Lactic acid

Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, produced when the body breaks down carbohydrates for energy without enough oxygen. It accumulates during intense exercise, leading to muscle fatigue and soreness. Runners experience a "lactate threshold," the intensity at which lactic acid builds up faster than it can be cleared. Training can raise this threshold, allowing for sustained higher-intensity efforts. For example, elite marathoners can maintain a pace just below their lactate threshold for long periods. Understanding and improving lactate threshold is crucial for enhancing endurance and performance in distance running.