Heart rate and blood lactate concentration during on-ice training in speed skating

Heart rates and blood lactate concentrations were measured in four sprint and three all-round male members of the Canadian National Speed Skating Team. Responses to various training programs were obtained over a two-week period in November following four weeks of ice training, and in January during mid-season competition. Seven different training programs used by sprint and all-round speed skaters were monitored including a skating velocity and heart rate/lactate response. The protocol for this response was 5 x 4 min exercise intervals with 4 min recovery. A significant increase in blood lactate (3.9 +/- 0.4 to 5.2 +/- 0.5 mmol.L-1) was observed between intensity levels 2 and 3. During the specific 1500 m training program for sprinters, there was an increase in blood lactate and a decrease in heart rate for each exercise interval, despite a maintenance in lap speed throughout the whole program. The highest blood lactate concentrations seen in training and competition were 18.5 +/- 0.3 mmol.L-1 in specific 1500 m training and 17.7 +/- 1.8 mmol.L-1 following the 1000 m race.