The news desk
On October 2, 2026, Marathon Handbook published an article reexamining the role of lactate in running. The article notes that lactate was long cast as the culprit behind muscle burn and fatigue, and is now viewed as a fuel and signaling molecule, with some even advocating lactate supplementation during exercise. The article argues that both extreme interpretations do not hold up: lactate is neither the chief cause of fatigue nor a magical fuel for enhancing performance. This is currently the only report on the event, with no follow-up developments or differing accounts.
For decades, lactate was blamed for burning legs and muscle fatigue. Now the pendulum has swung the other way, as things tend to do in this space. Lactate is a fuel, a signaling molecule, and it might even be something athletes should consume during exercise. The article argues both extreme readings fail to hold up: lactate is neither the culprit behind fatigue nor a miracle fuel for performance.