The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

In this episode:Social media is the great unifier and the great disruptor of our times. It's effects on individuals and societies continue to be reckoned with but does social media use impact athletic performance? A growing body of evidence would seem to suggest so. I review what is known. Plus, a conversation with American professional triathlete Tim O'Donnell. Tim recovered from an unfathomable medical emergency in early 2021 to return to Kona this past October and finish in the top 15. We chat about his career, the last two years and what lies ahead.Segments:[07:55]- Social Media and athletic performance[16:36]- Tim O'DonnellLinksWaterfall Racing

In this episode:Is there an association between endurance sports and poor oral health? Do all of the sugary drinks and gels combine to put athletes at risk for cavities and gum disease? Dr. Ian Needleman is an oral surgery professor in London, England and an ultra runner and he joins me to discuss this topic in the medical segment. Plus, Jim Vance has a well deserved reputation as one of the best coaches at developing young talent and producing champions. His most famous charge of late is olympian and newly minted 70.3 World championship silver medalist Ben Kanute. Jim joins me to talk about the state of coaching, how the sport is evolving with stellar performances from so many at the longer distances and what we can look forward to in the future.Segments:[07:04]- Ian Needleman and a discussion of oral health[33:00]- Jim Vance Links@IanNeedleman on X Ian's Website @jimvance on X @coachjimvance on Instagram Jim's Website

In this episode:In the second part of a two-part series, I sit down as the interviewee on my own podcast. For the first part I spoke about my history in multisport and for this part I answer questions about how I manage to keep all the balls in the air that I have going at any one time. I am an emergency physician, a dad, husband, triathlon coach and a successful triathlete at both the full and half distances. Listeners have asked how do I manage? With the help of 303 Triathlon's Bill Plock asking the questions I hope this interview will give you some insights on how it all gets done. Or at least barely so!Links303 TriathlonStill interested in me interviewing you?

In this episode:Often referred to as the fourth discipline in triathlon, nutrition remains a source of confusion for many athletes. I have discussed nutrition across many episodes with many guests but I felt like it was time to bring together a couple of experts and dedicate an entire episode to this weighty topic. Alex Larson and Celine Evans are both multisport athletes with nutrition coaching businesses and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share on this matter. Through our conversation they will help us understand why it is so important to fuel properly when we train race and recover, how we can do so more thoughtfully and why a nutrition coach can be such a valuable addition to your team if you choose to go that route.LinksAlex Larson: Celine Evans:Nutrition 360LifeSport

In this episode:Climate change was supposed to be a long drawn out process but its effects seem to be coming fast and furious. One of the main contributors to its development is seemingly becoming worse as a result of this global emergency and that is air pollution. More and more research links air pollution to disease and mortality and a new paper shows how it can impact athletic performance specifically during an Ironman event. I review the science. Plus, an interview with Ironman regional director Dave Christen. Dave is involved in the selection of new venues for races on the 70.3 and 140.6 calendars and he lets me in on what goes on in that process as well as the frenetic weeks and days before and after an event.Segments:[04:50]- Effects of Air Pollution on Performance[16:20]- Dave ChristenLinksEPA air quality siteEPA AIRNow app for iPhone

In this episode:In episode 98 I reviewed the science underpinning the claims being made by the makers of the CORE temperature sensor that purports to improve performance by virtue of allowing improved heat acclimation and heat training. In this episode I revisit the CORE with an update after speaking to some of the team behind it as well as some who are using it. I am not really in a better position to make a clear recommendation but I have a lot more insights to share! Also, an in interview with the talented and equally likable Joe Wilson. Always ready with a smile and a clap on the back for support, Triathlon Joe has been on the scene for almost as long as I have letting everyone know that this is FUN and of course, that the swim is canceled.Segments:[05:28]- CORE revisited[24:54]- Joe WilsonLinksJoe's Facebook page @triathlonjoe on Instagram @gamecockjoe on X Joe on YouTube

In this episode:Dr. Kristen Lund, OB/GYN joins me to discuss all matters related to menopause; what it is, why it happens, what the symptoms are, how it can be managed, how it affects endurance training, recovery and performance and much more. She also helps me understand some of the controversies and misunderstandings that permeate popular culture on this subject and spends a lot of time answering questions submitted by my listeners, themselves going through this transition their lives. This episode is for ALL of my listeners. For the women AND the men who certainly have women in their lives who are or will be dealing with these issues at some point.Segments:[06:20]- Menopause and the endurance athleteLinksThe Menopause Manifesto by Jen Gunther on Amazon

In this episode:Over more than three and a half years and fifty thousand plus downloads, the TriDoc podcast has delivered entertaining interviews and informative reviews of the science behind all manner of products marketed to endurance athletes. Now, in my one hundredth episode it is time for me to pause and take a look back in order to once again help you see through the advertising ploys and red flags used to separate you from your hard earned money and review what doesn't work as well as the few things that are worth your time.Segments:[04:31]- A look back through what works and what doesn't

In this episode:Sudden cardiac death (SCD) continues to be a fearsome specter for athletes in all endurance sports but especially for triathletes who have the highest rates of SCD during the swim than for any other activity. To date, no screening programs have proven successful or practical to lower the risk. With improvements in genetic testing, could this avenue offer a possible solution? I look at what the science says. Joanne Courtney had a long and successful career as a professional curler as the second for Rachel Homan's foursome through numerous national championships, Worlds and one Olympics. That all came to an end this past spring when she announced her retirement and that she was taking up a new sport, triathlon. Her journey to multisport has been pretty similar to that of so many others. Have a listen to her relate the struggles and triumphs as she swaps her proficiency with a curling broom for mediocrity in a swimming pool and the ensuing joys of reaching her first finish line.Segments:[07:33]- Genetic testing for inherited cardiac conditions[22:20]- Joanne CourtneyLinks@joannecourtney89 on Instagram @JoCourtney89 on X Joanne Courtney Former elite level curler… played competitively x18 years - Olympian (2018), World Champion (2017), 8 Grand Slam titles Retired in May 2022 and decided to pivot to triathlon! Registered nurse (acute care hemodialysis x12 years)

In this episode:The CORE body temperature monitor promises to make you perform better by allowing you to know when you are overheating and better perform heat acclimation protocols in preparation for events in warmer climates. There is a lot of science on their website but not a whole lot in the way of proof of concept. I review what is known on heat acclimation and try to understand how this technology might be useful. Karen Smyers won the Ironman World Championship and had several podium finishes in a career that included success on the ITU circuit as well. Now a coach and motivational speaker she still trains and races and speaks with me about her time in the sport and some of the keys to her successes.About Karen: will email it Segments:[08:47]- CORE[19:54]- InterviewLinksKaren's Facebook page Karen's Website