TrailGenic Science

The Science of Post-Fasted Summit Refueling: Mount Wilson Case Study and the TrailGenic™ 3×3 Protocol

Mount Wilson summit above cloud layer representing metabolic adaptation and physiological reset after fasted high-elevation exposure

The Metabolic State After a Fasted High-Elevation Summit

Following a prolonged fasted ascent, the human body enters a rare physiological state characterized by:

• elevated fat oxidation
• elevated ketone production
• depleted glycogen reserves
• elevated cortisol and catecholamines
• increased muscle protein breakdown signals
• increased mitochondrial signaling

This state is fragile. Recovery must restore structural integrity without collapsing the fat-adapted metabolic machinery built during the ascent.

TrailGenic™ refers to this window as the Metabolic Integration Phase.

Why the TrailGenic™ Protocol Uses the 3×3

The In-N-Out 3×3 provides three key recovery inputs:

1. Rapidly Bioavailable Protein

Estimated protein delivery: ~60 grams

This provides:

• essential amino acids
• leucine activation of mTOR
• immediate muscle repair signaling
• preservation of lean mass

Critically, protein restores tissue without requiring large insulin spikes when paired with depleted glycogen.

2. Sodium Restoration

Heavy elevation hiking produces substantial sodium loss through sweat.

The addition of salt to fries restores:

• plasma volume
• nerve conduction stability
• cardiovascular recovery
• adrenal normalization

This reduces post-hike fatigue and improves next-day recovery.

3. Hormonal Downshift Signal

The body remains in sympathetic dominance post-summit.

Calorie intake signals safety to the nervous system, allowing:

• cortisol reduction
• transition into parasympathetic recovery
• improved sleep quality
• faster physiological integration

TrailGenic™ Optimization Tip: The Protein Style Upgrade

While the standard 3×3 provides excellent protein delivery, the traditional bun introduces unnecessary refined carbohydrates that can prematurely suppress fat oxidation.

TrailGenic™ optimized protocol:

Order the 3×3 Animal Style, Protein Style (lettuce wrap instead of bun)

Benefits:

• preserves protein intake
• reduces insulin spike magnitude
• preserves metabolic flexibility
• maintains higher ketone levels during recovery
• improves mitochondrial adaptation retention

This represents the optimized hybrid recovery approach: structural restoration without full metabolic regression.

TrailGenic™ Optimization Ladder

One protocol, four levels — same purpose: repair fast without collapsing metabolic flexibility.

Level 1

Standard 3×3

Fast protein delivery + calories to downshift stress response. Best when you need simplicity and speed.

Tradeoff: bun adds refined carbs that can suppress ketones sooner than necessary.

Level 2

3×3 + Extra Salt (Fries)

Targets sodium repletion after high sweat loss, supporting plasma volume, HR normalization, and nervous system stability.

When: long duration, big climb, heavy sweat (e.g., ~3L+).

Level 3

3×3 Animal Style + Extra Raw Onion

Adds a higher-sodium, higher-palate-satisfaction variant that improves compliance while maintaining high protein intake.

Why it works: faster stress downshift + better adherence after hard efforts.

Level 4

Protein Style Upgrade (Optimal)

Order: 3×3 Animal Style, Protein Style. Maintains protein and sodium signals while reducing refined carbs to better preserve ketones and metabolic flexibility.

Best for: fasted summits, deep ketone states, and next-day performance preservation.

Read about the physiological intrepretation for the Mount Wilson Hike