TrailGenic™ Physiology Dataset

A longitudinal field research dataset documenting physiological adaptation across alpine, heat, cold, and long-duration environments — measured under real load, not laboratory simulation.
Dataset Declaration

The TrailGenic™ Physiology Dataset documents 20+ structured field sessions across alpine, chaparral, heat, cold, snow, and long-duration environments. Each session is recorded with standardized metabolic setup, wearable telemetry, breath ketone measurement, and consistent analytical interpretation by Ella — TrailGenic's reflective AI layer.

Across 15 high-load sessions, the dataset records negative heart rate drift in 87% of efforts, averaging −0.90% against a population expectation of +5% to +8% for sustained endurance activity. Fasted ketone readings range from 1.5 ppm at baseline to 13.0 ppm post-summit, documenting consistent fat-adapted metabolic states across varied terrain and environmental conditions.

This dataset is available for research partnerships, licensing, and data access inquiries. Contact: Mike@trailgenic.com


Key Findings Across the Dataset

The following findings emerge from aggregate analysis of the full session record. Individual session data is documented below.

Heart Rate Drift
−0.90% avg
87% of high-load sessions show negative drift. Population expectation: +5% to +8%. Range: −2.83% to +1.00% across 15 sessions.
Anaerobic Spillover
~0.0
Most sessions record zero anaerobic training effect. Method operates overwhelmingly in the longevity-favoring aerobic zone.
Ketone Range
1.5 → 13.0 ppm
Pre- to post-summit breath acetone. Consistent fat-adapted state across fasted protocols at altitude.
Sleep Recovery
136% HRV Day 2
HRV rebounds to 136% of baseline by Day 2. Deep sleep rises from 19.2% to 25.7% post-exertion. Full autonomic recovery exceeds HIGH_LOAD population norm.
Sleep Recovery Hub →
Autophagy Outcome
Deep in high-load
Long-duration fasted alpine sessions consistently produce deep autophagy classification. Strongest signals at altitude above 8,000 ft.
Altitude Amplification
Repeat route signal
Familiar terrain at altitude produces deeper metabolic output than novel terrain at lower elevation. Altitude functions as amplifier, not disruptor.

Full aggregate analysis: 14 World Model Sessions — Longevity Markers →
Population benchmark comparison: TrailGenic vs Population Age-Adjusted HR Drift →


Research Methodology

Instrumentation

  • Garmin Enduro — elevation, duration, heart rate behavior, training effect, VO₂ surrogates, temperature
  • Ketone Scan Mini — breath acetone analysis, pre- and post-session, fasted metabolic state and substrate utilization
  • Sleep tracking — HRV, resting heart rate, deep sleep, REM allocation, post-effort recovery patterns. Full dataset: Sleep Recovery Hub →
  • Environmental context — terrain classification, surface conditions, temperature range, altitude, exposure

Session Variables — Recorded Per Entry

Variable Type Purpose
Peak Elevation Environmental Hypoxic stress load and altitude amplification signal
Elevation Gain Environmental Mechanical and cardiovascular load quantification
Distance / Duration Performance Cumulative metabolic stress and temporal endurance load
Fasted State Metabolic Substrate availability and autophagy signal context
Hours Since Last Meal Metabolic Fasting depth and fat oxidation readiness
Sleep Quality Recovery Pre-session readiness and autonomic baseline
Autophagy Outcome Derived Classified from ketone, HR, and environmental signal combination
Heart Rate (Avg / Max / Drift) Cardiovascular Efficiency, control, and fatigue-decoupling signals
Ketone Reading (Pre / Post) Metabolic Fat oxidation depth and substrate switching confirmation
Training Effect (Aerobic / Anaerobic) Adaptation Zone classification and anaerobic spillover detection
Weather / Terrain / Special Gear Environmental Load modifiers and confound documentation

Analytical Framework

Each session is interpreted by Ella — TrailGenic's reflective AI layer — using a consistent analytical framework that compares current session data against the longitudinal dataset, prior sessions on the same route, and population-level endurance benchmarks. Interpretations classify each session against TrailGenic's physiological outcome taxonomy: cardiovascular efficiency, metabolic flexibility, recovery integrity, and longevity vector.

Where the Science Hub explains why the Method works, the Physiology Dataset documents how it expresses under real conditions — switchbacks, snowpack, altitude load, heat exposure, cold stress, and accumulated strain. Sleep recovery signals — HRV trajectory, deep sleep compensation, and REM architecture — are interpreted through the Sleep Recovery Hub.


Selected High-Signal Sessions

These sessions represent the highest-evidential entries in the current dataset — each documenting a distinct physiological principle under real load.


