The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

In this episode: Gatorade Endurance is being replaced by Mortal Hydration on IM and 70.3 courses in North America this year. What does that mean for athletes who rely on products provided at aid stations for fueling and hydration? We look at this question in the Medical Mailbag along with special guest Alex Larson. Plus, a conversation with Tyler Pedersen. From college football player to overweight near alcoholic, Tyler found himself in multi-sport. Hear how he has used triathlon to rediscover his purpose. Segments: [09:37]- Medical Mailbag: Mortal Hydration [38:15]- Interview: E. Tyler Pedersen Links @alexlarsonnutrition on Instagram Alex 's Website @e.tylerpedersen on Instagram E. Tyler 's Facebook page

In this episode: Turmeric lends a bright color and savory flavor to curries and other foods. For many centuries it has also been used as a natural remedy for most everything that ails you. Recently this spice has been advocated as a miracle anti-inflammatory cure by makers of supplements who sell versions of this root in powders and capsules. But what does the science say and is there a use for this possible wonder food for athletes? We take a look on the Medical Mailbag. Plus, an interview with newly minted rookie professional triathlete Jessica Cullen. Fresh off of her debut in Oceanside she shares her experience on being in such a big race to start her career and how she manages to fit in the training, a bust career and hosting a podcast all while staying exceptionally joyful. Segments: [06:15]- Medical Mailbag: Turmeric as anti-inflammatory? [27:05]- Interview: Jessica Cullen Links Endurance Icons podcast Jessica on IG

In this episode: Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) are advertised as a kind of booster fuel that can provide rapidly available and abundant energy during long training sessions or races. A fair amount of science has been done looking at whether or not this is true and on the Medical Mailbag we bring you the answers. Erin Rosen and Michaela Robertson are nurses, friends, runners and running coaches who together founded Strides for Strength a group that helps athletes break through plateaus on the run and beyond-- from everyday runs to chasing finish lines to hosting to retreats to never ending conversations about running on their podcast-- they are there for it all and on this episode they tell me all about it. Segments: [09:21]- Medical Mailbag: MCT [32:08]- Interview: Erin Rosen & Michaela Robertson Links @sfsrunners on Instagram Michaela's Website Stephanie vanBebber Coaching

In this episode: Does a nightcap interfere with sleep and recovery? We know that alcohol can be deleterious to training but what are its impacts on sleep? Plus, Nick Klingensmith found redemption for hard living through endurance sport and now tells anyone who will listen that they can do the same. Segments: [09:23]- Medical Mailbag: Alcohol and sleep [t29:39]- Interview: Nick Klingensmith Links Nick's Facebook page @stridemotivation on Instagram @stridemotivatio on Twitter Nick's Website Nick on YouTube

In this episode: Extract of the bark of the maritime pine tree is thought to provide a host of potential benefits to health measures including some that extend to endurance sport. A new product aims to bring this substance to triathletes and is being backed by none other than the Norwegian duo of Iden and Blumenfeldt through their Santara Tech initiative. But does Plasmaide deliver on any of the lofty promises made on its very slick website? We take a look at the science on the Medical Mailbag. Then, a conversation with coach Marilyn Chychota who comes to triathlon from a background of equestrian show jumping. A circuitous route to be sure but one that has led her to have a fascinating outlook on life and made her successful in all of the ventures that she has pursued. Segments: [07:23]- Medical Mailbag: Plasmaide [30:21]- Interview: Marilyn Chychota Links Conquer the Course IM CDA 70.3 Webinar Marilyn's Website Marilyn's Facebook page Marilyn on YouTube

In this episode: When is it ok to train through illness and how should you adapt your training when recovering from a malady? We look at several common ailments and discuss if it is safe to train through, whether you should rest up instead and how you should return to training afterwards. Cristina M Ramirez is a three time Ironman and best selling author. We talk about how she teaches growth mindset to kids using running as a tool and about her co-founding of a foundation that pairs up able bodied and paraathletes for competing in endurance events among her many other remarkable exploits. Segments: [06:58]- Medical Mailbag: When is it safe to train through illness? [38:22]- Interview: Cristina Ramirez Links Cristina's Facebook page @empoweredbydiscomfort on Instagram Cristina's Website IM 70.3 Coeur d'Alene Webinar sign up link

