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Tri Coach UK
Professional Triathlon
Coaching
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Lactate Sports Tests:
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The Lactate Threshold and V4 test is the golden
fleece of all tests. If there is one test that will ensure you train
to you full potential it's this one.
A Lactate Threshold and V4 Test is a stressful, semi-endurance based
test. The test duration is obviously variable as the time taken is
dependent of the fitness of the testing athlete, although they rarely
last more than twenty minutes.
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This test is used
to determine an athlete's speed and heart rate at their lactate
threshold and V4 (4mmol/l). The point at which lactic acid is
being produced quicker than it can be metabolized. An athlete able
to produce the most power/speed, for the most time without
crossing their lactate threshold is the one most likely to win the
race.
Obviously training at levels respective to your lactate threshold
brings massive returns in your training investment. Knowing at
what point your threshold is crossed allows your training levels
to be pin-point accurate. No more ambiguous heart rate zones and
no more average percentage rates of your calculated VO2max.
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A sample is
taken from an athlete's ear at an indoor facility during a
testing procedure.
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Tests are carried out by the taking of blood during different
intensities, much the same way as a diabetes test.
A blood sample is taken from the finger or ear before the test begins.
This gives a baseline, "resting" reading. Every three minutes during
the test a sample of blood is taken and recorded in our lactate
analyser. Results are analysed though our software programme to
determine the thresholds at speed and heart rate.
Extrapolation formulae are used to determine the athletes maximum
aerobic power/speed output from their final results. From this,
coaching plans can be determined to provide training to boost aerobic
power and increase efficiency. Improvement can be validated by a
repeat test at the end of the training period. Training Zones will
have pin-point accuracy!!
For triathlon, a test in each of the 3 disciplines would be needed as
athletes have different thresholds in each sport.
A Lactate test in one sport costs £60.00. You can test for one or more
sports. The common mistake made by triathletes is that the testing
importance is running first, then swimming, then biking. Not biking,
running and swimming which is the common place thought.
Please contact me us 07792 950192 if you are interested or email
Steve Haywood
TCUK Performance Coach
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