Testing, Testing

2 things: One, I've purchased a Heart Rate Monitor, a really cool one that has a fancy little gadget you attach to your shoe that can tell how far you've run. Without GPS! This is great because those GPS wristwatches are big enough to watch the NHL playoffs on. This one has a normal-sized watch to go with the gadget, and of course the Heart Rate Monitor itself which is a strap you put around your chest. Why did I buy a HRM? Well, all the cool kids have them, for one thing. And for another thing, you can't get tested for your Lactate Threshold without one. Which brings me to number two: I booked a Lactate Threshold test for this thursday.

"What is a LT test"? you say. Without consulting any books or websites I'll try to describe this off the top of my head. When you exercise your muscles produce as a by-product of said exercise, lactic acid. At low intensities, this LA is removed from the muscles by the body's own cleanup crew. At higher intensities however, the rate of LA production outstrips the body's ability to remove it and it builds up in the muscles, causing cramps and fatigue. The LT test determines where this point is for you, the aspiring athlete, and it's all based on heart rate. So once you know where your threshold is you can tailor your workouts so that you remain (just) under it, by monitoring your heart rate with your new Heart Rate Monitor. You see how this all ties in together? In essence your body gets used to operating at the highest effort level possible without creating excess lactic acid. You go faster with less pain, you get more efficient, and your breath smells minty fresh all the time. It's a miracle, really.

I have to decide by thursday whether to have the test while running or cycling. Nigel Gray, elite triathlete and coach (who will be administering the test) says that I should choose the event that I need to improve most in...