The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

Since it's appearance at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing kinesiotape has become all the rage among amateur athletes as a means of rehabilitating injury, preventing new injuries and enhancing performance. But aside from accessorizing the athlete's look with colorful racing stripes, is kinesiotaping really all that? What does the science say about these claims? I take a look and fill you in. Bill Plock is the owner and operator of a Colorado social media success story. 303Cycling and 303Triathlon are well known repositories for all things on 2 wheels as well as multisport in the Rocky Mountain Region and he joins me to talk about the impact of 2020 on local race organizers as well as his thoughts on what might come to pass in 2021.

Epsom salts have been advocated as a cure all for most anything that ails you for more than four hundred years. Despite that, there is almost no science to either support or refute the claims that many make in recommending baths with Epsom salts as treatment. I look at the history behind this folk remedy and explore the rationale for its widespread use and whether or not it is something that you should really be using. Plus, the pandemic has been devastating for businesses around the world but one industry that has seen surprising success is the bike industry. I am joined by a representative of American Bicycle Group, owners of three different bike brands to discuss the state of the industry in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.

Triathlon Taren posted a pretty grim status update in which he shared his frustrations related to weight gain and difficulties with maintaining fitness. But what he attributed this to has led many physician triathletes including myself to be disappointed that someone with so much influence would be so reckless in propagating unsubstantiated theories. I look at his assertions and provide my own unsolicited assessment for what really ails him and how you can avoid the same fate.Nate Heath joins me for the last of my conversations on increasing diversity in triathlon. Nate is an aboriginal athlete in Australia and gives me a history lesson on indigenous peoples in that country as well as insight to how his club Tri Mob is making inroads in the sport there.Medical Question01:50Nat Heath interview09:04

Long hours in the saddle can be uncomfortable but made even more so if you develop a saddle sore. For some people these painful lesions are recurrent and can be a significant problem during the summer months. What are saddle sores, how are they treated and most importantly how can they be prevented? In part 3 of my series on diversity in triathlon, I speak with Linus Pagusera, an Asian American with a love of the sport and some unique insights from the perspective of an immigrant and a member of another under represented community in multisport.

The TriDoc Podcast is a bi-weekly show that gives answers to triathletes' questions on all matters related to health, wellness and medicine as it pertains to multi-sport. With interesting guests from around the world, the TriDoc provides an entertaining and educational 40 minutes or so for athletes at all levels, from newbie to Kona qualifier.

A special episode of the TriDoc podcast with a crossover debut of another podcast! Dead and Slaughter visit the Bates Motel to discuss the impact that Hitchcocks's classic film had on the horror genre. While it may not be the scariest film that Sam has seen given how things have changed in the intervening decades, she still appreciates it as a masterpiece and Dad might have a few things to point out that make her viewing experience all the better.

Bicarbonate has been advocated as a means of enhancing performance for many years by virtue of its ability to neutralize lactic acid in muscle cells but the evidence has been lacking to really support its use. A relatively new product purports to deliver bicarbonate in a novel manner-through the skin and makes claims to have some pretty impressive impacts on training for cyclists and triathletes. Is there any science to back up these claims? I do some research and let you know. In the second part of my continuing series on increasing diversity in the sport of triathlon I have a conversation with Washington D.C. based triathlete Faren Campbell. Faren is an accomplished athlete in many sports and shares her insights on how to increase involvement of and be more welcoming to black athletes.

USAT released guidelines for a phased approach to a return to racing. Do these guidelines make sense? Will they adequately protect participants from infection with Covid if races do return in 2020? Dr. David Wyles, an infectious disease specialist joins me for a discussion. In the first part of my series on the lack of diversity in triathlon, Marcus Fitts, a USAT certified coach and founder of District Triathlon and GRIT USA joins me to share his thoughts on why there are not more POC in the sport and what can be done to change that.