In this episode: Cycling carbohydrates so that you train with low glycogen levels was once thought to be a viable strategy for getting real benefits in endurance performance. This strategy has come in to question with more recent scientific research. On this episode's medical mailbag we take a look and see what the latest data suggests about this concept. Plus, neuroscientist Dr. Daya Grant stops by to talk about the flow and clutch states; what they are and how you can get there in order to make the most of your training and racing. Segments: [14:47]- Medical Mailbag: Carbohydrate Periodization [38:18]- Interview: Daya Grant Links @dr.dayagrant on Instagram Daya's Website

In this episode: Magnesium is the latest supplement to be advertised as a panacea for all that ails triathletes. Can it really do everything that the makers of Pillar, a powdered drink form of the element, promise? On this episode's medical mailbag, we take a look at the science. Plus, an interview with age grouper Mark Evans. The former submariner survived a terrible collision with an intoxicated driver during the 70.3 World Championships in Utah in 2022. Hear about how he managed to stay positive and come back to training and racing with his incredible mindset. Segments: [11:02]- Medical Mailbag: Magnesium [37:14]- Interview: Mark Evans Links Mark's Facebook page @frumpycob on Instagram

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. Links Celine Evans: Nutrition 360 LifeSport

In this episode: Long Run Coffee claims to be coffee with a purpose-to help start your day and your run off right by adding a dose of electrolytes to everyone's favorite morning beverage. There are a host of other claims and we wanted to know if any of them are backed up by science so we take a look on this episode's Medical Mailbag. Dave Lowry is an age group triathlete from Perth, Australia who recently participated in the Busselton Ironman using a modified BMX bike. While this sounds a little out there, Dave explains why he did this and tells me how his day went and it makes for a great story to round out 2023. Segments: [10:13]- Medical Mailbag: Long Run Coffee [30:26]- Interview: Dave Lowry Links Dave's Facebook page @djlowry1976 on Instagram

In this episode: The holidays always pose significant challenges for endurance athletes and on the Medical Mailbag this episode Coach Juliet and I share our hacks for doing your best to stick to your plan for multisport success while still enjoying all of the best things that the holidays offer. Plus, an interview with strength and conditioning coach Jason Curtis. Jason has an incredibly active and successful business developing programs for athletes in all kinds of sport and we discuss the importance of strength training not only for preventing injury but also for getting faster in triathlon. Segments: [05:53]- Medical Mailbag: Holiday Hacks [27:35]- Interview: Jason Curtis Links @strengthandconditioningcourse on Instagram Jason's Website 

In this episode: NAD+ is an important co-factor in many biochemical processes in our cells including the metabolism of glucose. There is research that suggests that as we age we may develop a deficiency of it and that supplementation might help with performance. We review the science. Gustavo Cadena Schlam is an engineer and the inventor of the Omius headband cooling device. We discuss how it works and what led to its development. Segments: [08:27]- Medical Mailbag: NAD+ [33:43]- Interview: Gustavo Cadena Schlam Links @omiustech on Instagram Gustavo's Website

In this episode: What injuries are most common while training for an Ironman and how can they be avoided? How often do athletes present to the medical tent at an IM event and what problems are they going with? On the Medical Mailbag we review recent research that explores a wealth of data to answer those questions. Plus, an interview with national cycling champion and self-described aero geek Heath Dotson on what kinds of trends make sense for age groupers to consider for their own set ups and what they should just skip. Segments: [time stamp]- Medical Mailbag: Ironman Medical Misadventures [time stamp]- Interview: Heath Dotson Links Triathlon Magazine Canada article on Louise Atkinson Clark @Hdcoaching on Instagram @Heathdotson on Twitter Heath's Website

