The Theory of Lactic Acid

The production of Lactate (or lactic acid) occurs when we reach our aerobic threshold. In other words, this is the point in which we cannot consume enough oxygen to maintain our current level of exertion. Recent research shows that lactic acid is not bad, but rather helps the body get rid of acid . The story is actually quite complicated, but I will do my best to explain. Also click here..

During exercise, muscles produce acid in the form of H+ ions mainly due to the hydrolysis of ATP!! This is not lactatic acid!!!! To provide energy, muscles break down glucose to form pyruvate. Below the aerobic threshold, oxygen drives the degradation of pyruvate to form carbon dioxide (in the mitochondria). During this process, oxygen is reduced to water--which is most important for maintaining proper pH. The major point: This reaction consumes 2 H+ ions (in H2O) helping the muscles maintain a proper pH during aerobic exercise.

Above the aerobic threshold, more H+ is produced than can be used for oxygen reduction. Therefore, the pH in your muscles decreases (more acidic) and you begin to cramp. However, lactic acid comes to the rescue. Additionally, under these conditions, more pyruvate is produced than can be broken down into carbon dioxide (by mitochondria). So, there is too much H+ and too much pyruvate. Your body adds an H+ to pyruvate and produces lactatic acid and actually raises the pH (makes it more basic)!!! So, creation of lactic acid actually counterbalances the increase in acidity due to anaerobic exercise. Lactate then gets transported out of your muscles with an H+ (to balance the charge), further lowering the acidity.

Why doesn't the H+ just get transported out of the muscle directly? If this happened, your whole body would lower its pH as a result of your exercise and resulting in acidosis and most likely shock.

Workshop Announcements: Learn for Charity!

Aaron Groen, PhD will be teaching two workshops this Spring for charity. ALL of the proceeds from these workshops will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a fundraiser for Jen Chapin, a Team in Training (TNT) participant and mentor. Jen, a Bristol resident, is training with TNT to run the 2010 Mayor's Marathon in Anchorage, AK on June 19th. She must raise over $5000 for the LLS's Connecticut Chapter to compete in Alaska. Her goal is to raise $6500 in an effort to further the LLS's mission of curing blood cancers by 2015. Visit Jen Fundraising Website by clicking here. GO TEAM in TRAINING!

#1 - Running Form and Nutrition - $30
March 13, 2010, 2pm-5pm, 2pm-5pm Farmington Valley Physical Therapy, 112 South Main St., Unionville, CT 06085

Course Description: Your body is fueled by food so shouldn’t the best nutrition be part of your training regimen? In this workshop you will learn how to maximize your performance by eating the foods you need most, and avoiding the foods you don’t. Students will also learn about the technique of running through a video-analysis of each student. An emphasis will be placed on nutrition and its general influence on metabolism and performance during training cycles. This workshop includes a running video-analysis of each student.

#2 - Running Form and Common Running Injuries - $30
April 10, 2010, 2pm-5pm Farmington Valley Physical Therapy, 112 South Main St., Unionville, CT 06085

Course Description: An in-depth analysis of running form as related to common running injuries. Students will learn about the technique of running through a video-analysis of each student. The course will focus on how changes in running form and training schedules can contribute to common injuries. Some injuries discussed include the Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint) Dysfunction, Knee/ACL injuries, Iliotibial band (IT band), and plantar fasciitis.

To register by phone and credit card, call 860-673-0223.

To register by mail, enclose the name of the registrants, contact information including phone number and email, and payment by check in the amount of $30 per person made out to FVPT to:

FVPT, 112 South Main St, Unionville, CT 06085