Glossary

Blood lactate

Lactate is a product of anaerobic glycolysis. At rest it’s typically between 0.8mmol/l and 1.3mmol/l and increases with exercise intensity, worsening effects on performance due to the inhibition of energy production.

Aerobic threshold

The ceiling to your aerobic base and marked by the exercise intensity where blood lactate rises above resting levels. With training it’s sustainable for long durations over 50 miles.

Lactate threshold

The point where lactate accumulates exponentially in the blood, inhibiting performance. In very fit cyclists, this is sustainable for up to two hours. It’s the upper limit of aerobic exercise.

VO max

The maximum rate of oxygen consumption during exercise, reflecting your aerobic fitness. 2