

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

Sep 8, 2023 • 1h 2min
Ep. 127: Accidental hypothermia/Lesley Smith
In this episode:Cooler temperatures brings colder water for open water swimming. With that comes the risk of hypothermia. What happens to the body when we get cold and how can we prevent the worst complications of lower core temperatures? Are there ways that we can adapt to the cold in order to better resist the dangers? I go over the science with Juliet Hochman in the medical mailbag. Then, an interview with professional triathlete Lesley Smith who has more than twenty 70.3 podium results to her name in her ten seasons as a pro.Segments:[07:19]- Medical mailbag: Accidental Hypothermia[31:18]- Lesley SmithLinksLesley's Facebook page @lesleyesmith on Instagram @LesleySmithTri on X

Aug 25, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep. 126: Vitamin C for endurance performance?/Jen Szabo volunteer coordinator for Boulder 70.3
In this episode:Vitamin C has been advocated as a means to boost immunity and stave off colds as well as an anti-oxidant that can help prevent cell damage. Some athletes and coaches have felt that taking this vitamin can help with endurance performance as well. What does the research say? Plus, a conversation with the volunteer coordinator of the Boulder 70.3 race, Jen Szabo. Hear what it takes to get as many as a thousand people to come and help make this event happen and why getting volunteers is becoming more of a challenge.Segments:[09:57]- Medical mailbag: Vitamin C[time stamp]- Interview: Jen Szabo LinksJen's Facebook page @RockstarSzabo on X @rockstarszabo on Instagram

Aug 11, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep. 125: Carbon fiber plate shoes and increased risk of injury/Coach Michelle Lake
In this episode:So called super shoes have been all the rage since they were first released back in 2016. These running shoes with high tech foam and a carbon fiber footplate embedded in the sole have proven to be significantly faster across all distances and have been worn by elites and age groupers in track and field, running events and multisport. Recently, research has emerged that raises the specter that these shoes might be associated with an increased risk for injuries. In the medical mailbag, we discuss this research and what to do about it. Plus, a conversation with Michelle Lake. Michelle is an athlete, a coach and more recently, a coach's coach. We discuss her advice for coaches to make their hobby a full time job.Segments:[05:02]- Medical mailbag: Carbon fiber footplates and increased injury risk[31:44]- Michelle Lake LinksMichelle's Facebook page @CoachMichelleLake on Instagram Michelle's Website

Jul 28, 2023 • 1h 8min
Ep. 124: The microbiome and athletic performance/Tamara Jewett
In this episode:More and more, researchers are coming to understand how significant a role our gut has in many wide ranging physiologic processes. One important reason for that may have to do with the gut microbiome. What is the gut microbiome and how does it impact our health? How does diet affect the microbiome and what is the relationship between the microbiome and endurance exercise performance? In this episode's medical mailbag, we look at recent research that suggests our microbiome may have an outsized role in how we perform when training and racing. Plus, a conversation with the incredibly fast and increasingly successful professional triathlete Tamara Jewett. Tamara's path to the top of the pro ranks in triathlon was not a straight line and she continues to impress with her actions both while racing and when not. Hear more about who this woman is and why she is so impressive.Segments:[04:17]- Medical Mailbag: The gut microbiome and athletic performance[32:35]- Tamara JewettLinks@tamarajewett on Instagram Tamara's Website One Tree Planted

Jul 14, 2023 • 59min
Ep. 123: Exercise and cardiovascular health in women/Jochem Batstra-race director of the Saba Triathlon
In this episode:Cardiovascular health deteriorates for women rapidly after menopause but new research suggests that much of the impact of the loss of sex hormones can be mitigated by regular exercise. While training throughout life seems to be the most beneficial, starting around menopause can also be very helpful. On the medical mailbag we discuss the latest findings and have a special guest to help us get the most out of them. Plus, a conversation with the race director of possibly the most difficult short course triathlon in the world. Jochem Batstra oversees the Saba triathlon on the tiny Dutch Island in the Caribbean. Hear what this race is about and see if you might be brave enough to give it a try!Segments:[07:28]- Medical mailbag: cardiovascular health in perimenopausal women[31:46]- Jochem BatstraLinks@event66_jochem on Instagram Jochem's Website Jochem's Facebook page

