster?[34:51]- Interview: Dr. Jim Taylor LinksDr. Jim's Facebook page @DrJimTaylor on Instagram @DrJimTaylor on X Dr. Jim's Website Dr. Jim on YouTube

In this episode:Strength training is advocated for by coaches all the time in order to mitigate injury and improve endurance performance but finding scientific evidence to support these claims has been difficult. A new study gives some insight on the performance aspect and we look at it in the Medical Mailbag. Triathletes can take their selfish pursuit to extremes and put their relationships at risk. Couples' therapist Dr. Kayla Crane speaks with me to help us understand how to get ahead of those kinds of problems and make sure that your pursuit of happiness in multisport does not run afoul of your partner's pursuit of happiness on the home front.Segments:[13:35]- Medical Mailbag: Strength to improve running performance?[40:33]- Interview: Kayla CraneLinksKayla's Facebook page @southdenvertherapy on Instagram Kayla's Website

In this episode:I first looked at pneumatic compression boots back in episode 3 in 2019. Has there been any research published since then to suggest that my original recommendation has changed? We look at new research in this episode's Medical Mailbag. Plus, an interview with busy entrepreneur, mom and podcaster Doien Morin Van Dam. Her ability to keep many balls in the air and be a success in running makes for a great story and one that we can all learn from.Segments:[08:21]- Medical Mailbag: Pneumatic Compression Boots[28:34]- Interview: Dorien Morin-van Dam LinksDorien's Facebook page @moreinmedia on Instagram @moreinmedia on X Dorien's Website Dorien on YouTube

In this episode:Gatorade Endurance is being replaced by Mortal Hydration on IM and 70.3 courses in North America this year. What does that mean for athletes who rely on products provided at aid stations for fueling and hydration? We look at this question in the Medical Mailbag along with special guest Alex Larson. Plus, a conversation with Tyler Pedersen. From college football player to overweight near alcoholic, Tyler found himself in multi-sport. Hear how he has used triathlon to rediscover his purpose.Segments:[09:37]- Medical Mailbag: Mortal Hydration[38:15]- Interview: E. Tyler Pedersen Links@alexlarsonnutrition on Instagram Alex 's Website @e.tylerpedersen on Instagram E. Tyler 's Facebook page

In this episode:Turmeric lends a bright color and savory flavor to curries and other foods. For many centuries it has also been used as a natural remedy for most everything that ails you. Recently this spice has been advocated as a miracle anti-inflammatory cure by makers of supplements who sell versions of this root in powders and capsules. But what does the science say and is there a use for this possible wonder food for athletes? We take a look on the Medical Mailbag. Plus, an interview with newly minted rookie professional triathlete Jessica Cullen. Fresh off of her debut in Oceanside she shares her experience on being in such a big race to start her career and how she manages to fit in the training, a bust career and hosting a podcast all while staying exceptionally joyful.Segments:[06:15]- Medical Mailbag: Turmeric as anti-inflammatory?[27:05]- Interview: Jessica Cullen LinksEndurance Icons podcastJessica on IG

In this episode:Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are advertised as a kind of booster fuel that can provide rapidly available and abundant energy during long training sessions or races. A fair amount of science has been done looking at whether or not this is true and on the Medical Mailbag we bring you the answers. Erin Rosen and Michaela Robertson are nurses, friends, runners and running coaches who together founded Strides for Strength a group that helps athletes break through plateaus on the run and beyond-- from everyday runs to chasing finish lines to hosting to retreats to never ending conversations about running on their podcast-- they are there for it all and on this episode they tell me all about it.Segments:[09:21]- Medical Mailbag: MCT[32:08]- Interview: Erin Rosen & Michaela RobertsonLinks@sfsrunners on Instagram Michaela's Website Stephanie vanBebber Coaching

In this episode:Does a nightcap interfere with sleep and recovery? We know that alcohol can be deleterious to training but what are its impacts on sleep? Plus, Nick Klingensmith found redemption for hard living through endurance sport and now tells anyone who will listen that they can do the same.Segments:[09:23]- Medical Mailbag: Alcohol and sleep[t29:39]- Interview: Nick Klingensmith LinksNick's Facebook page @stridemotivation on Instagram @stridemotivatio on X Nick's Website Nick on YouTube

In this episode:Extract of the bark of the maritime pine tree is thought to provide a host of potential benefits to health measures including some that extend to endurance sport. A new product aims to bring this substance to triathletes and is being backed by none other than the Norwegian duo of Iden and Blumenfeldt through their Santara Tech initiative. But does Plasmaide deliver on any of the lofty promises made on its very slick website? We take a look at the science on the Medical Mailbag. Then, a conversation with coach Marilyn Chychota who comes to triathlon from a background of equestrian show jumping. A circuitous route to be sure but one that has led her to have a fascinating outlook on life and made her successful in all of the ventures that she has pursued.Segments:[07:23]- Medical Mailbag: Plasmaide[30:21]- Interview: Marilyn ChychotaLinksConquer the Course IM CDA 70.3 WebinarMarilyn's Website Marilyn's Facebook page Marilyn on YouTube

In this episode:When is it ok to train through illness and how should you adapt your training when recovering from a malady? We look at several common ailments and discuss if it is safe to train through, whether you should rest up instead and how you should return to training afterwards. Cristina M Ramirez is a three time Ironman and best selling author. We talk about how she teaches growth mindset to kids using running as a tool and about her co-founding of a foundation that pairs up able bodied and paraathletes for competing in endurance events among her many other remarkable exploits.Segments:[06:58]- Medical Mailbag: When is it safe to train through illness?[38:22]- Interview: Cristina Ramirez LinksCristina's Facebook page @empoweredbydiscomfort on Instagram Cristina's Website IM 70.3 Coeur d'Alene Webinar sign up link

In this episode:Cycling carbohydrates so that you train with low glycogen levels was once thought to be a viable strategy for getting real benefits in endurance performance. This strategy has come in to question with more recent scientific research. On this episode's medical mailbag we take a look and see what the latest data suggests about this concept. Plus, neuroscientist Dr. Daya Grant stops by to talk about the flow and clutch states; what they are and how you can get there in order to make the most of your training and racing.Segments:[14:47]- Medical Mailbag: Carbohydrate Periodization[38:18]- Interview: Daya Grant Links@dr.dayagrant on Instagram Daya's Website