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May 23, 2012 – free audio podcast: Can Coffee Really Make You Live Longer? Also: panic attacks in open water, bathroom issues during your morning run, preparing for an "endurance weekend", hypermobility syndrome, water filtration, pain while swimming with scoliosis, are Veggie Straws healthy, staying strong while recovering from injury, c-sections and tummy tucks, and building bigger arms while losing weight.

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News Flashes:

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• Can coffee really make you less likely to die?
• Eating junk food is more costly than eating health food?

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Special Announcements:

In lieu of next week's podcast, Ben will be doing multiple Google+ hangouts -  with a focus on big training weeks, recovery and hydration - so be sure to follow the Google+ page to get in on the video hangouts with Ben.

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Thailand Adventure - Join Ben in Thailand this winter for the triathlon adventure of a lifetime at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon and the Asia Pacific 70.3 Triathlon! Get all the details at www.pacificfit.net

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Listener Q&A:

As compiled and read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick".

Audio Question from John: He just finished a sprint triathlon. He's been swimming all winter and spring but had a panic attack in the water during the race. Hung on to a canoe for the first time in his life. How can he avoid this in the future? How can he calm his mind during the swim.

Audio Question from Terri: She has bowel/bathroom issues during her morning training runs. She eats breakfast, goes to bathroom, walks dogs, goes to the bathroom again, and then again a few more times during the run. She does not have this problem during afternoon and evening runs.

~ In my response to Terri, I mention CapraCleanse and the Squatty Potty.

Audio Question from Abe (sorry... I mean Dave): He has an "Endurance Weekend" race coming up: 5k run on Friday, sprint triathlon Saturday morning, followed by 15 mile time trial. Then after a 3 to 4 hour break, there is a 25 mile road race. On Sunday morning there is a "crit". What would you do training, fueling and recovery for the week of the race?

~ Here is my magnesium oil.

Audio Question from John: John is considering running the ING New York City Marathon. He has run 2 half marathons, goes to gym 4 times a week, and is in good shape (but could lose 5lbs around stomach). Has a slight case of hypermobility syndrome in his knee. After previous half marathons could barely walk for a few days (due to foot pain). He really wants to do a full marathon but doesn't want to break himself.

~ In my response to John, I mention www.marathondominator.com, since it sounds like he's not really doing much weight training.

Greg and Sharon ask: We noticed in one of your videos at home you have a water filtering system. I don't remember the name of it but we looked at it about two years ago and wondered about it (I even contacted the company with my question). When the water is filtered through all of the layers it stays in your container with the filter, right? In other words, you just spent the whole night filtering water, but the filter stays up in the middle of the water after it's filtered. Where did the impurities from the water go?

Scott asks: My daughter is a competitive high school swimmer and also has scoliosis (27% curvature). This has been a great activity for her for the past 12 years and I feel has helped keep her body strong. However, this spring season she has developed a sharp pain on exhaling forcefully or on impact (like diving or pushing off the wall). She has never scratched a race, but now is unable to complete a 100 breaststroke. The pain is localized on her left side (the 'low' side of her spinal curvature) below her scapula in her rhomboid. She's been icing, stretching, using ibuprofen, and electo-stim. Do you have any suggestions on how to rehab the injury and any special considerations for rehab and training given her scoliosis?

~ In my response, I mention the book "Stopping Scoliosis".

Jenell asks: Now, I know this may come off as a weird question, but what is your take on Veggie Straws by Sensible Portions. They seem to be healthy and are all natural with no preservatives but I have my "guard up" so to speak on them because at times what seems healthy for you really isn't. If you could provide your feed back on this it would be greatly appreciated.

~ In my response, I mention my top 5 quick summer fat loss recipes, including kale chips.

Julia asks: I am recovering from a fracture to my tibial plateau and a recently bruised sternum (got a little stupid using a poorly adjusted upright rower @ the gym). Obviously, chest and weight bearing exercise is contraindicated. Do you have any creative exercises to share, particularly ones that can strengthen my lower body in some way.

~ In my response, I mention this article.

Carla asks: I'm very lean, normal BMI/BF% , mother of 3. I exercise 5 x a week (cardio/weights/plyometrics/hiit etc), but after 3 C-sections my abs are not responding and I can't get rid of the excess skin in the lower part of my abs. I am considering a tummy tuck. Is there any other way?

~ In my response to Carla, I mention 14 core exercises for when you're pregnant. I also mention skin firming creams from Green Cupboards.

Gregory says:I weigh 250 lbs and I'm 31 I want to get bigger arms but I want to loose weight, how do I go about doing this without using small weights? I was told that I should just do a bunch of cardio to drop the weight then start lifting. Others have suggested that I do a circuit with a high heart rate, like do some heavy weights then light weights at high rep then some quick cardio. So, how am I supposed to get/maintain some big muscles and trim down to like 225/230?

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

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