When creating training intensity charts, which assessment is advised to reference?

When creating training intensity charts, referencing the maximum lactate steady state (MLSS) is particularly valuable because it provides a clear indication of the athlete's ability to sustain a high level of intensity over time without the accumulation of lactate in the bloodstream. MLSS represents the highest exercise intensity at which lactate production and clearance are balanced, allowing for prolonged performance without fatigue from lactate build-up.

Using this assessment allows coaches to design training programs that optimize endurance and improve performance, as it reflects a more practical measure of an athlete's endurance capability than other assessments. By targeting training zones based on MLSS, coaches can ensure that runners are working at intensities that will improve aerobic capacity and endurance, which is critical for performance in races.

In contrast, while maximum heart rate provides a general idea of an athlete's cardiovascular capacity, it does not directly correlate to the specific endurance performance levels represented by MLSS. Similarly, maximal aerobic heart rate can be useful but may not provide the nuanced detail necessary for effective training prescriptions. Maximum lactate threshold, while important, primarily indicates the point at which lactate begins to accumulate and does not adequately represent the steady state capability necessary for designing effective training intensities. Therefore, focusing on MLSS yields a comprehensive