Our body works just like a car: the fuel of our muscles, however, are carbohydrates. During physical activity, carbohydrates and glycogen reserves are “burned” just like gasoline. Such combustion triggers the production of lactic acid in the muscle cells, waste that is generally disposed of and metabolized in the form of lactate.
Lactic acid becomes a problem if produced in excessive quantity. It can be a toxic compound for the same cells that produce it and can prevent the continuation of physical activity with cramps and muscle problems.
More the physical activity is intense, faster the lactate is produces. This means that during a quiet bike ride with friends, the production is very low and is quickly disposed of, on the other hand, in case of a race or a training session, production is very high.
In order to be able to continue pedaling without accusing pain, we need to enhance the body’s ability to absorb lactate.
The level of lactate you can tolerate varies from person to person. A trained person who does sport regularly has a tolerance capability certainly higher than those who uses the bike rarely. Everyone has a lactic acid threshold beyond which cramps and pains arise.
Active rest time is really important because it forces the body to grow faster and faster to cope with the increase in lactate.
This kind of workout can’t be improvised! Before you need to establish your lactic acid threshold with a test, then you can start ad hoc training plan. It needs perseverance and determination.