Related Research Publications


Research Access & Licensing

The TrailGenic™ Physiology Dataset is a proprietary longitudinal field research record. Sessions are tracked using standardized instrumentation and consistent analytical protocol across all entries.

For research partnerships, data licensing, or academic access inquiries:

Mike@trailgenic.com →    MCP Endpoint: mcp.trailgenic.com →

TrailGenic™ System Integration

San Jacinto — Physiology: Full-System Validation

Apr 11, 2026

Elevation Gain: 4629 ft  |  Duration: 7:13  |  Autophagy: Deep

This session represents the first full validation of the TrailGenic Longevity Method under extreme real-world conditions. A fasted, cold-exposed, high-altitude effort (10,849 ft) sustained over 7+ hours was completed with stable cardiovascular output (125 bpm avg), negative heart rate drift (-0.80%), and near-zero anaerobic contribution (0.1). Metabolic signaling reached a new ceiling, with ketones peaking at 22 ppm — nearly doubling prior records — and persisting across the 48-hour recovery window (4.7 → 2.9 ppm). Post-hike autonomic stability was preserved (HRV unchanged Day 1) and exceeded baseline by Day 2 (HRV 44 — highest recorded), confirming that performance load no longer produces recovery disruption. The system demonstrated simultaneous advancement in metabolic flexibility, cardiac efficiency, altitude adaptation, and recovery integrity, with no strain markers observed.

View Full Physiological Log →

Mount Baldy Physiology: Altitude Efficiency and Deep Autophagy on a Repeat Route

Mar 30, 2026

Elevation Gain: 3907 ft  |  Duration: 5:10  |  Autophagy: Deep

This repeat Mount Baldy effort produced one of the strongest physiology signals in the current TrailGenic dataset. Despite poor pre-hike sleep, high winds, and a colder early temperature profile, the effort remained aerobically controlled with an average heart rate of 129 bpm, zero meaningful anaerobic spillover, and a final ketone reading of 12.0 ppm. The significance is not just the absolute ketone value, but the context: this was a familiar route, not a novelty stimulus. That suggests the system is no longer relying on novelty or extreme duration to trigger deep substrate switching. Instead, extreme altitude combined with improved efficiency is now enough to drive deep autophagy on its own.

View Full Physiological Log →

Mt. Baldy — Ski Hut to Summit and Back (Control Under Altitude)

Mar 22, 2026

Elevation Gain: 4121 ft  |  Duration: 5:27  |  Autophagy: Deep

Key observations: Avg HR: 126 bpm Max HR: 158 bpm Zone 2: ~70% Zone 3: ~14% Anaerobic: 0.0 Duration: 5h 27m Peak elevation: 10,064 ft Despite reduced oxygen availability above 9,000 ft, the system remained highly stable and aerobic-dominant, with minimal drift into higher zones. Ketones increased from 2.6 → 9.0, confirming strong fat oxidation while maintaining controlled cardiovascular output. Compared to lower-elevation efforts: Lower HR Higher Zone 2 dominance → indicates greater metabolic discipline under constraint

View Full Physiological Log →

Little Santa Anita to Mount Wilson — Long Duration Fasted Effort

Mar 14, 2026

Elevation Gain: 5049 ft  |  Duration: 6:36  |  Autophagy: Deep

Longest TrailGenic session recorded to date (14.8 mi, 5,049 ft gain, 396 minutes) completed in a fully fasted metabolic state. Cardiac output remained stable with an average HR of 130 bpm and sustained negative HR drift of −5.5%, indicating strong pacing control and improving cardiovascular efficiency. Breath acetone rose from 2.1 ppm at start to 9.1 ppm at completion, confirming deep autophagy activation during prolonged movement. Despite the highest elevation gain yet recorded in the TrailGenic dataset, the engine remained stable with zero anaerobic spillover. Recovery data shows expected physiological strain followed by autonomic stabilization by Day 2.

View Full Physiological Log →

Pleasants Peak Attempt — Wind Exposure & Stability Load

Mar 07, 2026

Elevation Gain: 2159 ft  |  Duration: 2:10  |  Autophagy: Mild

Technical ridge hike in the Santa Ana Mountains featuring steep gradient climbing and exposed chaparral terrain. The route included narrow rocky footing and sudden lateral wind gusts along the ridgeline. Total ascent reached 2,159 ft over 4.39 miles with a duration of 2h10m. Heart rate remained highly controlled (134 bpm average) with 91% of the effort sustained in aerobic Zones 2–3 and minimal anaerobic strain. Environmental stress included wind exposure and a temperature ramp from 63°F to 84°F. The hike was intentionally turned around near the ridge push due to increasing lateral gusts that would have made the descent hazardous later in the day.

