TT053: Blood Test Results, Testosterone & First Time Triathlete

Triathlete Training Podcast: Triathlon, Ironman & Duathlon

Garrett Rock On Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and Testosterone Garrett Rock, the guest from episode 23, talks about a specific blood test result a listener sent in. The listener's hemoglobin and hematocrit had dropped significantly in a short period of time. His training in the days leading up to test #1 was limited, and during the other tests his volume was in the 12-15 hour range. Normal ranges for a male are 13.2-18 for hemoglobin and 38-54 for a male. These test results are lower than normal and they indicate something has gone awry. Items to look at include red blood cell indices, potential blood loss in the GI system or from ulcers. The results could result from a simple deficiency in iron, folate, or B12 which could either be from lack of intake or an absorption problem. Garrett explains how he would investigate further. At the time of the interview we didn't have the results of test #4, which showed a significant improvement. Test #1 17 Days Since Test#1 28 Days Since Test#1 34 Days Since Test#1 Hemoglobin 14 11 10.5 14.7 Hematocrit 42% 32% 31% 46% We also talked briefly about testosterone, which is usually on the lower side for both male and female triathletes. Garrett does blood testing for endurance athletes. Check out fiftyonespeedshop.com. First Year Triathlete Hilary Spires In November Hilary signed up for her first triathlon; a 70.3 event. Then she signed up for Ironman Canada. She just did an Olympic distance triathlon as her first ever triathlon. To compete she had to overcome a knee injury that resulted from wearing away the cartilage in her knee. She had micro-fracture surgery to grow it back, but the pain didn't go away until she started foam-rolling her legs. That was only a temporary fix as the pain came back as she did more running. Based on what she heard in previous Triathlete Training podcast episodes she changed from heel striking to mid-foot striking and that immediately eliminated her knee pain and hip pain. As a result her Ironman training is on track.