The Triathlete’s Training Bible will make triathletes smarter, stronger and faster

Review by Ross Tucker

Joe Friel’s Triathlete’s Training Bible, now in its 3rd edition, has become an indispensable tool for triathletes of all levels wishing to improve their performance using evidence-based methods and principles. Of most credit to the book is that it is very obviously a sound theoretical treatise, heavily based on scientific truths, as well as Friel’s own experience of having worked with triathletes for many years. Yet it does not overplay its hand, forcing technical scientific information on the reader and aspirant improver. Rather, it guides decision-making for all situations, covering topics ranging from motivation (the art) to metabolism (the science), always in a very clear, concise and practical manner. As for scientists who work with athletes, the value is in appreciating how Friel balances the complexity of the science of performance, with the requirement to give athletes tangible, easily implementable advice, and this is something all sports scientists can borrow from.

[Also, click here for a link to Joe Friel's blog - ed.]

Cold Water Immersion is one of the latest trends in encouraging recovery. At the Olympics several swim teams set up immersion tanks on the warm-up pool deck for “recovery”.

What are your thoughts? Do you have evidence that they help? Please do share your thoughts on Cold Water Immersion with us at the BJSM.

(Via timesonline.co.uk)

The doctor at the centre of the “Bloodgate” scandal at Harlequins has been suspended from practising medicine pending further investigations into her conduct.

Wendy Chapman, a hospital consultant, has been forbidden by the General Medical Council (GMC) from working as a doctor amid allegations that she deliberately cut the lip of Tom Williams, the Harlequins wing, with a scalpel in order to cover up his attempt to fake an injury using a capsule of red theatrical dye. Read more…

Click here to read the original article.

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My concern with the prophylactic use of NSAIDs occurs in endurance athletes. My anecdotal experience is that endurance runners attempting distances categorised as ultra races (ie longer than a marathon) may regularly take NSAIDs during an event in a misguided attempt to delay muscle fatigue. I have even seen NSAIDs being referred to as “Vitamin I” in some running literature.

Acute renal failure with NSAID therapy is mediated hemodynamically as a result of decreased renal perfusion after inhibition of prostacyclin synthesis. Decreased renal perfusion in ultra distance events can be caused by dehydration. Factor into the equation the muscle breakdown that occurs in these events and possible rhabdomyolysis.

This triple insult to the kidneys can lead to renal failure and dialysis, if not death. I suspect that many ultra endurance athletes, whether this be running or triathlon, are unaware of the possibility of renal failure that may occur when prophylactically taking NSAIDs during an event.

Stephen H. Boyce
Consultant Emergency Medicine
Wishaw General Hospital, North Lanarkshire, Scotland