The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

In this episode:

The impact that good quality sleep has on exercise performance has been pretty well understood for some time now. What is becoming clearer is how exercise also has a role in improving the quality of sleep. In addition, there is a growing consensus that both sleep and exercise are beneficial to cognitive function and memory. I explore what is known about this and speak to some prominent researchers in the field. Plus, Heather Fuhr was one of a trio of dominant Canadian women in Ironman triathlon in the 90'2 and early 2000's. Fuhr won the 1997 World Championship in Kona and had numerous top ten finishes on the big island to go along with her many wins at Lake Placid, California, Japan and others. She joins me to discuss her storied career and what she has been doing to stay active in triathlon since her retirement.

Segments:

[06:59]- Exercise, sleep and memory

[18:04]- Heather Fuhr

In this episode:

Spirulina is the name given to the extract of two species of blue green algae. Easy to cultivate and harvest, the plant is a remarkable source of nutrients and was once touted by NASA as the 'food of the future' and has even been grown in space for that purpose. Spirulina has gained popularity as a supplement as well and not just for nutrition but also for its purported effects on exercise performance. What does the science say and is this at long last a supplement that I can get behind? Plus, an entertaining and informative interview with British professional triathlete Laura Siddall. Laura didn't take the usual route to the pro ranks and despite her success remains grounded and very much active in giving back to anyone and everyone that she can.

Segments:

[09:11]- Spirulina supplements

[25:00]- Laura Siddall

Links

In this episode:

Osteostrong is a program aimed at women that promises to build bone strength and prevent mineral loss in a way that is far more efficient than anything else out there and with results that seem far too good to be true. While not specifically targeted at athletes, the marketers of Osteostrong employ all of the same tired methods to induce customers to spend their money on something that is very much unproven. I explore these methods in order to once again demonstrate how marketers of devices can stretch credulity in order to separate you from your hard earned cash. While Osteostrong may not be triathlon specific, the lessons are definitely applicable. James Elvery is a former professional triathlete and the founder of Race Ranger a new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the bike leg of triathlon. He joins me to discuss this exciting new device.

Segments:

[07:00]- Osteostrong

[18:21]- James Elvery

Links

Race Ranger

In this episode:

The Omicron variant of Covid-19 has swept across the globe infecting record numbers of people including those with vaccinations. A question for many of those who are also endurance athletes is 'when and how can I safely return to training?' I am joined by Dr. Spencer Tomberg to review some recent guidelines in order to try and answer this important and timely question. Plus, an interview with Brandy Ramirez. Mother, wife, triathlete, triathlon coach, cancer survivor and founder of SheStrong a community of like minded women seeking to heal through shared experience and community. Brandy is spending her 2022 doing new things including her first full Ironman in Alaska and putting on her first ever race. She joins me to tell the whole story.

Segments:

[6:12]- Returning to training post-Covid

[34:10]- Brandy Ramirez

Links

Dr. Tomberg's YouTube channel: link

Link to Return to sport guideline: Here

SheStrong on FaceBook

Monarch Triathlon

In this episode:

The New Year is a time for resolutions and one that is frequently made involves losing weight in order to be healthier. But as obesity rates continue to rise unabated researchers have started to question the wisdom of making weight loss the goal and instead are starting to promote being active and fit instead. I take a look at the science in this area and report on how being active is a healthier and more sustainable way to reach your goals. In addition, I have an entertaining conversation with triathlon legend Bob Babbitt. Bob has been around triathlon as long as the sport has been around and he has the stories to prove it. Listen in as he talks about Hawaii before it was what it is today, the growth of the sport and the Challenged Athlete Foundation among just some of the things he has anecdotes to share.

Segments:

[5:30]- Activity vs. weight loss

[18:46]- Bob Babbitt

Links

CAF: link

Breakfast with Bob podcast

In this episode:

When transitioning from high volume and intensity endurance training to lower volume and supplementing with strength training, what are the changes that take place in the body? Why do so many coaches promote this kind of philosophy and is there a sound rationale for its use? This was the basis of a question submitted by a listener and I take a look at both the science and the coaching perspective in order to give an answer. Plus, a conversation with Mental Endurance Coach and podcaster Vanessa Faye Foerster. Vanessa was a solid triathlete but realized that in order to get to the next level she first had to get out of her own way. She describes how she did that and how she helps others do the same in order to reach their potential.

Segments:

[7:40]- Off season training physiology

[19:15]- Vanessa Foerster

Links

Vanessa's website to find her podcast and other connections: here

Vanessa's IG: vanessafayefoerster

In this episode:

We all know that our genes are the blueprint for who we are but has genetic testing reached the point that we can find out who we are meant to be? Several companies now offer DNA tests that purport to inform users of their athletic potential and specific abilities. Is this based on science or is this just another example of putting the cart way ahead of the horse? I investigate. Plus, the amazing Mike Wien; age group World Champion for the 70.3 triathlon, and winner of the Boston Marathon and NYC marathons all in rapid succession. Meet this amazing and affable man in my interview with him.

Segments:

[4:55]- The DNA Company

[21:00]- Mike Wien

Links

Mike's website: www.specificedge.com

In this episode:

Inside Tracker has been on a major advertising blitz of late making a huge push for new customers in an effort to get more athletes to spend hundreds of dollars on their blood testing services. I reviewed Inside Tracker a long time ago but given the surge in advertising and the promise of improved health and even performance to those who might be seduced in to signing up, I thought that it was time to revisit my original overview. Is a service like this helpful or in any way useful to improving health or athletic performance? I replay my original segment from Episode 4 and update it with some new insights. Also, a conversation with Canadian exercise physiologist and researcher Kate Wickham. Kate has in her early career already established herself as a quality researcher looking to reduce the gender gap in her field. We discuss some of her work as well as some of the limitations of exercise science research in general.

Segments:

[8:44]- Inside Tracker revisited

[25:50]- Kate Wickham

In this episode:

Iron deficiency is a common concern amongst athletes but is it a commonly occurring problem in this group? I review iron metabolism, dietary sources and the evidence on how frequently iron deficiency is found in the athlete population. I also look at what is known about iron deficiency and athletic performance as well as whether or not there is any benefit to iron supplementation. Plus, an interview with former Olympic cross country skier Kris Freeman. Kris had tremendous success in a sport that is generally dominated by Europeans and he did it while being diagnosed and learning to manage type 1 diabetes. After his skiing career, Kris has turned to triathlon where he continues to have great success and is at the forefront of understanding his disease and how to manage it.

Segments:

[6:11]- Iron deficiency in athletes

[26:35]- Interview with Kris Freeman

Links

Mark Allen YouTube video

Kris on FaceBook