Lactate threshold is the exercise intensity at which lactate accumulates in the bloodstream at a quicker rate than it is eliminated. It is about 80–90% of VO₂ max and can be sustained for 30–60 minutes. Endurance training to develop lactate threshold—by doing tempo runs, long intervals, or threshold rides—increases the intensity at which fatigue occurs, and allows athletes to maintain faster rates and rates of work for prolonged durations of effort. Threshold pace, power, or heart rate is estimated using laboratory testing or field protocols and then workouts are constructed to work below or at the critical intensity. The creation of lactate threshold is critical to improving the performance of all endurance sports.
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