Wearing a mask reduces the spread of Covid-19. This is not debatable. Some have suggested that wearing a mask is necessary when exercising because heavy breathing while exercising by asymptomatic infected individuals can result in significant spread of the virus. Is this true? And what of all the naysayers (aka Karens) who insist that wearing a mask makes it harder to breathe and impairs oxygenation and ventilation? I review the evidence. Lance Panigutti of Without Limits Sports joins me to discuss the impacts of race cancellations on his business and the possibility of moving forward.

In part 2 of my series on muscle cramps I look at the science behind the neuromuscular theory of exercise associated muscle cramps. Is this the real reason for cramps? Is there anything that can be done about it? What is the best method to avoid cramps? Michelle Lund is the co-owner and the face of BBSC endurance sports. She joins me to talk about the impact that the pandemic has had on small race organizers and her ideas for moving forward. Finally, another episode of Motivation in Isolation with Uberman finisher Melissa Urie.

Exercise associated muscle cramps are the bane of many athlete's existence and cause so much havoc to even the best laid plans.Despite more than a hundred years of research, the reason for cramping is still hotly debated and not well understood. In part 1 of a 2 part series, I take a look at one of the two most likely underlying causes of cramping; electrolyte imbalances. Jay Weber has a long time association with triathlon as a participant and as the director of operations at Base Performance. But he is also a certified triathlon official and he joins me to talk about that aspect of his life in multi-sport. Finally, Ann Barnes is a multiple Kona qualifier and podium finisher on the big island. She talks to me about her motivation in isolation.

Morton's Neuroma is a common cause of foot pain especially in middle age and more so in women. What is it and how can it be treated? George Cespedes has a long history in triathlon and is now a coach but more importantly is the driving force behind the Tri Animals group on FaceBook. He joins me to talk about what drew him to the sport and how he has developed the Animals into a worldwide influencer of positive energy in multisport. Finding Motivation in Isolation is difficult enough for age groupers, it is a whole different level for professional triathletes whose livelihoods have been completely upended. Alise Selsmark and Cal Millward have an intimate perspective on both worlds as pros themselves and operators of the age group team the Cupcake Cartel. They join me to talk about how they are doing and to give ideas for you to keep moving forward as well in this time of uncertainty.

Blood donation is the ultimate selfless gift to those in need. But how does the gift of life interfere with endurance sport? Does a pint of blood result in significant losses in hemoglobin that can impact exercise performance? Can triathletes be blood donors and still effectively train? Kevin Koskella is the TriSwimCoach and has a podcast of the same name. He has made a career out of helping triathletes swim better and faster. He joins me to talk about how even adult learners can be better in the water and gives his thoughts on the need for flip turns when training in the pool. Finally, another member of the Cupcake Cartel joins me to share thoughts and tips for keeping up Motivation in Isolation.

The Covid-19 pandemic has shaken the world in ways that we can barely begin to comprehend. Why all the fuss? The TriDoc brings a triathlete's perspective to understanding this disease and why we need to take it so seriously. How long will all this last and what can we do to stay safe?Mikael Ericksson preaches the science behind triathlon and has a podcast dedicated to the same. He joins me to give his perspective on this and other matters in coaching and training. Finding motivation in this time of isolation can be difficult. On a new segment I speak to a guest to learn how they are managing.

Hydration during training and racing is important but can you get by on plain water alone? Laurel Graham is an Ironman athlete racing in the physically challenged division with Charcot-Marie-Tooth muscular dystrophy. She talks about her journey and how to not piss her off because you don't want to make her stabby. The triathlete routard is off to the Buckeye state to review the Ohio 70.3 race

Beetroot juice has been theorized and advocated to improve endurance sports performance for years. There are plentiful options of supplements to choose from but does the science support their use? Peter Sankoff is a professor of law and the co-founder of Animal Justice, a Canadian animal rights advocacy group. He is well positioned to discuss the Game Changers and the moral and ethical issues around meat consumption. And Reels for Wheels is here for the final episode of the year with recommendations for your recovery rides.

