Lactate Threshold

• Define lactate threshold?

Lactate is a liquid that your body sends out when you exercise. If you push yourself too hard you'll push yourself past your lactate threshold (your optimal training range) and the lactate acid will accumulate in your muscles and slow you down.

• Why is it so important?

Because it shows the maximum place where you can train and the point where you will start slowing down if you go too far.

• How can runners use this information when developing training schedules?

Runners will most likely want to increase their lactate threshold because they need to get their endurance levels up, so they will probably make a fitness plan with their coaches trying to increase it.

• What factors determine your VO2 Max?

Your gender, your genetics, and your active heart rate.

• How can you improve your VO2 Max?

By using the overload principle. You do short intervals (2-4 min) of intense exercise then rest for a short time (30 sec–1 min), forcing your body to adapt to the exercising, thus increasing your lactate threshold.