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In this episode: After Chelsea Sodaro won the Ironman World Championships there was a lot of talk about how extraordinary her accomplishment was given that she was a fairly new mother. While her accomplishment WAS indeed amazing should we be surprised that a woman could do that after having a baby? There is some scientific evidence on this question and I look at what it has to say on this matter. Plus, a conversation with the 70.3 World Championship silver medallist and third place finisher at Ironman Arizona, Ben Kanute. Segments: [09:10]- Medical question [19:08]- Ben Kanute Links

In this episode: Garmin wearables measure all kinds of data whenever you wear them and then process that data through various algorithms to present users with composite metrics on training and health. For many, how these are derived and what they mean is very much a mystery while for others they can be a source of consternation especially when your watch tells you that a perfectly good workout was 'unproductive' to your training status! I look at these measures in order to explain how they are arrived at and whether or not you should pay them any heed. Plus, an interview with longtime professional triathlete Brent McMahon. The Canadian has been to the Olympics twice and seemingly raced everywhere around the world on the ITU, 70.3 and Ironman circuits. We discuss his long career and keys to his success. Segments: [06:07]- Garmin measures and metrics [30:50]- Brent McMahon Links Brent McMahon @Tribrentmcmahon on Twitter Brent's Website @Tribrentmcmahon on Instagram

In this episode: We know that exercise is good for our health and well being but can too much of a good thing be...not so good? Research has begun to show that in older individuals, the benefits of exercise may diminish after a threshold of volume and intensity is surpassed and a new paper has found that even among elite athletes in their twenties, too much training at too high an intensity might be the cause of cardiac events. I look at what is known about all of this. Scott Tindal has worked with professional athletes across many sports on different continents and now brings his skills to bear for triathletes as an advisory board member for nutrition for Ironman. He is also the CEO of FuelIn, an app for your phone that looks to help you sort out your nutrition and fit it to your training. Scott speaks to me about his philosophy for nutrition and training as well as about a plethora of other topics. Segments: [05:49]- Exercise and reverse J-curves [19:39]- SCOTT TINDAL Links SCOTT 's Website SCOTT 's Facebook group @getfuelin on Instagram SCOTT on YouTube

In this episode: Side stitch can be the bane of runners everywhere but what causes it and how to prevent it remains very much a mystery. recent evidence suggests that a possible issue may actually be in your head, specifically related to stress levels. On this episode I review the science of what is known about this painful annoyance as well as this recent research on how anxiety and stress might lead to its occurrence. Mike Reilly has been calling the finish line for triathlon and most iconically Ironman for more than thirty years but that all came to an end with his retirement after the recent Ironman New Zealand. I had the great fortune to chat with him before he left for that event and you can hear him reminisce and talk about the future in this episode. Segments: [08:00]- Side stitch [18:56]- Mike Reilly Links Mike's Website Mike's Facebook page @ironmanvoice on Instagram @ironmanvoice on Twitter Mike on YouTube IM foundation auction for Mike's towel TriDoc Podcast FB group

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'Donnell Links Waterfall 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 Twitter Ian's Website @jimvance on Twitter @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! Links 303 Triathlon Still 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. Links Alex Larson: Alex 's Website @alexlarsonnutrition on Instagram Alex 's Facebook page Alex 's Facebook group Alex on YouTube Celine Evans: Nutrition 360 LifeSport

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 Christen Links EPA air quality site EPA 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 Wilson Links Joe's Facebook page @triathlonjoe on Instagram @gamecockjoe on Twitter 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 athlete Links The 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 Courtney Links @joannecourtney89 on Instagram @JoCourtney89 on Twitter 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]- Interview Links Karen's Facebook page Karen's Website

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

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 Bryden Links Jordan's Facebook page @jordanbryden on Instagram Jordan's Website @jordanbryden on Twitter

In this episode: Gastrointestinal (GI) distress is an exceedingly common complaint among endurance athletes but despite years of research the actual reason for why this occurs remains mostly speculative. Recent research looked at whether or not what an athlete eats and how much of it can play a role in the development of GI issues during a race and the authors set out to determine if the underlying cause of the problem is inflammation and injury. I review their findings and give some specific recommendations with a special guest. Also, a conversation with the amazing Juliet Hochman. This former Olympic rower has lived her best life doing things that most of us can only dream of and on top of that has won world championships in several disciplines of multisport. I try to find out what makes her tick and get some practical advice that we can all use in our entertaining and informative conversation. Segments: [05:48]- Gi distress [25:53]- Juliet Hochman Links Juliet's Facebook page @juliethochman on Instagram Juliet's Website

In this episode: Hydration status is an important factor for performance especially in warmer environments. Recently though, research has emerged suggesting that as you become dehydrated it not only becomes harder to perform at the same level but the perception of effort is also affected. I look at the science and evaluate how much the effect is, when it becomes an issue and what can be done to prevent it. Plus, a conversation with Irish physiotherapist and competitive runner Eoin Everard on how to understand running injuries so that we can better strategize how to avoid them. Segments: [8:33]- Hydration and perception of effort [20:33]- Eoin Everard Links Eoin's Facebook page Eoin's Website

In this episode: Alkaline water has been promoted for all manner of health benefits but is there any rationale for why this would work and any science to support the claims that it does? I look at what this basic solution is, what it is supposed to be able to do and whether or not there is any supporting evidence. Plus an interview with ageless DeDe Griesbauer. DeDe has been a professional triathlete for more than two decades and despite turning her attention to the ultra distance continues to break records and have success. Find out what makes her tick and why she thinks that she has had such incredible staying power. Segments: [07:59]- Alkaline water [19:15]- Dede Griesbauer Links Dede's Facebook page @dedegriesbauer on Instagram Dede's Website

In this episode: Overuse injuries are very common amongst professional triathletes and high performing age groupers alike. The conventional wisdom has always been that these are due to overloading training combined with insufficient recovery. New research now also suggests an important role for psychological and psychosocial stressors as well. I review the published evidence. Also, a discussion with the CEO of the Professional Triathlete's Organization (PTO) Sam Renouf. Sam educates me on the reasoning for the PTO and how it is aiming to improve our sport for professionals and age groupers alike and why we should celebrate their success and collaboration with WTC and Clash. Segments: [06:36]- Overuse injuries and the association with psychological stressors [17:45]- Sam Renouf Links Sam Renouf Sam's Website