Photobiomodulation is the application of red or near infrared light to muscles to enhance performance or recovery. The devices that do this are pricey and marketed as having pretty consistent benefits across a wide breadth of applications. But are they worth the investment and do they actually do what their makers claim? Dr. Rolf Halden is an environmental engineer and professor at Arizona State University. He co-wrote a report for the Pew Charitable Trusts on the environmental impacts of animal farming and is well suited to opine on the Game Changers.Finally, Reels for Wheels suggests Wanted and Drive for your trainer rides.

Electrical muscle stimulators in the form of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS) or neuromuscular electrical stimulators (NMES) are expensive devices with manufacturers who justify their costs based on claims that they can improve strength, recovery and healing from injury. Are those claims backed by science? I look at the evidence and weigh in on whether or not these devices make for a good investment. In my continuing series looking at the controversies raised by the Netflix documentary the Game Changers I speak to a professional triathlete with an impressive track record and a diet that includes animal products. We did not get this perspective in the film so Chris Leiferman brings it here. Finally, Reels for wheels has two new film recommendations to help you get through your winter trainer rides.

The Halo Sport employs transcranial direct current stimulation to prime your brain to train more effectively and at higher intensity than otherwise possible. Or at least that's what its makers would have you believe. Is it true? What does the evidence really say and is it worth $400 for this device? Casey Poe Campbell is a nutritional consultant who has a viewpoint that was not represented on the Netflix documentary the Game Changers. She believes that athletes MUST consume animal products to be healthy. She shares her thoughts and opinions of the film. Reels for Wheels has two new movie suggestions for your trainer rides; Baby Driver and Dunkirk.

The StaminaPro aims to be a recovery aid with a difference. By wearing it during exercise its makers claim that you can benefit from 'active recovery'. What does this mean? Is there any evidence to support these claims and should you consider this patch for your own recovery toolbox? For part 3 of my series exploring the issues raised by the Game Changers film, I speak with Daniel Reintjes, aka the Vegan Powered Athlete. Daniel has embraced a plant based diet and feels that it has made him healthier and a better athlete. He tells me why that is and how he got there.Reels for Wheels has two new recommendations for your trainer rides.

The TriDoc Podcast is one year old! In this episodes a look at the science behind compression garments? Sure they make you look great but how well do they affect performance and recovery? In the second part of my series exploring the issues and controversies raised by The Game Changers I am joined by Simin Levinson, a nutritionist and sports dietician from Arizona State University. What are her thoughts on plant based diets for athletes? Finally, Reels for Wheels has two new suggestions for your trainer rides; a heist film and a kung fu classic.

It's holiday season and off season for many so drinking alcohol is very much on the menu. But when training begins again and races are on the horizon, should drinking alcohol remain part of your routine? What is the evidence for how alcohol impacts performance and recovery? The Netflix documentary the Game Changers was a hugely controversial film but still thought provoking. In this episode I begin a multipart exploration of some of the many issues raised by the film makers and try to give a more evenhanded approach. Dr. Peter Ungar is the first guest and will discuss the evolution of human diet-have we always eaten meat? Must we continue to do so? Reels for Wheels looks at the Holiday classic (?) Die Hard and a more recent entry, Logan Lucky.

Recovery is an important part of training for triathlon. Can supplementing with branched chain amino acids (BCAA) after intensive or prolonged exercise help enhance that process and does it confer any performance benefits? Iliac artery endofiobrosis id a devastating diagnosis increasingly affecting cyclists and occasionally triathletes. Although it still remains rare Dr Kent MacKenzie a vascular surgeon fro Montreal, Canada joins me to discuss this disease, its diagnosis and management. Reels for Wheels bearings you more Keanu Reeves movies to help make trainer rides more enjoyable. This time we discuss the Matrix trilogy.

