Thomas, D. Q., Granat, H., & Fernhall, B. (1997). Factors related to changes in running economy during a 5 km run differ among men and women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1154.

Changes in running economy, minute ventilation, heart rate, blood lactate, and core temperature were evaluated in Ss (M = 21, F = 19) during a 5 km run on a treadmill that elicited an effort level of 80% VO2max.

The following were found.

• Running economy was related to minute ventilation but the relationship was stronger in women than in men.
• Women exhibited a significant relationship between blood lactate and minute ventilation whereas men did not.
• Women exhibited a significant relationship between lactate and running economy whereas men did not.

Implication. Changes in lactate are related to changes in ventilation and running economy in women but not in men. Thus, development of technique in women runners has the potential to affect performance more than in men. However, that does not say that technique is unimportant for men but rather, that it is very important in women.

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