3.2 Lactate (anaerobic) threshold
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The lactate (anaerobic) threshold and VO2 max determine the intensity and/or speed that can be maintained throughout an endurance event (performance VO2) (Joyner and Coyle, 2008).
In comparison with recreationally active individuals, elite endurance athletes not only have much higher VO2 max values, but their anaerobic threshold is at a much higher percentage of their VO2 max, so they can generate and maintain a much higher level of power and speed during an event.