Study of the anaerobic metabolism during the preparation of runners

The anaerobic threshold of 37 male and 16 female athletes was studied under laboratory conditions and in the field (4.0 mmol.l-1 lactic acid accumulation was considered as anaerobic threshold). Elite sprinters, middle- and long-distance runners and walkers took part in the study. Sprinters reached the anaerobic threshold first and long-distance runners last, walkers performed it with almost the same speed as sprinters. A two-year follow up of the anaerobic threshold of a female long-distance and a male middle-distance runner was analized for the individual estimation of the physical fitness.