The GO2 breathing device has been swamping social media advertising with bold claims about how using it can dramatically improve performance. What is this device and how is it supposed to work? More importantly is there any evidence that it will do what it's makers claim? Part 2 of my interview with medical students and IM athletes Beth Ashinsky and Elisabeth Sorenson on balancing busy academic lives with training and racing triathlon. And, Reels for Wheels returns for a second season with a review of the 2nd and 3rd chapters of the John Wick movies.

Triathletes do strength training but most ignore their respiratory muscles. Is this a mistake? Should triathletes be concerned with training their diaphragms to be stronger and have more endurance? The Airofit is one device that promises to do this but what does the science say? Beth Ashinsky and Elisabeth Sorenson are medical students who have managed to fit Ironman training in to their busy schedules and somehow succeed in all areas of their lives. How do they do it? They provide insights and perspective in part 1 of an interview with me. The Triathlete Routard heads for the desert outside of Phoenix and the popular Ironman Arizona.

Regular exercise can boost the immune system but high intensity exercise can suppress it. So is it safe to exercise when you are already sick with a cold? The TriDoc looks at the evidence to help you decide when you can get that workout done or when you should pass. Ken Benesh was one of the creators and directors of the SBT GRVL race in Steamboat Springs. What was involved in making this race such a huge success and how can they top it in years to come? The Triathlete Routard goes to Mexico for a review of the popular late season IM Cozumel.

Cold water immersion or garments are becoming a hot new idea in recovery for cyclists, runners and triathletes. But what does the evidence say? Is there support to this idea or will the TriDoc throw cold water on the notion that this can improve performance? Triny Willerton survived a terrible collision with a truck while out riding her bike training for an Ironman. She is back riding and racing and founded the #itcouldbeme movement. She talks to me about survival, moving on and giving a name and a face to cyclists. The Triathlete Routard goes to Maui for the Xterra World Championships.

The TriDoc podcast investigates the evidence behind the practice of dry needling. What is it? Is it helpful in rehab for injuries and chronic ailments? Lance Panigutti is a race director in Denver and leads Without Limits Productions. He talks with me about the logistics of running triathlons and other multi sports events and opines on the future of the sport. The Triathlete Routard goes off road in the Steamboat Springs area to give you a guid to the inaugural SBTGRVL race.

Clavicle fractures are an unfortunately common result of even minor bicycle crashes. For decades conservative management of these injuries was all that was needed but in the past fifteen years a move to surgical management has been slowly gaining popularity. What does the science say? If you have this injury should you go for a sling or go under the knife? Cameron Dye had a successful career as a professional triathlete winning 12 major titles and a bronze medal in the ITU world Championship in the relay. He speaks to me about life after sport and opines on the health of triathlon. And, the Triathlete Routard stays local to provide insight on the Boulder 70.3 race.The TriDoc Podcast: Ep. 20: Clavicles/Dye/Boulder 70.3

Athletes have been using heart rate monitors as part of their fitness regimen for years. Recently, there has been a move to measure heart rate variability-a measure of something more complicated than heart rate itself but possibly more revealing about an athlete's overall state of training and fatigue. Is HRV all it is cracked up to be? Should all athletes be using it? I look at the evidence to try and help you decide. Stephen Ettinger was a professional mountain biker for over a decade. Now retired he is preparing to enter his second year of medical school. How has the transition been and how do most professional athletes transition to life after racing? The Triathlete Routard goes to the Emerald Isle for a review of the inaugural IM Cork. The debut of this race was epic, should this be one triathletes consider going to in the future?

