Lactate Testing

Well yesterday was a slow start…  We arrived at the Training Centre early and took a slow paddle down to the lake where we were to have our lactates tested.  The purpose of this testing is to work out our UT2 training pace from our lactates.  GB Rowing state that to train in your UT2 band you need to keep to 2mm of lactate which is around 55-70% of your maximum heart rate.

Lactate is produced when our energy system lacks oxygen.  This is not only happening at high intensity sport but also in day to day living.  High levels of lactate would be detrimental to performance and one of the key reasons for UT2 training is to enable the body to perform at a greater pace with a minimal amount of lactate. This will develop the aerobic capacity by means of capillarisation (formation of more small blood vessels, thus enhancing oxygen transport to the muscles) and by creating greater efficiency in the heart and lungs. If the aerobic capacity is greater, it means there will be more oxygen available to the working muscles and this should delay the onset of lactic acid at a given work intensity.

When we arrived there was some discussion amongst the coaches involved as there were too many athletes to run the testing in one group.  This then meant we would have to wait for the first group to finish before we could start our testing.  We went up to stretch in the lobby at Holme Pierrepont but not until we had had our porridge fix.  We then got to stretch whilst watching the first half of the England vs Scotland World Cup match. 

Once the first group had finished we then went down to start the testing.  We started by having our resting lactates measured for a starting point as everyone’s lactate will vary from person to person.  We then boated and started at 2 minute intervals to allow time for Caroline to take the lactates.  After each 4km loop of the lake we came into the landing stage and had our lactates taken before setting of for our next loop.  We were to do 4 loops 16km in total for the test however I did mine over 3 loops 12k as I have been suffering with a bit of back trouble. 

Once the testing had been completed Dez and Caroline got together to talk over the results and work out our UT2 training paces.  For all athletes involved UT2 pace was achieved in the second loop and this now means we know what pace we need to paddle at to get the benefits of UT2 training.