What's My Lactate Threshold?

From Running Competitor online…

Ask The Experts: How Do I Find My Lactate Threshold?

Q.

Dear Matt,

I’ve read and heard all about the benefits of training at lactate threshold intensity. But what’s the best way to figure out my lactate threshold heart rate?

Ben

A.

Dear Ben,

There’s actually nothing particularly special about training at lactate threshold intensity. Yes, it is a powerful fitness booster, but so is training above and below lactate threshold intensity. The apparent specialness of lactate threshold intensity has been artificially inflated by the choice of scientists to single it out for individual attention.

Basically, it works like this: If scientists choose to study the effects of lactate threshold intensity on performance, they will have one group of runners train strictly at moderate intensity and another group add one or two lactate threshold-intensity workouts to their training. Both groups will be subjected to performance tests before and after the training intervention. The group that does lactate threshold training improves more, so lactate threshold intensity is confirmed as this magical intensity “sweet spot” with unparalleled fitness-boosting powers compared to other training intensities.

Read on here.