We are back with The Sock Doc, Dr. Steve Gangemi, for another”grab bag” style show with a variety of important topics and answers to your questions so you can kick more butt in your training and racing…

* Steve’s trip to the Galapagos Islands a few highlights including the giant turtles who sound like Darth Vadar and look like ET.

* Female health in ironman training.

* Females who gain weight (especially midsection) when training harder for Ironman – what gives?

* Female ironman athletes with thyroid issues.

* The role of thyroid and gaining weight when training heavily – training may suppress thyroid even before it suppresses HPA axis function.

* Does the MAF philosophy apply equally to women and men?

* What happens when you overtrain aerobically – i.e. “aerobic excess.”

* If not getting results with all aerobic-based training switch it up and add intensity (in moderation).

* What to eat when IM training with thyroid issues, how to train in order to have a healthy body?

* Make sure your carb intake matches activity – could be 80-200+ grams a day that you need!

* Bioidentical thyroid supplement instead of synthetic thyroid meds – finding what works for you.

* Problems with thyroid medication, Naturethroid.

* Arthroscopy on a medial meniscus tear and post-surgery rehab – how to stay healthy, active and avoid re-injury?

* With meniscus, you must identify and address underlying issues that caused the problem to prevent reoccurrence.

* Could be biomechanical but could also be health and hormones.

* The estrogen connection to ligament laxity – the applies to men too not just women!

* Identifying endocrine disruptors – too high carb diet/carb intolerance, personal care products, household products, even candles!

* Squat issues!

* Dorsiflexion.

* History of using an orthotic with a heel lift.

* Toeing out.

* Getting to 45 and 90 degrees.

* Use a heel life or not to work on getting lower?

* Range of motion and mobility issues.

* Pros and cons to hands-on therapy (massage, chiro, ART) vs. self-myofacial release.

* Do you really need to eat within X minutes of running? What if you are forced to run right before bed – still eat after?

* When it DOES make sense to eat within 30-60min after a workout – long days, anaerobic sessions, etc.

* Timing your food/meals and carbs if you’re a late-night runner.

* Female athlete with a hiatal hernia and colitis – help!

* Symptoms during swimming and biking.

* Gut issues for years.

* HH leads to pain, bloating, cramping, discomfort especially during all swims; nearly unable to do bricks let alone triathlons.

* Relationship of breathing issues and chest vs. diaphragmatic breathing.

* Effective DIY solutions for hiatal hernias – healing is possible!