Relationship between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism
Some coaches will speak of the elements of performance as exclusive concepts. Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism for example. Traditionally, the two could be separately defined, but we've known for some time now that the two are essentially bound in a symbiotic relationship. They're both a piece of the pathway that creates ATP. A typical physiological response from high intensity intervals, sprints, a finishing kick or a high intensity (<30 min) race is an accumulation of lactate and H+ ions. We know an accumulation of H+ ions (acidosis) will decrease performance capacity. The table below from Cairns, 2006 lists some proposed mechanisms through which acidosis inhibits performance. If only there were a mechanism in place to remove these pesky ions... Then, we could perform at a higher intensity for a longer period of time. But wait, there is! Oxidative phosphorylation, more commonly known as the electron transport chain or "aerobic metabolism," consum