THE INTUITIVE RUNNER
DISCOVER THE JOY OF RUNNING, NO MATTER YOUR SIZE OR PACE.
PERFORMANCE TESTING
Lactate Threshold Testing
The gold standard for determining your individualized heart rate zones. Stop guessing and start training with precision.
In-Person Testing
Available in Edmonton, AB. Results delivered with a full consultation.
Eligible for Flex/Wellness Spending Account claims
What is Lactate Testing?
​Lactate threshold testing measures the point at which lactate begins to accumulate in your blood faster than your body can clear it. This threshold is a key indicator of your aerobic fitness and helps determine the optimal training intensities for your goals.
Personalized HR Zones
Get accurate, individualized heart rate zones based on your unique physiology, not
generic calculations.
Train Smarter & Prevent Burnout
Know exactly which intensities to train at for optimal endurance gains without overtraining.
THE PROCESS
What to Expect
The test takes approximately 1.5 hours. Here's what happens during your session.
Paperwork & Vitals
The appointment starts with filling out a consent form & medical clearance form. We will then do some baseline vitals (blood pressure & heart rate) and set you up with a chest strap HR monitor. If you have your own chest strap, you're welcome to bring it. If you don't have one, don't stress. I have one for you to use during the test.
01
Warm-Up
We start with a light 10-15 minute warm-up to prepare your body for the test.
02
03
Incremental Exercise & Blood Lactate Samples
The test itself usually takes between 35 and 45 minutes. The session is a progressive treadmill test broken into 4-minute stages. We start at a very easy pace and gradually increase the intensity as we go. At the end of each stage, we take a short break to collect a small fingertip blood sample.
Most of the test is done at a low intensity, so you’ll spend the majority of the time running comfortably. It only becomes challenging once we move past your threshold. (I'll let you know when you hit it). You don’t need to run to an all-out max effort—usually, reaching about an 8/10 effort gives me all the information I need to map your physiology and set your heart rate zones.
04
Analysis & Results
After the test, we'll go through your results in detail. You'll receive a detailed report with your personalized training zones and recommendations.
Who Should Get Tested?
This testing is for anyone who wants to stop relying on generic formulas and start training according to their own body. You might find this especially helpful if:
You struggle with pacing or feel like you are accidentally pushing too hard on your easy days.
Your current heart rate zones just don't feel accurate to your actual effort levels.
Your max heart rate seems much higher or lower than other people your age.
You are training for your first race or trying to break through a performance plateau.
You are returning to running after an injury or a long break and need a new baseline.
You want to improve your efficiency and avoid the overuse injuries that come from overtraining.
You are curious about your unique physiology and want to be more intentional with your miles.
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Lactate testing takes the guesswork out of the process by showing exactly where your metabolic transitions occur. Whether you are an elite athlete or just starting out, having these numbers helps ensure every run has a specific purpose. If you'd like more info, download the info package below.
Pricing & Location
Lactate testing is now offered at a single, transparent rate of $200 +GST. This includes your comprehensive test at Optimize Physiotherapy & Sport Injury Clinic and a detailed post-test consultation.
Location
Optimize Physiotherapy & Sport Injury Clinic, located at 18546 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 0K3.
Ready to Train Smarter?
Book your lactate threshold test today and get personalized training zones delivered with a full consultation.
FSA/HSA eligible Results in 24-48 hours
THE INTUITIVE RUNNER.