Plasma lactate accumulation and distance running performance

Abstract

Unning economy (Vo2 for a treadmill velocity of 268 m/min), and the Vo2 and treadmill velocity corresponding to the onset of plasma lactate accumulation (OPLA) were determined for each subject. %ST (R≥.47), Vo2max (r≥ .83), running economy (r≥.49), Vo2 in ml/kg min corresponding to the OPLA (r≥.91) and the treadmill velocity corresponding to the OPLA (r≥.91) were significantly (p<.05) related to performance at all distances. Multiple regression analysis showed that the treadmill velocity corresponding to the OPLA was most closely related to performance and the addition of other factors did not significantly raise the multiple R values suggesting that these other variables may interact with the purpose of keeping plasma lactates low during distance races. The slowest and fastest marathoners ran their marathons 7 and 3 m/min faster than their treadmill velocities corresponding to their OPLA which indicates that this relationship is independent of the competitive level of the runner. Runners appear to set a race pace which allows the utilization of the largest possible Vo2 which just avoids the exponential rise in plasma lactate. ©1979The American College of Sports Medicine...