Mt. Baldy via Ski Hut — Autophagy Hike (Longer Fast Test)
This Baldy summit tested more than endurance — it tested the boundaries of fasting. Starting at 12:30pm under hot, late-day sun, the climb demanded deeper energy reserves than usual. Near the summit, the body responded with dizziness and a wave of chilly sweat — clear markers that this window may be too long to remain fully fasted at altitude.
In that moment, resilience alone wasn’t enough. I made the call to use the emergency fuel I had carried. That decision turned what could have been a risky situation into a safe, steady finish. TrailGenic hikes are about sharpening the mind and unlocking autophagy, but also about listening to the body and not pushing past safe thresholds. Safety has to come first — no summit is worth risking collapse.
Going forward, the sweet spot for my fasted hikes may be closer to 12–14 hours, with electrolytes and recovery protein dialed in. Beyond that, the risks can outweigh the benefits. This reflection underscores the TrailGenic philosophy: true strength comes not just from endurance, but from wisdom in knowing where the edge is — and respecting it.
This hike was a controlled test of extended fasting, but the lesson is clear: we test limits, not push them.
TrailGenic™ isn’t about reckless extremes. It’s about building resilience with wisdom — knowing that safety makes every summit sustainable.
This hike was a deliberate test of longer fasting in hotter, late-day conditions. It revealed the edge of metabolic capacity: dizziness and chills near the summit showed how fasting, heat, and altitude interact. The takeaway — autophagy hikes are powerful, but must be balanced with safety and awareness.