What is metabolism? The biochemical process of combining nutrients with oxygen to release the energy needed for the body to function (measured in calories). Why is this important as an endurance athlete? As an endurance athlete, fat and carbohydrates (carbs) are the two main sources of energy. By getting a metabolic test done you can determine how well you body is using fat as a fuel source; how many calories you are burning measured in units of time, and how many of these calories are coming from fat. You can also determine your daily caloric needs to lose, maintain, or gain weight.
One of the primary goals of training is to improve your body’s ability to use fat as a fuel source. Fat is virtually an unlimited source of fuel in the body; whereas, carbohydrates are a limited source of fuel. Testing is a way to pinpoint your lactate threshold and your anaerobic threshold which will enable you to establish heart rate zones for training. When training new clients, I start all of them off with metabolic testing; this enables me to determine where their current fitness level is and what we need to do to progress to their next fitness level. I recommend triathletes get tested on the bike as well as the run. On average your anaerobic threshold is usually about 10 beats lower on the bike as opposed to the run. However, I have seen as much as a 40 beat difference from the bike to the run.
These tests are relatively inexpensive compared to much of the equipment needed to compete in triathlons (i.e. bike, wetsuit, etc). Most places charge from $100 to $300 per test, which is are great value considering the information you’ll receive. Time is an obstacle for everyone. Testing is a way to allow you to use your time efficiently. By establishing heart rate zones and knowing your current fitness level, you can develop a plan to maximize it. Metabolic testing allows you to train smarter, not harder.
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Growing up Ron Arroyo was not an endurance athlete; he was a football and baseball player and powerlifter. It wasn’t until he was in his early 30's that he made a commitment to the sport of triathlon. He has coached hundreds of athletes in all disciplines. He currently coaches 50 athletes in triathlon, cycling, swimming and running. He is a USAT, USA Cycling, New Leaf metabolic specialist, and a NASM personal trainer.
To learn more about Ron and his coaching, visit www.arroyoracing.com.