Following on from the Lactate Testing Video, I made another video helping you apply your data.
Just in case you prefer written content, I'm going to pull the key points out in this post.
#1 - We train ranges, not averages
To ride a 172w average, I sit in a 150 to 200w range.
If my range crosses into a higher zone/domain then I will be changing the nature of my workout.
With elite athletes, this is not a big deal. They have superior lactate clearance ability and handle micro surges, with ease.
With new and developing athletes, this is a source of underperformance in long workouts. The effective intensity is much higher than the average of the workout.
Learn to swim, bike and run... SMOOTH
It is a foundational skill
#2 - Anchors
Skew your errors left
Recognize that we exercise in ranges, not averages.
Keep your range in the domain you are seeking to train.
Setting an accurate anchor can help.
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Aerobic Threshold (AeT) (Border Between Zone 1 and Zone 2)
Easily found using the protocol in my lactate video. Anchor your endurance training here, exercise smoothly, and your range will straddle Zones 1 & 2.
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Threshold-Minus (T-) (2.5 to 3.0 mmol step on your lactate test)
For Heavy Domain training, start by anchoring here. This keeps your range away from the Severe Domain, where the recovery cost of your session rises much faster than the benefit from working a fraction higher.
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What you call the zones doesn't matter.
What matters...
Figure out the correct anchor for the stimulus you are seeking
Key points:
Know the effective range of your training
Consider if your range overlaps a higher intensity domain
Set endurance anchors bottom-up
Consider checking in-workout lactates to confirm the above
When you have a fatigue mismatch, it is likely because you are training more intensely than you realize.
When you have upward drift in your heart rate, consider backing off.
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The most common "intensity" mistake is blowing right past T- into the Severe Domain (above FT/CP/LT2)
Floods the body with lactate
Recovery greatly extended
Painful
Time at intensity reduced, for small gain in work rate
We don't graduate to crushing ourselves in the Severe Domain - we learn how to use the Heavy Domain wisely.
Additional Resources
Thresholds and Domains - explained very well in this Video by Dr Mark Burnley
I think of domains in terms of green, yellow, red
Green - Moderate Domain - Endurance
Yellow - Heavy Domain - Intensive Endurance
Red - Severe Domain - Use With Specific Intent - Costly
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Final Word : it's easy to get wrapped up in zones & domains.
Given the experts struggle to reach agreement amongst themselves... better to find an effective anchor and get to work!
Thanks for this great information! Practical, understandable, and useful for this middle-aged bop athlete pursuing health and joy in life!
Hi - I just got the Lactate Plus meter. My resting lactate level seems to be 2.0. I know this is not a normal level but can people just have a naturally high level without being unhealthy ? I am running 50km a week and feel healthy. I remember going to a lab about 15 years for testing and they said my levels were too high to begin the test.