The TriDoc Podcast, triathlon and health in one place

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Matthew Marquardt crushed Kona and came home third overall — yes, third — but the real headline is how he did it: grit, discipline, and a refusal to let a three‑minute drafting penalty turn his day into a meltdown. I gush like a proud parent for about two minutes, then we actually unpack the race — the messy double‑pass on the bike, the calm T2 choices (yes, he tied his shoes on purpose), smart cooling tricks like gloved hand‑ice for evaporative cooling, and how he mentally ran his own race when guys sailed by. We also get...

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Kona delivered absolute chaos right out of the gate — Solvig collapsed multiple times and still somehow staggered to the line while Taylor kept her cool and stole the show, and the men’s race was equally cinematic with surprise podiums and penalties shaking up expectations. We nerd out on all the race drama — who flamed out from the heat, who played the island instead of their rivals, and why sticking to your own plan may be the only sane strategy in that oven of humidity. I rant (politely) about the broadcast — yes, some commentators were doi...

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Kristian Blumenfeldt is our pick to take Kona on the men’s side, with Laidlow and Gustav fighting for the rest of the podium — and yes, we spend far too much time arguing why that feels obvious while pretending it’s a balanced discussion. We also warn you that the reigning champ Kasper Stornes had the classic athlete move of riding in dangerous winds and is now out after a crash, which absolutely reshuffles the pre-race math (and the sympathy emojis). On the women’s side Taylor Knibb is the favorite — its her race to lose —...

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Cross-country skiing gives a fantastic endurance base without the pounding — and Sheila Kealey swears by it, using winter ski training to crush Ironman and 70.3 age groups, so yeah, skiing → triathlon actually works. I’m Jeff Sankoff and we geek out about how non‑impact, full‑body skiing sets you up for spring races, why keeping a little running in the winter matters, and how waxing, skin skis and snowmaking all play into whether you actually get to train. We also take a hard, sarcastic look at KA-EX, the Swiss‑looking recovery drink that promise...

We're diving headfirst into the world of triathlon as we gear up for the 70.3 World Championships in Nice! The big takeaway? Expect a shake-up in the women’s field with more solo athletes rather than the typical packs we’ve grown accustomed to. It’s gonna be a wild ride as Jeff Sankoff and guest Matthew Sharp break down the competition, highlighting some key names to watch, including the absence of defending champ Lucy Charles Barkley—talk about a plot twist! We’ll also chat about the course, which promises to be more challenging than Marbella, with its technical descents a...

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Risk management isn't just for the boardrooms and stock markets; it seems to infiltrate our lives as endurance athletes too. I had a chat with Brian Dunn, a seasoned triathlete who’s been through the wringer when it comes to cardiac health. You know, just your typical 'I’m a healthy athlete, but wait, why is my heart doing the cha-cha when I’m just trying to jog?' story. We dive deep into his journey through atrial fibrillation, which sounds like a fancy term for ‘my heart decided to throw a rave without my conse...

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So, guess what? This week we’re breaking the mold because there’s no guest interview—yep, you heard that right. After 203 episodes, I’m feeling a bit like a kid who shows up to school without their homework. But hey, life happens, right? Instead, we’re diving into a juicy medical mailbag question about the hot topic of whether Tylenol can actually boost your endurance performance. Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t exactly a mic drop moment. We’ll sift through some research that claims it could help, but don’t get too hyped; the benef...

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Tom's story unfolds against the backdrop of the triathlon community, where camaraderie and competition intertwine. The episode explores his encounters with friends and family along the racecourse, where support comes in many forms—from a simple high-five to the presence of loved ones at the finish line. As he recounts the grueling yet exhilarating moments of racing, he emphasizes the importance of having a support system. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of inclusivity in triathlon, as Tom reflects on the changing landscape of the sport. He highlights initiatives aimed at making tr...

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We answer a listener question about overtraining syndrome-what is it, how is it diagnosed and what can be done to prevent it and treat it once it is established. Unfortunately the literature is not robust on this subject as you shall hear but it does seem to be something that most Agers will not have to concern themselves with too much. Then, Jim Logan’s journey is one for the books—literally. This episode dives headfirst into his incredible story of battling stage 4 colon cancer and turning adversity into a springboard for inspiration. You hear...

It's the big 200, folks! Yup, that’s right, we’ve hit the milestone of our 200th episode of the Tridoc Podcast, and what a wild ride it’s been. Today, I’m diving deep with my awesome co-host, Coach Juliet Hockman, to reminisce about the last hundred episodes and pull out the seven things we've found that might actually help you in your training, racing, and recovery—spoiler alert: some of them are actually useful! We’ll also tackle a question from our medical mailbag about this new supplement called Nomio, which honestly sounds like a character in a bad kids' mo...

