A large percentage of athletic training has the objective of producing adaptations in the body's energy systems both, anaerobic and aerobic.
Athletes train so they can perform for a longer period of time and at higher intensities.
The production and control of lactate is essential for both of these objectives. The sprinter and marathoner both need to produce and control lactate to be successful in their races though they will do it differently. While most coaches and athletes associate lactate with both the production of high intensity energy needed to win races and the deterioration of athletic performance, many don't realize the importance of lactate as an energy source. Lactate is one of the most important fuels for exercise and is involved in two of the three major energy systems we use for exercise and athletic performance. An athlete would have a hard time finishing a race or a game if lactate produced in one muscle wasn't being used as a source of energy in other muscles.