Despite being good for you, high intensity exercise can pose risks to susceptible individuals. Deaths, while rare, do occur with some degree of frequency during all manner of endurance events and triathlon has the unfortunate distinction of having a higher death rate than other types of events mostly because of the risks associated with the swim. On this episode, the TriDoc answers a listener question related to this unfortunate trend. How much risk is there really and what can the average athlete do about it? Heath Dotson, National Masters Champion on the track and co-founder of the AeroCamp joins me for a discussion of all things aero. The Triathlete Routard goes to Texas to review the Buffalo Springs race now known as Ironman 70.3 Lubbock

It's hot out there and it's getting hotter. How does the body handle increased temperatures and is there anything that you can do to improve performance when training and racing in the heat? Lisa Bentley, with two decades of racing triathlon as a professional at both the 70.3 and Ironman distance had a storied career but it never should have been because Lisa has cystic fibrosis. Hear Lisa's story of living with a chronic disease without being defined by it and her journey to become a beacon of hope for patients and families living with the disease. Finally, the Triathlete Routard goes to Michigan for the Steelhead 70.3 race and second year pro Maddy Pesch comes back to the podcast to tell us all about this iconic and popular midwestern race.

The TriDoc podcast goes to the mattresses in this episode to uncover the truth about sleep and performance. Is the well rested athlete really the better performing athlete or is this just a dream? Dr. Craig Smith and Nate Corsi from the Smith Performance Center in Tucson, AZ discuss strength, movement analysis and injury as well as a novel approach to managing athletes with exercise induced muscle cramps. Finally the Triathlete Routard goes south to the Volunteer State and a guide to the IM and 70.3 races in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Carbohydrates have a sometimes undeserved reputation amongst athletes but the fact of the matter is they remain the single best source of energy for when high exertion efforts over a prolonged period of time are the order of the day. But which types of sugars are best for the triathlete during a race or long and arduous training session? The TriDoc helps you understand the simple truth behind simple and complex sugars. Megan Hottman aka The Cyclist Lawyer gives an interview that is startling but incredibly informative and important. The Triathlete Routard visits the west coast of Canada for a guide to the 70.3 race in Victoria B.C.

In this episode, the TriDoc investigates the reality behind the hype around sunscreen. How does it work? Does it really do what its makers claims it does? What about its effects on us and the environment?USAT certified coach Tim Crowley is a specialist in strength and conditioning. He joins me to talk about how building in strength training in to a regular part of triathlon training can make an athlete faster and potentially more resistant to injury. Finally, the Triathlete Routard ventures north of the border to Quebec, Canada for a guide to the 70.3 and IM races in beautiful Mont Tremblant.

In this episode the TriDoc gets wet looking at the evidence behind intravenous hydration. Companies have sprung up all over the place offering mobile IV hydration services and are starting to market to athletes. Is there anything to this or is this just one more way to separate hard working and training athletes from their money? Daimeon Shanks is a former bicycle mechanic for EF Education First and spent many years on the pro tour. He then owned and operate the Boulder Service Course, a high end bike service shop in Boulder, CO. He closed that up to pursue a career in law school in 2015 and he joins me to talk about all of that. The triathlete Routard visits the Adirondack region to give an overview of the 70.3 and IM races in Lake Placid.

The TriDoc looks at the evidence around supplementing with beta-alanine. Is there any science to support the claims that this can improve performance and if so, in who? Part 2 of my interview with multiple Ironman and Ironman 70.3 world champion Ellen Hart and, the Triathlete Routard goes to Europe with a trip to the spring cycling classics Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. These races are surprisingly accessible, a lot of fun to spectate and won't break the bank.

On this episode of the TriDoc podcast, I answer a question about creatine supplementation. It is legal and it is beneficial in some sports but can it help triathletes, cyclists and runners improve their performance as endurance athletes? Age group world champion across numerous distances and disciplines Ellen Hart joins me to discuss her fascinating life story and how sport has played a major role both in uncovering her personal demons and helping her recover from them in part 1 of our interview. Finally, Lindsey Deneen joins me for the Triathlete Routard for the traveler's guide to the Woodlands and the North American Ironman Championship aka Ironman Texas.

The TriDoc Podcast goes Roman Numerals with Episode X! In this episode, a discussion of Exercise Associated Hyponatremia (EAH) how big a problem is it and what can be done to prevent it? Para-triathlete and para-olympian Liz McTernan talks Ironman, the Para-Olympics and the day to day challenges of living in rural Britain as an elite challenged athlete. Finally, the Triathlete Routard leaves the confines of the U.S. for a first international destination, the 70.3 race in Monterrey, Mexico.