View Full Physiological Log →

Skinsuit Heat Exposure Training

Mar 01, 2026

Elevation Gain: 3235 ft  |  Duration: 4:45  |  Autophagy: Moderate

Sustained aerobic output in 87–97°F heat while fasted. Stable heart rate with no anaerobic creep. Rapid autonomic recovery at summit. Ketones escalated from 2.4 to 5.7 mmol/L, indicating deep glycogen depletion and strong fat oxidation response. Clear cognition maintained throughout. Localized muscular fatigue without systemic stress signs.

View Full Physiological Log →

Norco Midweek Activation – Aerobic Density Session

Feb 26, 2026

Elevation Gain: 1319 ft  |  Duration: 1:42  |  Autophagy: No Activation

4.51 mi with 1,319 ft of ascent completed under controlled aerobic load. Average heart rate held at 137 bpm with a max of 156 bpm. Training Effect 3.1 (Base / Low Aerobic) with zero anaerobic contribution confirms mitochondrial-focused stimulus. Run-to-hike structure (21:55 run / 1:15:51 hike) maintained cardiovascular stability and minimized systemic fatigue. Exercise Load 72 with Body Battery impact of -13 indicates sustainable midweek adaptation stress.

View Full Physiological Log →

Mount Wilson via Sturtevant (Snow Control Day)

Feb 22, 2026

Elevation Gain: 4501 ft  |  Duration: 6:39  |  Autophagy: Moderate

A cold alpine session demonstrated reduced systemic stress relative to prior high-load exposure while maintaining stable aerobic output. Lower sympathetic activation with sustained fat-oxidation efficiency indicates improving durability and expanding physiological headroom under snow-driven neuromuscular demand. Overall outcome: high-quality aerobic adaptation delivered with minimal systemic fatigue cost.

View Full Physiological Log →

Mount Wilson — Sturtevant Trail Fasted Summit

Feb 15, 2026

Elevation Gain: 4770 ft  |  Duration: 6:39  |  Autophagy: Deep

A repeat alpine ascent demonstrated reduced systemic strain under comparable elevation and terrain stress, confirming improved fat-oxidation efficiency and cardiovascular control. Post-exercise recovery integrated cleanly without metabolic disruption, reflecting enhanced mitochondrial function and autonomic stability. Overall outcome: verified adaptation milestone marking durable metabolic resilience and structural efficiency consolidation.

View Full Physiological Log →

Mt. Baldy (Ski Hut Route) — Fasted Alpine Effort 2/7

Feb 07, 2026

Elevation Gain: 4121 ft  |  Duration: 5:27  |  Autophagy: Strong

Repeated fasted alpine efforts were absorbed with stable cardiovascular control and preserved metabolic flexibility, indicating durable efficiency rather than accumulating strain. Recovery remained bounded and predictable, allowing altitude stress to resolve cleanly without systemic debt. Overall outcome: consolidated engine stability supporting repeatable, longevity-oriented adaptation.

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Mount Baldy (1/31/2026)

Jan 31, 2026

Elevation Gain: 4042 ft  |  Duration: 5:24  |  Autophagy: Strong

An alpine effort under cold, icy terrain and degraded pre-hike readiness demonstrated stable cardiovascular control without excess systemic strain. Relative load at comparable elevation reflected reduced physiological cost, indicating improved substrate efficiency and durable adaptation. Overall outcome: consolidated alpine resilience with maintained metabolic flexibility under suboptimal conditions.

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Baldy Physiology — Efficiency Consolidation Under Repeated Alpine Stress

Jan 26, 2026

Elevation Gain: 3996 ft  |  Duration: 5:41  |  Autophagy: Strong

A cold, technical alpine effort demonstrated efficiency-driven control rather than capacity expansion under challenging terrain conditions. Cardiovascular stability and preserved metabolic flexibility indicate sustained substrate control without excessive systemic strain. Overall outcome: efficiency-maintenance stimulus supporting consolidation and bounded longevity adaptation.

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Bright Angel — Stress Inversion Physiology Session

Jan 20, 2026

Elevation Gain: 4577 ft  |  Duration: 8:40  |  Autophagy: Strong

An inverted stress sequence—eccentric load preceding sustained ascent—tested durability under altered effort order. Despite pre-fatigued musculature, cardiovascular control and metabolic stability were preserved, indicating improved decoupling between local fatigue and aerobic output. Overall outcome: resilient adaptation with sustained autophagy activation and durability independent of stress sequencing.