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We're diving into the wonderfully chaotic world of triathlons today, where you can go from "just trying out this whole biking thing" to obsessively collecting high-end gear faster than you can say "Dura-Ace." Our guest, Justin England from the Pro's Closet, is here to spill the tea on how they turned a near bankruptcy into a comeback story that’s got us all buzzing. We’re talking about the ins and outs of buying and selling used bikes, because let’s face it—triathlon gear can make your wallet weep. Plus, we’ll share s...

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Kicking off with a bang, we dive into the world of pro triathletes, where mental toughness is just as critical as physical strength. Tamara Jewett, a delightfully candid guest, shares her experiences of racing against not just her competitors, but also the mounting pressures of expectations and performance. We chat about how even the best athletes grapple with self-doubt, anxiety, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Tamara's journey from a promising runner to a formidable triathlete showcases how mental battles can be just as punishing as the physical ones—who knew? She also reflects on...

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As we dive into the episode, the conversation flows with Mike Sheridan, a true running aficionado who has proven that you can achieve greatness at any age. Mike’s narrative is not just about his accolades—though they are impressive, including setting a record for the marathon at 70—but it’s also about the journey he took to get there. We discuss the pivotal moment that reignited his passion for running when his son challenged him to a half marathon, and how that sparked a newfound love for the sport. The episode tackles the realitie...

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In this episode, we wade into the practical aspects of athletic performance, specifically the topic of omega-3 fatty acids. In our Medical Mailbag segment, we tackle a listener’s question about whether these fishy supplements really live up to their hype in enhancing athletic performance. While there's no denying that omega-3s have some health benefits, the evidence supporting their role in boosting performance is about as clear as muddy water. We dissect several studies, ranging from positive correlations in recovery to the reality that many athletes reported no significant performance improvements. So, are om...

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In the medical mailbag for this episode, Jeff and Juliet tackle a topic that’s been buzzing in the triathlon community: low-carb fueling strategies. Jeff navigates the murky waters of nutritional science, pointing out the absurdity of some claims while also acknowledging the success of those who swear by a low-carb diet. The discussion is peppered with anecdotes and real-world examples that make the science feel less like a lecture and more like a chat over coffee. They break down a recent paper that has people questioning everything they knew about endurance fueling, concluding th...

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This episode of the TRIDOC podcast is a delightful mix of triathlon talk, heartfelt farewells, and the ever-relatable struggle of balancing family life with athletic pursuits. Jeff, the host, kicks things off with some cheeky banter about his current location – a beachside paradise in Belize – while simultaneously reminding us that he’s recording from Denver, where the sun is always shining brightly. He quickly transitions into race season excitement, teasing listeners about the upcoming Oceanside 70.3 and all the fierce competition that awaits. But the real gem of this episode is Nina, the intern who’s been a...

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In a lighter segment, the show takes a detour into the whimsical side of triathlon training, with a humorous look at sauna use among athletes. The hosts joke about the absurdities of heat acclimation protocols, like sweating it out in a sauna to prepare for hot races. They dive into the science behind sauna use, discussing its benefits for recovery and performance enhancement. While the conversation is peppered with sarcasm and playful banter, there’s also a genuine exploration of how athletes can safely incorporate sauna sessions into their training routines without pushing themselves to...

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Diving into the depths of psychological performance in sports, this episode of the TriDoc Podcast features an engaging discussion between host Jeff Sankoff and psychologist Dr. Jim Taylor. They explore the concept of mastering adversity as a way to enhance athletic performance, particularly in triathlons. The conversation kicks off with a humorous nod to Jeff's raspy voice, a remnant of his recent battle with a respiratory infection, which he cleverly ties into the theme of overcoming challenges. Dr. Taylor shares invaluable insights on resilience, emphasizing that the mental tools athletes develop through life experiences...

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In this episode, we tackle the serious and often absurd world of knee injuries with none other than Dr. Kevin Stone, who’s here to enlighten us on the magic of meniscus grafts. Who knew that those pesky, creaky knees could be treated in ways that actually buy you time? We delve into a recent study where older adults facing knee replacements found salvation in meniscus grafts, with 42% enjoying years of relief! It’s like finding out that your old, broken-down car can actually run again with just a little tinkering – who knew? Dr. Stone...

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If you’re ready for some serious nutrition school, then strap in! We’re diving into the world of endurance sports and the not-so-secret ingredient that can make or break your performance: protein. The medical mailbag take on the hype around methylene blue-a commercial dye promoted to some endurance athletes despite a lack of evidence proving that it has any use for this purpose at all. Then, our guests, Matthew Shuster and Eric Zaltis, the masterminds behind Adra Labs, are here to enlighten us on why protein is not just for bodybuilders but is cruc...

