Taking Care of Our Engine

Michelle Murphy

by Michelle Murphy
Peak Performance and Prevention

​Triathlon season is upon us… We have registered for our A race and B race.  Training is in full throttle…With each season we want to perform at a higher level with greater execution skill, durability and power…  This comes with a price-a steep price… time, bikes, coaching, gym fees, travel fees, the gadgets, the nutrition, the kits, etc…

We make this massive investment but how many of us are thinking about the engine that is pushing the pedals and propelling us through the water?

The engine that we rely on to stay ahead of our pedal stroke, and carry us to the finish line is often the most neglected part of the plan.  We only give credence to our amazing bodies when we feel it fails us-when we lack sleep, over train, or face an injury. 

At P3 we identify the engine status with cardiovascular, metabolic, genetic, nutritional and hormonal factors. What is your composition (percentage body fat vs muscle mass/extracellular vs intracellular water/L and R side muscular symmetry) and why does it matter? All contribute to the function and efficiency of the engine.
 
I am sharing my personal labs for reference to demonstrate the level/depth of insight that we track and use in our personalized plans.  Data geeks brace yourself… this is super fun! (Note: page 1 photo of lab results and all lab result file button below)
 
At Peak Performance & Prevention we use the principles of Functional Medicine to map the engine and then optimize it.

• Genetics: You can’t control the genes you have but you can use the data to identify genetic metabolic pathways that allow for optimization of fueling, nutrition, and bigger picture risk that can be mitigated.
• Metabolic: How high functioning is your thyroid? How rapidly can you access your fuel-this is different for each of us. Can you access glucose within 15 minutes or 3 hours (this is critical in race execution and for assessing diabetic risk)? Are you resistant to using glucose or insulin? If so, how do you fix it? Is your body fat releasing leptin or adiponectin… this matters!
• Nutrition: Protein levels, vitamin markers, metabolism of cholesterol, CoQ10 levels, and Omega 3 levels.  What is your genetic capacity to metabolize carbohydrates, protein, or fats most efficiently? Are you taking supplements? Which ones and why? Are they working? How do you know? Does the brand matter? (Hint: sometimes!)
• Hormone Levels: DHEA, Estradiol, Estrone, Progesterone, Testosterone and Free Testosterone, Sex Binding Globulin-What is your age and what can you do to optimize your hormones so you can recover and perform well? We help identify natural ways to improve your youth hormones not just for sport but to delay the onset of age related diseases-Metabolic Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, etc…

After obtaining the data from blood samples each client has 1.5 hour appointment to review the labs and establish a strategic plan to address each individual's goals and obstacles.

Many RTB members have reaped enormous reward by joining forces with Peak Performance & Prevention, and many are happy to share their stories.  Reach out anytime if you are interested in scheduling a lab draw and consult with our team.  [email protected]. 425. 441.3330.

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Full Lab Results (click here)