

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

Nov 4, 2022 • 49min
Getting it all done; How I manage a busy home and professional life with triathlon training and coaching
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?

Oct 21, 2022 • 58min
The Nutrition Episode
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

Oct 7, 2022 • 50min
The Effects of Air Pollution on Performance/Ironman Regional Director Dave Christen
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

Sep 23, 2022 • 56min
CORE revisited/Joe Wilson aka Triathlon Joe
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

Sep 9, 2022 • 55min
Menopause and the endurance athlete
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

Aug 26, 2022 • 55min
The 100th episode!
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

Aug 12, 2022 • 57min
Genetic screening for heart issues/Joanne Courtney
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)

Jul 29, 2022 • 60min
CORE/Karen Smyers
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

Jul 15, 2022 • 1h 4min
BOA/Joe Wilson interviews the TriDoc
In this episode:BOA is a new novel way of getting your salt supplements via transmucosal delivery and the product promises a LOT. How much of what they are selling is based on science and how much is just the usual hype? I take a look and give you an overview of what you can expect. Joe Wilson is a successful age grouper and YouTuber he is also well know on the socials as an affable, fun loving guy who was recently featured in a Slowtwitch profile for his exploits as a supreme cheerleader at IM races. He joins me today to turn the tables by interviewing me. Many listeners have requested more information about my story and how I have found success at racing at an older age. Joe does a great job exploring my past and unlocking some of the keys to my successes.Segments:[05:15]- BOA[19:25]- Joe Wilson Interviews the TriDoc

Jul 1, 2022 • 48min
AIRWAAV/Jordan Bryden
In this episode:The AIRWAAV is an oral appliance that repositions the tongue and is supposed to improve respiratory mechanics and possibly athletic performance. As always, the product's website is full of big claims but what does the science say? Jordan Bryden is the current World Champion of the Ultraman a three day event that encompasses a 10k open water swim, a 260 plus mile bike over two days and a 50 plus mile run on the third day. But he is much more than that! He is a professional triathlete with wins at the 70.3 distance and significant accomplishments in Ironman and is an exceptional photographer. He joins me to talk about all of it.Segments:[06:30]- AIRWAAV[17:19]- Jordan BrydenLinksJordan's Facebook page @jordanbryden on Instagram Jordan's Website @jordanbryden on X