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We kick things off with Jeff Sankoff, your friendly neighborhood emergency physician and triathlon coach, who dives deep into the complexities of statins—those little pills that promise to lower your bad cholesterol but might just be sabotaging your endurance gains. Joined by the ever-enthusiastic coach Juliet Hochman, they tackle a listener's burning question: can statins really hinder your performance in endurance sports? They dissect the science, sprinkle in some personal anecdotes, and engage in a lively back-and-forth that will keep you hooked. It’s a perfect blend of medical wisdom and relatable humor, remi...

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The Tridoc Podcast kicks off 2026 with a bang, diving headfirst into the ever-elusive concept of 'finding your why' in the world of multisport. It’s that magical question that every triathlete grapples with at some point, often while gasping for air and questioning their life choices during a brutal workout. The hosts, Jeff and Juliet, tackle how motivations can evolve as we age and our lives change—because let’s face it, the reason I signed up for a triathlon at 20 might not cut it when I’m staring down my 40s and wondering if I sho...

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Welcome back to another episode!

Leslie Keener, the mastermind behind the Running Up for Air series, joins us to discuss how her initiative is turning endurance sports into a battleground for air quality awareness. Picture this: runners scaling mountains, huffing and puffing not just from the effort, but also from the smog. It’s a wild concept that started when one guy realized he was training for a race in a polluted valley while breathing in what could only be described as a toxic miasma. Talk about a wake-up call!

Le...

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We’re diving into the wild world of vagal nerve stimulators today. Yep, you heard that right – those fancy gadgets might just be the next big thing for recovery, or they might be the latest gimmick to separate you from your cash. We’ll be chatting about how these devices are supposed to help athletes bounce back after a grueling workout, but spoiler alert: the science is still a bit shaky. Also, our guest, Jess Cerra, is here to share how she turned her kitchen experiments into a successful energy bar business and co-founded a grav...

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Can smiling make you perform better? We know that when you are happy that you will smile but it turns out that the relationship may be more of a two way street. that is to say, if you smile it can actually make you happy as well. On the Medical Mailbag we look at some fascinating science that suggests smiling can have some pretty important impacts on performance. Plus, I chat with Will Hicks, the brain behind the Air Track app, which does the heavy lifting of tracking air pollution like a hawk with...

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If you're going to take one nugget of wisdom from this chat, let it be this: there are absolutely no shortcuts to health and wellness. Seriously, 99.9% of the so-called miracle products and supplements out there? Yeah, they don’t do squat—at least not in the way they claim. Join me and my guest, the exercise wizard Nick Tiller, as we dive into the wild world of wellness myths that social media is just itching to sell you. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly a dumpster fire of misinformation, and we’re here to help you sift...

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In this episode, we are tackling the very real question of glucosamine supplements and their supposed benefits for athletes. As we navigate through the medical mailbag segment, we dive deep into the research surrounding glucosamine, looking at whether it has any real impact on cartilage repair and overall joint health for those of us who put our bodies through the ringer on race day. We explore the mixed evidence surrounding glucosamine, discussing how it’s often touted as a miracle worker in the world of sports medicine. We dissect the studies that claim benefits, wh...

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In the Medical Mailbag we look at the evidence behind using ventilatory metrics to assess and prescribe training zones as well as training loads especially as it pertains to measurement with the new to market Tymewear chest strap. This tech got a lot of buzz at this year's Tour de France but is it ready for adoption by age groupers? Plus, we catchup with the whirlwind journey of Matthew Marquardt, a med student who’s also a triathlon sensation. With a season filled with victories, including a dazzling performance at the World Championships, Matthew sh...

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L-theanine is found in tea leaves and promises to help you be calm and focused. Does it work and is there evidence it can help you perform better? We look in to it on the Medical Mailbag. Then, we're diving headfirst into the wild world of wellness disinformation in this episode, where we tackle the absurdity of trusting health influencers like Dr. Joseph Mercola, who somehow manages to make a fortune peddling questionable advice. Our guest, Jonathan Jarry, a science communicator from McGill University, spills the tea (pun totally intended) on Mercola's bizarre reliance...

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Diving into the chaotic yet exhilarating world of triathlon and medicine, this episode showcases the fascinating journey of Pavlos Antoniedes, a medical student who somehow juggles both rigorous academic studies and being a national-level triathlete. Imagine the life of someone who, while mastering the complex anatomy of the human body, also trains like a beast, preparing for grueling competitions. The conversation starts with the absurdity of trying to balance a medical career with the demands of elite triathlon training. Pavlos shares his backstory—how he transitioned from hockey to triathlon, driven by family ties an...

