Why is it important to train different energy systems?
There are two ways to produce energy in an oxygen deficient (anaerobic) state. The first is the lactic acid system and the other is the ATP-CP system (Adenosine Triphosphate-Creatine Phosphate). In efforts lasting less than 10 seconds, your body uses the ATP-CP system. During these short very high-intensity efforts, no lactic acid is created. Immediate energy is provided from the breakdown of high energy phosphates.
The lactic acid system is formed within the muscle cells during glycolysis - breaking down of glucose (thus the importance of keeping glycogen levels stocked with proper recovery nutrition and the daily consumption of adequate carbohydrates).
As pyruvate accumulates in the muscle cell (by-product of glycolysis), it converts to lactate and releases hydrogen ions in the process. Lactic acid (lactate and hydrogen ions) is a by-product that fuels your body for efforts lasting less than two minutes. The point in which lactic acid begins to accumulate is called the anaerobic (or lactate) threshold. The hydrogen ion lowers the pH of the muscle tissue, making it more acidic. This leads to the burning sensation felt during intense exercise.
Lactic acid isn't bad for you - it actually provides fuel for the muscles once the lactate gets recycled. Interval training and high intensity efforts are important components to improving endurance and maximizing aerobic capacity.
If this excites you and you are interested in a different style of "endurance" training to improve your strength, resiliency and steady state efforts for your upcoming long distance triathlon, check out our training plans HERE.
The lactic acid system is formed within the muscle cells during glycolysis - breaking down of glucose (thus the importance of keeping glycogen levels stocked with proper recovery nutrition and the daily consumption of adequate carbohydrates).
As pyruvate accumulates in the muscle cell (by-product of glycolysis), it converts to lactate and releases hydrogen ions in the process. Lactic acid (lactate and hydrogen ions) is a by-product that fuels your body for efforts lasting less than two minutes. The point in which lactic acid begins to accumulate is called the anaerobic (or lactate) threshold. The hydrogen ion lowers the pH of the muscle tissue, making it more acidic. This leads to the burning sensation felt during intense exercise.
Lactic acid isn't bad for you - it actually provides fuel for the muscles once the lactate gets recycled. Interval training and high intensity efforts are important components to improving endurance and maximizing aerobic capacity.
If this excites you and you are interested in a different style of "endurance" training to improve your strength, resiliency and steady state efforts for your upcoming long distance triathlon, check out our training plans HERE.