Jun 30, 2023 • 58min
Ep. 122: Chocolate milk/Eric Abecassis of Humango
In this episode:Is chocolate milk really all it's cracked up to be as the 'best drink for recovery'? And what is really meant by recovery in this context anyways?? Plus, a conversation with the founder and CEO of Humango, Eric Abecassis. Eric has developed an AI based platform to help athletes and coaches motivate and plan for the best training possible to achieve their goals.Segments:[08:41]- Medical mailbag-Chocolate milk for recovery[28:04]- Eric AbecassisLinksHumangoHumango on FBHumango on IG

Jun 16, 2023 • 57min
Ep 121: Gender differences in hydration needs/ Matt Sharpe and Chris Leiferman on their epic Boulder 70.3 race
In this episode:Men and women differ in many ways and recent research has suggested that one of these may be in how they need to hydrate during sporting activities. Menstruating women start out better hydrated than men and appear to lose less fluid than their male counterparts meaning that different genders may want to consider different hydration strategies. Coach Juliet Hochman and I discuss in the Medical Mailbag. Then, professionals Matthew Sharpe and Chris Leiferman join me to recount what went down in their epic race for the podium with Lionel Sanders at the Boulder 70.3 triathlon last weekend. Her the inside scoop from the men who finished in 3rd and 5th on the daySegments:[06:07]- Medical Mailbag: Gender differences in hydration needs[28:51]- Interview with Matthew Sharpe and Chris Leiferman

Jun 2, 2023 • 1h 9min
Ep 120: Inflammation/Jackson Landry
In this episode:Inflammation is poorly understood and yet a vital response to illness and injury. Unchecked it is also a cause of myriad chronic diseases. Recent research has also linked a heightened inflammatory state to aging suggesting a concept of inflammaging. So what is the inflammatory response and how concerned should we be with trying to control it? Plus, an interview with professional triathlete Jackson Landry. Off to a great start in 2023, Jackson shares his thoughts on the doping scandal that rocked our sport as well as fad diets and much more.Segments:[06:38]- Medical Mailbag: inflammation[36:52]- Interview: Jackson Laundry LinksJackson's Facebook page @jacksonlaundrytri on Instagram Jackson's Website Jackson on YouTube

May 19, 2023 • 1h 2min
Ep 119: The agents used for doping in sport plus an interview with Soj Jibowu founder & CEO of Varlo
In this episode:The recent doping scandal has rocked triathlon and made many question if the sport is as clean as they think. I review the science on what agents dopers use, whether or not they actually improve performance and the shocking numbers of age group athletes that admit to using some form of banned substance in order to get an edge. Plus, an interview with the founder and owner of Varlo the triathlon apparel brand that has taken multisport by storm. Soj Jibowu has infused the company with a work ethic and enthusiasm that only partially explains its success. We talk about the company's philosophy and how their mission is to make triathlon more inclusive for whoever wants to participate.Segments:[05:35]- Medical mailbag: Doping in sport[34:00]- Soj Jibowu of VarloLinksSoj Jibowu Varlo on IGVarlo website

May 5, 2023 • 51min
Ep 118: Supplemental ketones as fuel/Jen O'Keefe of First Bourne
In this episode:The ketogenic diet is not a great idea for endurance athletes but some of the theoretical benefits of ketones as fuel are enticing. Supplemental ketones have been used by professional cyclists for some time now, is there any evidence to suggest this is a viable strategy for triathletes? Plus, a conversation with the co-executive director of First Bourne, a new company that offers exciting new options with full service for triathlon camps to athletes and coaches.Segments:[08:29]- Medical mailbag: ketone supplements[27:40]- Jennifer O'Keefe Links@first.bourn on Instagram