Lactate Clearance

Lactate clearance refers to the body's ability to remove lactate from the bloodstream, a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism during intense exercise. Efficient clearance prevents muscle fatigue and allows sustained performance. Runners can improve lactate clearance through high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and tempo runs. For example, elite marathoners have superior lactate clearance, enabling them to maintain faster paces without fatigue. This metric matters because it enhances endurance, delays fatigue, and improves recovery, allowing runners to train harder and perform better in races.