Lactate Threshold
Original Editor - lucinda hampton
Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
An important factor in running a fast marathon race is the ability to run at the fastest possible speed without becoming tired. This optimal speed or “threshold” is related to several changes that happen in our body as we exercise, including the build-up of chemicals in the blood. Blood lactate is one such substance that accumulates in the blood during exercise.
Lactate threshold is a term used in exercise physiology to describe specific changes (or breakpoints) to this substance during exercise.
Blood lactate is often incorrectly thought of as a waste product and mistakenly thought to be responsible for muscle fatigue, but it is now recognised as an important energy source. Still, exercise above the lactate threshold is associated with more rapid fatigue and, as such, the speed at lactate threshold is a powerful predictor of endurance performance.
A higher lactate threshold will enable a higher running speed to be sustained without blood lactate accumulating, enabling the running speed to be maintained for an extended period. Elite male and female marathon runners have reported lactate threshold speeds of 18-21km/h[1]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ The Conversation Science of champion runners: inside the body of elite endurance athletes Available: https://theconversation.com/science-of-champion-runners-inside-the-body-of-elite-endurance-athletes-146639(accessed 28.11.2021)