In this episode: Ozempic and Wegovy, both trade names of the drug semaglutide have led a kind of weight loss revolution because of the success patients who use them have had in dropping and keeping off weight. The mechanism by which this drug works does have some consequences for any multisport athletes who use or are considering using it and so on the medical mailbag we look at this drug and what multisport athletes should know. Edward O'Malley is an engineer and age group triathlete who saw a need for a better bike shoe so he designed one himself and the result is the VeloVetta. With its unique closure lever and aerodynamic features the shoe has some real promise for making your transitions and bike splits faster. Meet the man behind the shoe and hear why he did what he did. Segments: [03:53]- Medical Mailbag: [32:52]- Interview: Edward O'Malley Links Edward's Facebook page @velovetta on Instagram Edward's Website Edward on YouTube

In this episode: The Dream Recovery is a piece of tape that you apply over your mouth at night to promote nose breathing and promises to improve sleep quality, recovery and a host of other processes. Is there anything to these claims? We take a look. Plus, a conversation with writer, coach and developer of the nutrition app Saturday Morning, Dr. Alex Harrison. Segments: [08:38]- Medical Mailbag: Dream Recovery [33:23]- Interview: Dr. Alex Harrison Links Dr. Alex's Website Dr. Alex's Facebook group Dr. Alex's Facebook page @Dr_Alex_Harrison on Instagram @Dr_AlexHarrison on Twitter Dr. Alex on YouTube

In this episode: Tart cherry juice was all the rage at the Vuelta a Espana last month. Is there any evidence to support its use and if so, what are the benefits of using it? Coach Juliet Hochman and I look at this beverage in the Medical Mailbag. Plus, an interview with Coach Jen Rulon. A former multiple time Ironman athlete, Jen has slowed down and is living large in beautiful Costa Rica where she continues with her coaching business but has embraced a more laid back approach to her life and focuses on strength training and mindset. Hear her philosophy and what else she is doing in our conversation. Segments: [07:30]- Medical Mailbag: Tart Cherry Juice [35:52]- Interview: Jen Rulon Links Jen Rulon has been a triathlon/fitness coach for 22+ years and owns JenRulon.com. She received her Master's Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. Her knowledge as an author and speaker includes Triathlete Magazine, Runners World, on the TED Stage and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Commencement Speaker, Men's Journal Online, "Self Motivation Strategies for Women," (Amazon), and the New York Times. Jen practiced what she preached-she's a 15× Ironman Triathlete who qualified and participated in the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, on October 14, 2017. Jen is "retired" from the sport of triathlon as an athlete but still coaches athletes worldwide and lives a life of abundance, strength training, walks, and catching the sunsets in Costa Rica. Jen's Facebook group Jen's Facebook page @CoachJenRulon on Instagram @CoachJenRulon on Twitter Jen's Website Jen on YouTube

In this episode: Record breaking temperatures across the northern hemisphere this past summer are more than likely a harbinger of what is to come as climate change becomes more and more a feature of our lives. How to manage training and racing in the heat will become vital to staying healthy and to finding success. In the medical mailbag coach Juliet Hochman and I discuss some novel ways to hack your physiology and cool yourself down when things get hot. Plus, a conversation with Ironman age group athlete Dylan Davison. Dylan has had to overcome more than most on his way to the start line of the 2024 Ironman Chattanooga including the loss of his stomach. He hopes to become the first athlete to complete a 140.5 after a total gastrectomy. Learn about his journey and how he perseveres. Segments: [07:43]- Medical Mailbag: Hacking the heat [40:46]- Interview: Dylan Davison Links Dylan's Facebook page @dylan_davison on Twitter Dylan's Website

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 Smith Links Lesley's Facebook page @lesleyesmith on Instagram @LesleySmithTri on Twitter

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 Links Jen's Facebook page @RockstarSzabo on Twitter @rockstarszabo on Instagram

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 Links Michelle's Facebook page @CoachMichelleLake on Instagram Michelle's Website