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In the MMB we take a look at the science behind the popular homeopathic remedy arnica. Is there any merit to this topically applied plant derivative for treating delayed onset muscle soreness? Plus, our guest, Stephanie Van Bebber, brings her expertise in clinical research to the table as we navigate through the headlines that have left many in the running community feeling a bit queasy (and not just from the gels).

The study in question reveals that ultra runners might be at an increased risk for advanced adenomas, those pesky precursors to...

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Creatine is all the rage being pushed by nutritionists and coaches on anyone who will listen. This supplement would seem to be the answer to all that ails you if you give any credence to the innumerable influencers who proselytize about its benefits. But what does the science say and specifically, what does it say with respect to endurance athletes? On the Medical Mailbag we dig in and try to find the real answers. Then, our guest Silas Eastman brings us on a wild ride through the world of cross country skiing and the...

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Follow Jeff and Juliet as they discuss the latest in shark deterrent technology, it’s clear they’re not just swimming in shallow waters; they’re making waves with some serious scientific discussions. After that, we’re diving right into the wild world of photography and entrepreneurship with our guest, Adam Barker, who’s here to chat about his journey from snapping epic shots of athletes to launching his own shaving brand for the leg-shaving men out there. You heard that right—he’s not just a talented photographer, but also a man on a mission to h...

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In a world where our running shoes are often treated like disposable fashion items, Stuart Jenkins, CEO of Blumaca, is on a mission to change the narrative. With a background in competitive running that once led him to the Olympic trials, he’s now tackling the issue of foam waste in footwear with a sense of urgency that’s downright inspiring. After uncovering the shocking amount of foam waste generated by shoe manufacturing – enough to produce billions of insoles – he decided to repurpose that foam into high-quality, sustainable products. This episode isn't just a feel-goo...

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The Medical Mailbag answers a question about tendonitis and how to treat it—because who doesn’t want to know why their body is crapping out on them mid-training? Jeff and Juliet break it down with a sharp wit that makes even the dullest medical advice sound entertaining. Spoiler alert: it turns out tendonitis is more complex than just a simple ailment, and the insights shared will make you rethink your approach to running injuries. Then, the episode's guest Hilary Topper details her journey from a workaholic to an endurance athlete. Where she started from...

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Transitions in triathlon aren't just a necessary evil; they’re like the secret sauce that can make or break your race day. Seriously, it takes zero special talent to nail a transition—just a sprinkle of practice and a dash of planning, and voila! You're gliding through T1 and T2 like a pro while the rest of the field is still fumbling with their gear. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of transitions—how to streamline the process, avoid the dreaded brain freeze that hits right after you exit the water, and ul...

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In the MMB we spotlight the increasing dangers cyclists face on the road today, a topic that weighs heavily on the minds of many. With statistics showing a shocking rise in cyclist fatalities, Jeff and Juliet dig into the science behind these incidents and share their own experiences of fear and frustration. It’s not all doom and gloom, though! They offer practical advice on how to stay safe while cycling, including the importance of visibility and the benefits of riding in groups. Through their banter, we also get a glimpse of the community as...

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On the Medical Mailbag we look at the concept of fueling your endurance performance with potatoes. Can it be done? Should it? Then, I talk with Phil Billikopf the Chilean born CEO of Mauna Endurance and MNA Coaching. He has covered a lot of ground and brings his success in multisport and business acumen to triathlon apparel and coaching.

Segments:

[08:40]- Medical Mailbag: Potatoes as endurance fuel

[34:18]- Interview:Philip Billikopf

Links

@pbillikopf on Instagram

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We’re diving into the chaos of triathlon training this week, and trust me, it's not a walk in the park. Our guests today, the dynamic duo of Gerard and Jordy Donnelly, are here to spill the tea on why nailing your power output is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle—nearly impossible, but oh-so-rewarding when you get it right! They’ve seen countless beginners pedal like they’re in a wind tunnel, struggling to keep their power steady against Mother Nature’s whims. We’ll also chat about the absurdity of...

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On the medical mailbag we look at respiratory muscle training and the Breather device. Do you need to inhale hard to pump up your diaphragm to get more power to the pedals? Plus Michael Arashita joins us today to dive into the wild world of triathlons and nutrition, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. With a background that screams “overachiever” — think pre-med biochemistry and an MBA in healthcare — he’s transitioned from pro triathlete to the mastermind behind Blanks Nutrition, a company that’s literally taking the labels off traditional sports nutrition.

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