Lactate Threshold and Anaerobic Training Effect

As the body starts to reach the lactate threshold, it will begin to tap into anaerobic energy sources. Anaerobic training effect uses heart rate and speed (or power) to determine how a workout affects your ability to perform at a very high intensity. Repeated high-intensity intervals of 10 to 120 seconds have an especially beneficial impact on your anaerobic capability.

While you may do an activity that is at or near the lactate threshold, you may not see a high anaerobic training effect until nearing or above your VO2 Max. Threshold runs have great training value, but do not stimulate the kind of anaerobic adaptations that come from activities that are completed at or above your VO2 Max.

For more information on lactate threshold, anaerobic training effect, or VO2 Max, see our Running Science Garmin Technology Page or the Related Content below.