Final answer:
Threshold training involves exercising at an intensity just below the lactate threshold to improve endurance and speed, while threshold speed is the pace before lactate accumulates significantly in the blood. This type of training is key for athletes to practice and embed proper technique when under the stress of near-race conditions, ultimately enhancing performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Threshold Training and Threshold Speed
Threshold training is a type of exercise that focuses on improving endurance and speed by training at an intensity just below the point at which the body switches from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, known as the lactate threshold. Threshold speed, therefore, is the pace at which an athlete can run, cycle, or swim before lactate begins to accumulate in the blood. This is important because it marks the point at which fatigue begins to increase at a faster rate, limiting performance.
Using Threshold Training to Maximize Speed and Technique
For athletes seeking to improve their technique and maximize their speed, threshold training can be an effective tool. It allows them to practice the motions and skills involved in their sport at a high intensity, which is close to race conditions. By regularly training at this intensity, athletes can enhance their stamina, teach their bodies to clear lactate more effectively, and improve their movement efficiency – all of which are critical for better performance.
During threshold training sessions, it's vital for athletes to focus on maintaining good form and technique. This can involve drills and focused practice on specific aspects of technique while at threshold pace. This dual focus on pace and form ensures that the athlete is not only building endurance but also engraining proper technique under stress, which is essential for competitive situations.