Anaerobic threshold

Anaerobic threshold is the exercise intensity at which lactate starts to accumulate in the blood faster than it can be removed. It indicates the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. Training at or just below this threshold improves endurance and delays fatigue. For runners, increasing the anaerobic threshold allows maintaining a faster pace for longer periods. Real-world examples include tempo runs and threshold intervals. It matters because a higher anaerobic threshold enhances performance in races and long-distance events by allowing sustained high-intensity efforts without rapid fatigue.