Triathlon Training Store

At the Triathlon Training Store we have developed the best testing protocol for the CompuTrainer Cycling sessions we are providing for our clients. During this process we have found so many terms that sometimes are very similar in meaning so confusing. Why can’t all these articles and scientists be consistent with the terms they use? Do they want us to think they have discovered something new?  Let us take a look at just a few terms I have come across and discuss the most efficient way to determine an athlete’s Lactate Threshold (LT).

Terms such as “Lactate Threshold ,”Functional Threshold Power” (FTP), “ Anaerobic Threshold” (AT) and “Maximal Lactate Steady State” (MaxLass or MLSS)  have been commonly used. What is the difference between all these terms? This answer is nothing, they are all the same.

At  the Triathlon Training Store, we have developed the most effective testing protocol for determining Lactate Threshold and just as important it can be repeated easily to reassess your fitness and functional threshold power as you progress through your training program.

Lactate Threshold is the core physiological measurement that we use to develop your training program. It is the single best physiological indicator of endurance capacity and performance, which allows us to track your progress through your training program.  Lactate Threshold is determined by performing a 20 minute time trial on the CompuTrainer, which is a very controlled setting, allowing you to ride without interruption. We are measuring your power output, in watts as you ride. A watt is an absolute measurement of the force you are applying to the pedals regardless of terrain or weather. We are looking at the average power output, measured in watts, for the full 20 minute time trial, which is used to calculate your Lactate Threshold, or in cycling terms: Functional Threshold Power (FTP).

So when we are working at a Lactate Threshold effort what does that mean? A lot of it is based on what you perceive your effort to be. You will determine the maximum energy output that you can  maintain for the duration of the test. If you start out to hard you will go over your threshold and then have to back off of your effort to maintain the workout, so pacing is very important. It is an effort that your muscles can still match energy supply to energy demand. Just on the edge of muscle fatigue that would keep you from maintaining your pace. This is what most people refer to as the burn.  Your effort is measured by your average wattage produced and defines Functional Threshold Power (FTP). Training intensities based on Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is the most effective way to improve POWER.

Linda Cowart is a Level 1 USAT coach, owner of Triathlon Training Store, Inc., and coach with Your Best Tri LLC. If you would like more information about the CompuTrainer Cycling sessions starting June 26, 2011 go to triathlontrainingstore.com or email triathlontrainingstore@gmail.com