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Andrey Leskov

25 articles

sciencerunningtraininghealthnutritionhydration

Author's articles

Aortic dilation in runners over 40: adaptation or cause for concern

Aortic dilation in runners over 40: adaptation or cause for concern

In a 2026 Polish study, the ascending aorta of recreational runners over 40 was on average wider than in non-exercising peers: the difference was about 3–3.5 mm β€” but nobody’s diameter reached 4 cm. Canadian follow-up lasting up to 10 years shows that in veteran athletes, even a dilated aorta grows slowly. We look at where the line lies between an athlete’s normal and pathology, and what to do if your echo report says β€œdilation”.

runninghealthscience
Andrey Leskovβ€’
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Diamox in the mountains: higher oxygen saturation, but 32% less time to exhaustion

Diamox in the mountains: higher oxygen saturation, but 32% less time to exhaustion

Acetazolamide (Diamox; sold in Russia as Diakarb) is what people pack for Elbrus and high-altitude trail races to keep altitude sickness at bay. A double-blind study from October 2026 showed the flip side: at a simulated 3800 metres, a preventive dose raised oxygen saturation but cut time to exhaustion from 365 to 250 seconds. We look at why this happens, what older studies say and where doping control comes in.

trailtraininghealth
Andrey Leskovβ€’
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Paraxanthine instead of caffeine: what 14 rowers and 12 runners revealed about the β€œclean stimulant” made from a coffee metabolite

Paraxanthine instead of caffeine: what 14 rowers and 12 runners revealed about the β€œclean stimulant” made from a coffee metabolite

The liver turns about 70% of caffeine into paraxanthine, and now it is sold on its own β€” as a stimulant without the insomnia and jitters. In a 2026 RCT in rowers, paraxanthine by itself did not speed up a 2000 m test, and in a 2024 study of a 10 km run it did not change finishing time at all. It disrupted sleep after an evening session less β€” but that was measured with a questionnaire.

nutritionsupplementsscience
Andrey Leskovβ€’
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