Factors Influencing Running Velocity at Lactate Threshold in Male and Female Runners at Different Levels of Performance

BACKGROUND: The primary aim was to examine the relationship between lactate threshold (LT) expressed as percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) and running velocity at LT (LT(V)). A secondary aim was to investigate to what extent VO(2max), oxygen cost of running (C(R)), and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) determined LT(V). A third aim was to investigate potential differences in LT and LT(V) between elite, national and recreational runners, as well as possible gender differences regarding VO(2max), C(R), LT, and LT(V). METHODS: Seventy-five competitive runners (37 males and 38 females) with an average VO(2max) of 63.0 ± 9.3 mL⋅kg(–1)⋅min(–1), and an average LT(V) of 13.6 ± 2.3 km⋅h(–1) were tested for VO(2max), LT, LT(V), MAS, and C(R). RESULTS: Lactate threshold did not correlate with LT(V). With an r – value of 0.95 (p < 0.001) and a standard error of estimate of 4.0%, the product of MAS and individual LT determined 90% of LT(V), outside a range of ±0.27 km⋅h(–1). LT(V) increased with higher performance level. However, LT did not differ between elite, national and recreational runners. Female runners had 2.5% higher LT, 8% lower LT(V), and 21% lower VO(2max), but 9% better C(R) than male runners. CONCLUSION: Lactate threshold did not correlate with LT(V). The product of MAS and LT correlated strongly with LT(V). There were no differences between elite, national and recreational runners regarding LT, but female runners had higher LT than the male runners. Female runners at the same relative performance level had lower LT(V) and VO(2max), but better C(R) than male runners.