The TriDoc podcast explores how the female athlete triad has been expanded to cover men in a form known as the Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (REDS). It is not without controversy and much remains to be understood but the principles are clear and its impact on women remains a big concern. Mat Steinmetz discusses the importance of bike fit from selecting the right bike to getting the most out of the ride leg in a tri and gives insight in to how he got his 51Speedshop aero accessories into the Tour de France. Finally, Lucy Brash joins me for the Triathlete Routard where we discuss everything you need to know about Ironman Oceanside 70.3.

In this episode the TriDoc does an investigation to uncover the facts underlying adrenal fatigue. What is it? Does it even exist? Should you be worried? Matt LeGrand, podcaster, triathlete, coach and YouTube personality is here to discuss how barriers to entry can be overcome in order for new triathletes to access an exciting and fulfilling sport. Finally, Sean Hale joins me to discuss Eagleman 70.3 and IMMD in a new segment I call Traithlete Routard-a concise travel guide to some of the popular races on the IM calendar.

There are many reasons to train and race but one major one is for the health benefits. However, can hard training or racing actually contribute to making you sick? I look at the evidence behind prolonged intense exertion, immune suppression and the likelihood of getting sick. Dr. Brian White a Denver area orthopedic surgeon and specialist in hip labral reconstruction is here to discuss the femoroacetabular impingement syndrome; what it is, what it can do and what can be done about labral tears if they occur. Finally, it's the last episode of Reels for Wheels of the 2018-19 season. Janetta Iwanicki joins me for a discussion of our recommendations of films to recover by.

Episode 6: What is the Female Athlete Triad? How can it be detected, prevented and managed? How big of a problem is it? Nathan Carlson from Runningmate PT and Performance Coaching discusses the importance of strength training for runners and triathletes in preventing injury. More Reels for Wheels with Janetta Iwanicki.

In this episode the TriDoc answers a question about a specific nutrition strategy for training. We all work hard to go fast but should we consider the fast to go...faster?What is the science behind not eating and performance? Triathlon Canada Hall of Fame coach Lance Watson is by to talk about coaching athletes of all levels and abilities as they manage chronic lifelong illness or short term injuries. Finally, Janetta Iwanicki joins me for top secret Reels for Wheels straight out of MI-6.

In this episode: the TriDoc looks for evidence to support or refute the claims made by online lab and nutrition counseling service Inside Tracker. Everyone wants to do well on a test but is this a test that you really need to take? Sophomore professional triathlete Maddy Pesch is by to discuss her rookie season and all that she learned in going from top age grouper to pro and what it is like to put her aspirations for a future as a physician on hold while she pursues her triathlon dreams. Plus, another episode of Reels for Wheels, mine and Janetta Iwanicki's suggestions for films to watch while spending time on the trainer.

The TriDoc Podcast returns with a look at the evidence behind the use of pneumatic compression garments. Is there science behind the hype or is it all hot air? Ryan Ignatz from Colorado Multisport is by to discuss the science of sweat. If you know what you are losing then you can know how to replace it and train and race to your potential. Ryan tells me why that's so important and how to get it right. Plus, another episode of Reels for Wheels. Two more great movies to watch while on the trainer!

Is there any evidence to support the use of CBD? There sure are a lot of people touting it for just about everything. On this episode, I take a look to see if there is anything out there to back up the hype. The one and only Ginny Cataldi stops by for a conversation on dealing with injuries, managing expectations while coming back from them and how to get back to being at the top of the world. And... Reels for Wheels has two new movie suggestions for your time on the trainer.

Welcome to the Tri Doc Podcast! In this episode: Acetaminophen and NSAIDS, safety and efficacy in training and racing/Interview with Kelly Phuah/Reels for Wheels