This post written by Pat Kozma. Pat is a Level 1 USAT certified coach, Metabolic Efficiency Training Specialist and coaches numerous Running Wild Training Programs.
Ever felt like you’ve “shut down” during a workout or race? Your stomach literally says NO WAY – you can’t eat or drink anything, even water. As the intensity of the exercise increases, the working muscles require more blood. Therefore, less blood is directed to the stomach. The uncomfortable feeling makes you slow down significantly. If this is you, learning more about Metabolic Efficiency Training will help.
Metabolic Efficiency training relates to how athletes train their bodies to burn more fat vs carbohydrates. By doing this, you reduce the amount of calories needed during endurance type events, thus reducing he possibility of GI issues.
In the words of Bob Seebohar from his book Metabolic Efficiency Training, “Metabolic Efficiency Training (MET) comprises specific nutrition and physical training techniques that manipulate cellular processes in ways that improve the body’s ability to utilize macronutrients. The main benefit of MET is that it allows the body to more efficiently use macronutrients. Aerobic training induces cellular changes that improve the body’s efficiency in using macronutrients, specifically fats. This is important, because fat burning is the main source of energy when the exercise intensity is low. Because the muscle stores of glycogen (carbohydrate-based fuel) can deplete rather quickly (after two to three hours of moderately intense exercise) and supplemental carbohydrates (e.g. sports drinks) cannot provide adequate energy for longer-distance training due to the GI distress they cause or the inconvenience of transport, it is beneficial to teach the body to become more metabolically efficient in using fats as an energy source. These metabolic changes can typically happen in as little time as two weeks with the proper eating and training program.”
Coach Bob is a Level 3 Elite & Junior certified coach. He’s worked with Olympian and National champions. Bob holds several degrees in Exercise & Sport Science with a master’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Basically, totally impressive knowledge base. I had the pleasure of sitting in on one of his lectures during a USAT certification. When it comes to Metabolic Efficiency training, Bob wrote the book…literally and figuratively.
Join us as we delve into the topic of Metabolic Efficiency Training here on the blog, next installment coming soon.
