Explain the significance of lactate levels for a 1500-metre runner during training. Provide an example to support your answer. (5 marks)
--- 10 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
Sample Answer
- Lactate levels indicate exercise intensity and energy system usage for 1500-metre runners. This is significant because the event requires both aerobic and anaerobic contributions.
- At the lactate threshold, blood lactate concentration increases sharply. The increase occurs when the shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism begins.
- Training at or above this threshold improves lactate clearance ability. As a result, runners can maintain higher speeds before fatigue sets in.
- Therefore, monitoring lactate helps coaches prescribe appropriate training intensities. Precise monitoring enables targeted development of specific energy systems for optimal performance.
- Regular lactate testing allows precise adjustment of training zones. Consequently, runners avoid under-training or over-training at crucial intensities.
- For example, a runner might perform 6 × 400m intervals at threshold pace. These intervals cause moderate lactate accumulation, which leads to improved lactate tolerance and clearance ability.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
- Lactate levels indicate exercise intensity and energy system usage for 1500-metre runners. This is significant because the event requires both aerobic and anaerobic contributions.
- At the lactate threshold, blood lactate concentration increases sharply. The increase occurs when the shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism begins.
- Training at or above this threshold improves lactate clearance ability. As a result, runners can maintain higher speeds before fatigue sets in.
- Therefore, monitoring lactate helps coaches prescribe appropriate training intensities. Precise monitoring enables targeted development of specific energy systems for optimal performance.
- Regular lactate testing allows precise adjustment of training zones. Consequently, runners avoid under-training or over-training at crucial intensities.
- For example, a runner might perform 6 × 400m intervals at threshold pace. These intervals cause moderate lactate accumulation, which leads to improved lactate tolerance and clearance ability.