The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

In this episode:Covid numbers have dropped and we may be in to a new phase of the pandemic but for millions of people symptoms persist in the form of long Covid. Worse, there may be as yet unknown long term consequences for young people as they age. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts recently published a paper that summarizes what is known about long covid in athletes and why some of it may portend for bad outcomes in the decades to come. I review their findings. Also, my conversation with Joe Friel with tips for how to get the most out of Training Peaks and his insights on the Triathlete's Training Bible.Segments:[08:28]- Long Covid and athletes[21:02]- Joe FrielLinksJoe Friel:Twitter: @jfrielYou Tube channelWebsite

In this episode:Staying hydrated is an important contributor to success in endurance racing especially in warmer environments. A product that has been around in Oceania and is now available in the US has it's roots as an oral rehydration solution for children with cholera. It's makers claim that the same technology that works to improve outcomes in diarrheal illness make it a 'revolutionary hydration product' for athletes as well. Is this claim backed up by science? I take a look. Plus an interview with the man in the halo, professional triathlete Tim Don whose recovery from a dramatic injury is representative to many of what triathlon is about-overcoming tremendous adversity through hard work and dedication to achieve a goal. Through it all, Tim has retained the infectious smile and affable qualities that have made him one of the more popular athletes on the circuit. We discuss his history in the sport, his injury and recovery and where he goes next.Segments:[06:23]- PREPD[21:12]- Tim DonLinksTim's websiteTriDoc Podcast FB group

In this episode:There is a longstanding belief that living and maybe training at altitude confers benefits on performance especially when an athlete goes to compete at a lower level. The science on this matter is a little less certain. Yes, there are physiological adaptations that occur but do these actually translate in to better results? I review the evidence. Plus, an interview with Skye Moench:Skye is a professional triathlete who specializes in long-course triathlon. She is a multiple Ironman and 70.3 Champion. In 2021, Skye ended the year ranked 7th in the PTO World Rankings. Segments:[05:15]- Training at altitude[20:08]- Skye MoenchLinksSkye's Facebook page @skyemoench on Instagram @skyemoench on X Skye's Website Skye on YouTube

In this episode:The impact that good quality sleep has on exercise performance has been pretty well understood for some time now. What is becoming clearer is how exercise also has a role in improving the quality of sleep. In addition, there is a growing consensus that both sleep and exercise are beneficial to cognitive function and memory. I explore what is known about this and speak to some prominent researchers in the field. Plus, Heather Fuhr was one of a trio of dominant Canadian women in Ironman triathlon in the 90'2 and early 2000's. Fuhr won the 1997 World Championship in Kona and had numerous top ten finishes on the big island to go along with her many wins at Lake Placid, California, Japan and others. She joins me to discuss her storied career and what she has been doing to stay active in triathlon since her retirement.Segments:[06:59]- Exercise, sleep and memory[18:04]- Heather Fuhr

In this episode:Spirulina is the name given to the extract of two species of blue green algae. Easy to cultivate and harvest, the plant is a remarkable source of nutrients and was once touted by NASA as the 'food of the future' and has even been grown in space for that purpose. Spirulina has gained popularity as a supplement as well and not just for nutrition but also for its purported effects on exercise performance. What does the science say and is this at long last a supplement that I can get behind? Plus, an entertaining and informative interview with British professional triathlete Laura Siddall. Laura didn't take the usual route to the pro ranks and despite her success remains grounded and very much active in giving back to anyone and everyone that she can.Segments:[09:11]- Spirulina supplements[25:00]- Laura SiddallLinks

In this episode:Osteostrong is a program aimed at women that promises to build bone strength and prevent mineral loss in a way that is far more efficient than anything else out there and with results that seem far too good to be true. While not specifically targeted at athletes, the marketers of Osteostrong employ all of the same tired methods to induce customers to spend their money on something that is very much unproven. I explore these methods in order to once again demonstrate how marketers of devices can stretch credulity in order to separate you from your hard earned cash. While Osteostrong may not be triathlon specific, the lessons are definitely applicable. James Elvery is a former professional triathlete and the founder of Race Ranger a new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the bike leg of triathlon. He joins me to discuss this exciting new device.Segments:[07:00]- Osteostrong[18:21]- James ElveryLinksRace Ranger

In this episode:The Omicron variant of Covid-19 has swept across the globe infecting record numbers of people including those with vaccinations. A question for many of those who are also endurance athletes is 'when and how can I safely return to training?' I am joined by Dr. Spencer Tomberg to review some recent guidelines in order to try and answer this important and timely question. Plus, an interview with Brandy Ramirez. Mother, wife, triathlete, triathlon coach, cancer survivor and founder of SheStrong a community of like minded women seeking to heal through shared experience and community. Brandy is spending her 2022 doing new things including her first full Ironman in Alaska and putting on her first ever race. She joins me to tell the whole story.Segments:[6:12]- Returning to training post-Covid[34:10]- Brandy RamirezLinksDr. Tomberg's YouTube channel: linkLink to Return to sport guideline: HereSheStrong on FaceBookMonarch Triathlon

In this episode:The New Year is a time for resolutions and one that is frequently made involves losing weight in order to be healthier. But as obesity rates continue to rise unabated researchers have started to question the wisdom of making weight loss the goal and instead are starting to promote being active and fit instead. I take a look at the science in this area and report on how being active is a healthier and more sustainable way to reach your goals. In addition, I have an entertaining conversation with triathlon legend Bob Babbitt. Bob has been around triathlon as long as the sport has been around and he has the stories to prove it. Listen in as he talks about Hawaii before it was what it is today, the growth of the sport and the Challenged Athlete Foundation among just some of the things he has anecdotes to share.Segments:[5:30]- Activity vs. weight loss[18:46]- Bob BabbittLinksCAF: linkBreakfast with Bob podcast

In this episode:When transitioning from high volume and intensity endurance training to lower volume and supplementing with strength training, what are the changes that take place in the body? Why do so many coaches promote this kind of philosophy and is there a sound rationale for its use? This was the basis of a question submitted by a listener and I take a look at both the science and the coaching perspective in order to give an answer. Plus, a conversation with Mental Endurance Coach and podcaster Vanessa Faye Foerster. Vanessa was a solid triathlete but realized that in order to get to the next level she first had to get out of her own way. She describes how she did that and how she helps others do the same in order to reach their potential.Segments:[7:40]- Off season training physiology[19:15]- Vanessa FoersterLinksVanessa's website to find her podcast and other connections: hereVanessa's IG: vanessafayefoerster

In this episode:We all know that our genes are the blueprint for who we are but has genetic testing reached the point that we can find out who we are meant to be? Several companies now offer DNA tests that purport to inform users of their athletic potential and specific abilities. Is this based on science or is this just another example of putting the cart way ahead of the horse? I investigate. Plus, the amazing Mike Wien; age group World Champion for the 70.3 triathlon, and winner of the Boston Marathon and NYC marathons all in rapid succession. Meet this amazing and affable man in my interview with him.Segments:[4:55]- The DNA Company[21:00]- Mike WienLinksMike's website: www.specificedge.com