Getting Exact Lactate Threshold Measurements Using a Lactate Pro
I've been TiVoing each episode of The Lance Chronicles on the Outdoor Life Network, looking for information about state-of-the-art fitness measurement devices. In the second episode, they showed Lance Armstrong and one of his trainers using a Lactate Pro, a handheld lactate threshold analyzer. This device reportedly costs about $300 with the consumables for each test costing about $2.
The first time I watched the segment where the Lactate Pro is used, I thought they were using a blood-glucose meter because the Lactate Pro looks a lot like the kind of thing that some diabetics use to test their blood. They also perform a lactate threshold analysis by first doing a finger stick with a lancet. Watching the footage again, I could read the words "Lactate Pro" on the face of the device.
Many articles I've read about lactate threshold analysis indicate that this sort of testing can only be done in a laboratory setting. I didn't know that there was a handheld device that could analyze lactate thresholds on the normal training site.
A lot of people that are fairly serious about aerobic training don't need this level of measurement. I can get enough data about my physical performance when running, cycling, or skating using my
Polar S-Series Heart Rate Monitor by focusing on measure like theoretical V02 max. But, if you are training for an Ironman triathlon or a similar professional-level activity, you might need something like the Lactate Pro.
Comments
The other night in part of the commentary, I remember that Carmichael said the Lance's recent VO2max was 80 ml/kg. I would appreciate it if you could confirm that for me since you have all the TiVo archives. I think it was after stage 6 or 7 but cannot remember exactly.
It was interesting that when P. Ligget asked him about the VO2 of others in the team he would not give a quantitative answer.
If Lance is now at 80 he is down from his advertised 90 so time and chance happen to all men.
geotouch@aol.com
Posted by: George Touchton | July 12, 2004 12:52 AM
I've seen Chris Carmichael talk about fitness and training methods on the "AOL for Broadband Pre-race Show" and "Expanded Coverage" in the evening. I don't watch every version of the Tour de France coverage every day, nor do I keep them all on my TiVo.
Having said this, I did see the show when Chris Carmichael was talking about V02 max and I remember him saying that Lance Armstrong has a V02 max somewhere in the 80s. This is alluded to in the last question of an on-line chat that Chris Carmichael participated in with USA Today just before the Tour:
http://cgi1.usatoday.com/mchat/20040628002/tscript.htm
Also, an article in the Sacramento Bee from earlier this year says that Lance Armstrong's V02 max is 83.8:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/recreation/cycling_running/story/8796196p-9723219c.html
Last year, Polar Electro had statistical profiles of different types of pro cyclists (sprinters, climbers, GC contenders) on their Tour de France Website (http://tdf.polar.fi/), but I don't see that information over there now.
Posted by: Dave Aiello | July 12, 2004 7:05 AM
The lactate pro is an incredibly accurate tool for determining training intensities. I got mine through my product sponsor at www.hdosport.com
Posted by: Xeno | August 21, 2004 9:57 PM