Training Science Blog

Lactate threshold, VLamax and step testing explained practically

Scientific articles for endurance athletes and coaches: from test execution to training planning.

Analyze lactate values: from table to training zone

Measured lactate values become useful when intensity, curve shape, LT1, LT2 and zones are interpreted together.

May 18, 2026 7 min read
Lactate valuesAnalysisLT1LT2
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Analyze lactate curve: what the shape means

Flat sections, bends, steep rises and outliers tell you a lot about test quality and metabolic response.

May 18, 2026 6 min read
Lactate curveThresholdsInterpretation
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Cycling step-test protocol

Start power, watt increments, stage duration, sampling timing and analysis for cyclists who want LT1 and LT2 in watts.

May 17, 2026 6 min read
CyclingStep testWatts
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Running step-test protocol

How to set start pace, pace increments and lactate sampling for a useful running test.

May 17, 2026 6 min read
RunningPaceTreadmill
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Lactate Plus analysis online

Enter Nova Lactate Plus values and calculate lactate curve, LT1, LT2, VLamax and training zones.

May 16, 2026 5 min read
Lactate PlusMeterAnalysis
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Lactate test for beginners

Your first lactate test: what you need, how to test and how to understand the results.

May 16, 2026 9 min read
BeginnersGetting startedStep test
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FTP vs. lactate threshold

FTP and lactate threshold are related, but they measure different things with different training implications.

May 15, 2026 5 min read
FTPLactate thresholdCycling
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Using lactate as a recovery marker

How post-training lactate values can support recovery monitoring when interpreted in context.

May 14, 2026 5 min read
RecoveryMonitoringLactate
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Anaerobic glycolysis explained simply

The fast energy pathway behind lactate production and its role in endurance performance.

May 12, 2026 5 min read
MetabolismGlycolysisLactate
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Polarized training with lactate thresholds

How LT1 and LT2 help apply the 80/20 model more precisely in endurance training.

May 10, 2026 7 min read
Polarized trainingLT1LT280/20
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Lactate test costs: lab vs. self-test

A practical cost comparison of lab testing, mobile diagnostics and at-home lactate self-tests.

May 8, 2026 7 min read
CostLabSelf-testMeters
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Heart rate at lactate threshold

Typical heart-rate behavior at LT2 and how to calibrate heart-rate zones with lactate testing.

May 6, 2026 5 min read
Heart rateLactate thresholdZones
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Lactate values in heat and altitude

Heat and altitude can shift lactate values. Here is how to keep tests comparable.

May 3, 2026 6 min read
HeatAltitudeTest conditions
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The 5 training zones based on lactate threshold

Lactate-based zones show where metabolism actually changes, instead of relying on generic percentages.

April 26, 2026 8 min read
Training zonesLT1LT2Pacing
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Lactate test on treadmill vs. outdoors

A comparison of treadmill and outdoor lactate testing, including repeatability and practical constraints.

April 19, 2026 6 min read
RunningTreadmillProtocol
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Lactate slope: what does a steep rise mean?

The slope of the lactate curve shows how quickly your metabolism shifts under increasing load.

April 12, 2026 5 min read
Lactate curveTrainingInterpretation
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How often should you do a lactate test?

The right testing rhythm depends on training phase, sport and performance level.

April 5, 2026 6 min read
Step testTesting rhythmMonitoring
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Lactate Pro 2 vs. EKF Lactate Scout Sport

A direct comparison of two popular portable lactate meters: cost, handling, strips and ideal use cases.

March 29, 2026 5 min read
MetersComparisonLactate Pro 2EKF
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Understanding VLamax: endurance type or sprinter?

What maximal lactate production rate means, how it is measured and why it matters for training.

March 22, 2026 6 min read
VLamaxMetabolic profileTraining planning
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How to run your own lactate test

A practical step-by-step guide for at-home lactate testing: equipment, protocol, sampling and analysis workflow.

March 15, 2026 8 min read
Step testGuideMeter
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Test it yourself

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