Reflection 1:  Glycolysis and Lactic Acid 

I found the lectures and case studies on glycolysis really interesting. More specifically, I am particularly intrigued by how glycolysis relates to lactic acid production. As a freshman at Colby I had the opportunity to get my lactate levels tested as I did a workout on an ergometer along with other members of the crew team. From this test I learned approximately what splits my body transitions from aerobic to anaerobic respiration based on a sharp increase in lactate concentration found in my blood. I believe that knowing how lactic acid is formed from a biochemical perspective is going to be very helpful in creating a training plan for the women’s crew team this winter because I can understand which workouts will result in hypoxic conditions and how the body will go through fermentation rather than cellular respiration. Furthermore, the difference in ATP production between fermentation and cellular respiration, 2 net ATP versus roughly 30 net ATP respectively, is important to know in terms of planning the workout length and for accounting for soreness the next day. Overall, although I’ve learned about glycolysis in previous classes, I forgot just how critical glycolysis is, for not just peak athletic performance, but also everyday functioning.