Why Metabolic Testing at Fast Talk Labs in Boulder, Colorado Is a Game Changer for Cyclists, Triathletes, & Runners

Endurance athletes know the power of precise training. But what if you could tailor every workout to your body’s unique metabolic demands? At our Boulder-based performance lab, we offer metabolic testing that reveals your unique physiology. With our metabolic testing results and post-testing guidance, every workout can move you closer to peak performance.

Fast Talk Laboratories offers lab-grade metabolic testing for cyclists, triathletes, runners, and uphill athletes (skimo and mountaineering) using our in-office Parvo Medics TrueOne® 2400 metabolic cart and Wahoo KICKR Core smart trainer and off-site treadmill testing equipment.

What Is Metabolic Testing?

Metabolic testing is a science-backed method to analyze how your body processes energy during exercise. Using validated testing protocols for VO2max and lactate profiling, your metabolic test results will reveal your ventilatory (LT1) and lactate (LT2) thresholds, as well as your body’s unique energy demands at different exercise intensities. These test results will reveal your most effective training zones for any endurance sports including cycling, triathlon, running, skimo, and high-intensity fitness like CrossFit or Hyrox.

Whether you’re preparing for Leadville, Boulder IRONMAN 70.3, a challenging gravel race, or simply looking to level up your endurance abilities, metabolic testing delivers the data-driven insights that elite athletes swear by.

Metabolic Testing in Our Boulder, Colorado Lab

After scheduling your metabolic test, you will come to our Boulder office for your test to be administered by exercise physiologist and sports dietitian Jared Berg. Your test will include a ramp protocol that assesses VO2max, lactate thresholds, and fuel utilization data from easy to medium to hard workout intensities. Expect your test to last 30-45 minutes. We have a private changing room, shower facility, and free parking available.

At our physiological and testing performance center, we offer metabolic tests and consults for cycling, running, and uphill sports.

Jared Berg Director of Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition Services

What Your Test Will Reveal

Immediately following your test, Jared will analyze and interpret your results. You’ll learn:

  • Ventilatory thresholds that identify key metabolic changes
  • Accurate training zones based on heart rate, power, and pace
  • Metabolic demands of training in Zone 2 and just under or just at threshold
  • Energy demands at race pace, helpful for fueling in longer races
  • VO2max data and ways to improve your VO2max
  • Individualized training guidance that can take advantage of your unique metabolic strengths and address areas of improvement

Beyond the Data: Personalized Training Insights

Fast Talk Labs metabolic tests are more than just data charts. After presenting your results, Berg will suggest a strategy for race pacing based on your unique metabolic profile. He’ll highlight:

  • Opportunities to improve muscle fiber recruitment of Type 1 vs. Type 2 muscle fibers
  • Adjustments to time spent in training zones
  • Recommendations for adding VO2max intensity workouts
  • Smart fueling guidelines to sustain performance

This personalized feedback will help you optimize your training blocks, recovery periods, and race-day execution–all based on your personal physiology.

Boulder Is the Epicenter of High-Performance Physiology

Thanks to its higher elevation, elite training community, and decades of sports legacy, Boulder is a top destination for metabolic testing in Colorado. Our performance center is nestled in a location that draws Olympic athletes, professional cyclists, elite and age-group runners, professional triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Who Should Get Metabolic Testing?

  • Cyclists refining their FTP and endurance training zones
  • Trail runners preparing for ultramarathons with big elevation gain and loss
  • Marathoners seeking PRs or qualifying times for Boston or NYC marathons
  • Triathletes who must build aerobic capacity across three sports
  • Athletes looking for more precise training zones for their self-coaching or to help their coaches
  • Individuals interested in longevity looking for VO2max scores

How to Schedule Your Test

Ready to reveal your metabolic profile? Book your appointment with Jared Berg below to unlock your potential. From Boulder’s endurance hub, you’ll come away with insights that will enable smarter training and faster racing. Questions? Contact us for more info.

SCHEDULE METABOLIC TESTING

Erica Clevenger physiological lab test performance center

Cycling, Running, or Uphill Metabolic Test and Consult

Your Metabolic Test will reveal:

  • Ventilatory thresholds that identify key metabolic changes
  • Accurate training zones based on heart rate, power, and pace
  • Your metabolic demands of training in Zone 2 and just under or just at threshold
  • Your energy demands at race pace

After your test, Berg will present your results and a suggested race-pacing strategy based on your unique metabolic profile. He will identify opportunities for improvement like balancing Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fiber involvement in training, adjusting time spent in specific training zones, recommendations for adding VO2max intensity workouts, and guidelines on fueling.

Triathlon Bike & Run Same-Day Metabolic Test Package

The Triathlon Bike & Run Same-Day Metabolic Test Package expands on the Cycling, Running, or Uphill Metabolic Test and Consult by including triathlon cycling and running testing and profiling.

Athletes will perform both the bike and run tests on the same day with a break between tests. The cycling test intensity is capped near the threshold to ensure applicable results for both tests.

Your Metabolic Test will reveal:

  • Ventilatory thresholds that identify key metabolic changes
  • Accurate training zones based on heart rate, power, and pace
  • Your metabolic demands of training in Zone 2 and just under or just at threshold
  • Your energy demands at race pace

After your test, Berg will present your results and a suggested race-pacing strategy based on your unique metabolic profile. He will identify opportunities for improvement like balancing Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fiber involvement in training, adjusting time spent in specific training zones, recommendations for adding VO2max intensity workouts, and guidelines on fueling.

VO2max testing and lactate testing in Boulder Colorado

LACTATE TESTING IN BOULDER

Fast Talk Laboratories offers lab-grade lactate analysis testing in our Boulder office. For cyclists, we offer lactate testing using our lactate meters and our in-office Wahoo KICKR Core smart trainer. For runners, we offer lactate testing off-site on high-performance treadmills.

How Lactate Testing Works

After scheduling your Lactate Test, you will come to our Boulder, Colorado office for your test administered by exercise physiologist, Jared Berg. The testing protocol is similar to Metabolic Testing but measures lactate parameters and does not include ventilatory parameters.

Your Lactate Test will reveal:

  • Lactate thresholds (LT1 and LT2) indicating key metabolic changes throughout the test
  • Accurate training zones based on heart rate, power, and pace
  • Peak lactate and lactate recovery (depending on the testing protocol)

After your test, Jared will analyze and interpret your test results. He will suggest a recommended race pacing strategy, adjustments for time spent in specific training zones, and recommendations for adding VO2max intensity workouts.

A cyclists gets a lactate test

SWEAT ANALYSIS & HYDRATION STRATEGY

Fueling is just half the equation. By measuring how your body loses liquids and salt, we will craft a hydration and electrolyte replacement strategy that can help you ensure you don’t sweat out your race performance.

Sweat Analysis includes:

  • sweat rate and sodium concentration analysis
  • personal hydration and electrolyte replacement plan

VO2MAX TESTING IN BOULDER

A VO2max test can reveal your ability to burn energy and produce power. With those results, Berg can:

  • Benchmark your current ability against others in your age group
  • Suggest ways to raise your VO2max
  • Recommend training adaptations to improve how much power you can produce at VO2max and threshold intensities