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.
Many refer to lactate as a metabolic waste product (not really) and blame it for the muscle soreness that can plague us several days after a hard workout (not so, actually inflammation)[1].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[2]
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The lactate threshold is a point during exhaustive, all-out exercise at which lactate builds up in the bloodstream faster than the body can remove it. The only way to make up the difference is to rev up anaerobic glycolysis.
- Anaerobic glycolysis occurs in oxygen lacking environments. Ultimate end product of anaerobic glycolysis is lactate, which may be harmful to the cell itself, whereas that of aerobic glycolysis is water and carbon dioxide, which are not harmful to cells.
When the concentration of lactate in the blood starts to climb, our brain senses this and we start to feel nauseous. Within a few minutes we are forced to drop the intensity, ATP demand reduces, Glycolysis is slowed, lactate is cleared from the blood, and all is back to normal.
Anaerobic metabolism produces energy for short, high-intensity bursts of activity before the lactate build-up reaches a threshold where it can no longer be absorbed and, therefore, accumulates. This point is known as the lactate threshold.[1]
Lactate has gotten a bad rap for the past several decades. Many refer to it as a metabolic waste product (not really) and blame it for the muscle soreness that can plague us several days after a hard workout (not so, actually inflammation).[3]
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Resources[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Active Lactate Threshold and V02 Max Explained Available: https://www.active.com/triathlon/articles/lactate-threshold-and-v02-max-explained(accessed 28.11.2021)
- ↑ 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)
- ↑ Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Glycolysis Aerobic vs Anaerobic Glycolysis Available:https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-aerobic-and-anaerobic-glycolysis/ (accessed 28.11.2021)