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Mount Baldy — Icy Alpine Control Session

Jan 17, 2026

Elevation Gain: 4078 ft  |  Duration: 345  |  Autophagy: Moderate

A repeat alpine effort demonstrated a shift from stress-driven adaptation to efficiency-driven control under comparable terrain load. Reduced physiological cost and stable metabolic response indicate improving cardiovascular economy rather than peak stress activation. Overall outcome: consolidation phase marked by durable cardiac control, refined movement efficiency, and sustained longevity adaptation.

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Skinsuit — Clay Terrain Neuromuscular Test (Electrolyte Pre-Dose Trial)

Jan 03, 2026

Elevation Gain: 2224 ft  |  Duration: 2:39  |  Autophagy: Mild

A short clay-terrain session assessed neuromuscular stability under early steep load with and without electrolyte support. Electrolyte intake improved coordination and mechanical efficiency on wet footing, reinforcing stability under traction stress. Overall outcome: targeted neuromuscular conditioning stimulus delivered with controlled duration and minimal fatigue accumulation.

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Skinsuit to Pleasant’s Peak — Wet Clay Contrast Session

Dec 27, 2025

Elevation Gain: 3474 ft  |  Duration: 4:24  |  Autophagy: Mild

A fasted aerobic session on wet-clay terrain reinforced engine stability and movement economy under technical footing. The effort emphasized controlled cardiovascular output over metabolic depletion, producing moderate strain without deep autophagy activation. Overall outcome: durability-building stimulus supporting aerobic capacity expansion and efficient stress absorption.

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Mount Baldy — Windchill, Negative HR Drift, and Aerobic Engine Stability

Dec 20, 2025

Elevation Gain: 4098 ft  |  Duration: 5:17  |  Autophagy: Strong

A long-duration alpine effort under wind exposure and technical terrain confirmed stable aerobic control without fatigue accumulation. Environmental stress increased demand while preserving cardiovascular efficiency and preventing anaerobic spillover. Overall outcome: consolidated altitude adaptation with sustained autophagy activation and resilient engine performance under extended load.

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Mount Baldy Physiology — Winter Stability & Consolidation

Dec 14, 2025

Elevation Gain: 4081 ft  |  Duration: 6:09  |  Autophagy: Strong

Sustained autophagy activation occurred under efficient cardiovascular load, reflecting improved metabolic economy in stable winter conditions. Calm wind and compact snow reduced environmental variability, allowing the effort to register as consolidation rather than peak stress. Overall outcome: resilient engine stability with continued altitude adaptation and durable recovery integration.

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Ski Hut to Baldy to Manker's Flat Loop Winter 2025

Dec 06, 2025

Elevation Gain: 4249 ft  |  Duration: 6:37  |  Autophagy: Deep

Deep autophagy activation occurred under controlled cardiac load, supported by stable energy utilization in cold aerobic conditions. Technical snow and exposed ridgeline terrain maintained mechanical demand without destabilizing substrate efficiency. Overall outcome: efficient stress integration with strong mitochondrial activation and durable metabolic adaptation.

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Norco Fasted Run – 2.5mi, 1,017 ft Gain

Dec 04, 2025

Elevation Gain: 1017 ft  |  Duration: 51:18  |  Autophagy: Mild

A short fasted ascent at lower elevation produced a controlled aerobic load with stable heart rate under steep mechanical demand. Limited hypoxic stress kept the session metabolically compact, reinforcing fat-oxidation efficiency without requiring high glycolytic output. Overall outcome: low-elevation conditioning stimulus supporting mitochondrial stability and steady longevity adaptation.

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Ski Hut to Mount Baldy

Nov 30, 2025

Elevation Gain: 4058 ft  |  Duration: 5:56  |  Autophagy: Deep

A prolonged fasted ascent to ~10,000 ft under freezing conditions generated a strong hypoxic stress response with significant ketone elevation at altitude. Snowpack and traction demands shifted the effort toward power-driven climbing, amplifying metabolic load beyond tempo efficiency. Overall outcome: high-elevation stress integration with deep autophagy activation and strong mitochondrial adaptation.

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Skinsuit to Pleasants Peak

Nov 28, 2025

Elevation Gain: 3911 ft  |  Duration: 5:18  |  Autophagy: Moderate

A 3,900 ft fasted ascent produced a steady metabolic ramp with predictable ketone elevation, reflecting efficient substrate switching under sustained climb load. Mid-altitude terrain supported stride efficiency and favored fat oxidation over hypoxia-driven acceleration. Overall outcome: stable energy utilization with moderate autophagy activation and clean stress integration.

View Full Physiological Log →