Compare the lactate levels experienced by a sprinter and a marathon runner during their respective competitions. Use examples to support your answer. (6 marks)
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Sample Answer
Similarities:
- Both athletes experience lactate production during competition.
- Both start with low resting lactate levels before their events.
- Both must manage lactate accumulation to maintain performance.
- Both experience elevated lactate if they exceed their sustainable pace.
Differences:
- Sprinters reach extreme lactate levels due to maximal anaerobic effort. Marathon runners maintain relatively low levels through aerobic metabolism.
- Sprinters experience rapid lactate accumulation within seconds of starting. Marathon runners sustain steady lactate levels throughout their race.
- Sprinters rely entirely on lactate tolerance for brief periods. Marathon runners train to maximise lactate clearance and aerobic efficiency.
- Sprint events cause severe muscle burning from extreme lactate accumulation. Marathon runners experience minimal lactate-related discomfort until late stages.
- Recovery differs significantly between events. Sprinters need extended time to clear high lactate levels post-race.
Examples:
- A 400m sprinter experiences intense muscle burning in the final straight. Extreme lactate accumulation forces them to slow despite maximal effort.
- Marathon runners maintain comfortable pacing for most of the race. Lactate only spikes during a final sprint or when hitting “the wall”.
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Sample Answer
Similarities:
- Both athletes experience lactate production during competition.
- Both start with low resting lactate levels before their events.
- Both must manage lactate accumulation to maintain performance.
- Both experience elevated lactate if they exceed their sustainable pace.
Differences:
- Sprinters reach extreme lactate levels due to maximal anaerobic effort. Marathon runners maintain relatively low levels through aerobic metabolism.
- Sprinters experience rapid lactate accumulation within seconds of starting. Marathon runners sustain steady lactate levels throughout their race.
- Sprinters rely entirely on lactate tolerance for brief periods. Marathon runners train to maximise lactate clearance and aerobic efficiency.
- Sprint events cause severe muscle burning from extreme lactate accumulation. Marathon runners experience minimal lactate-related discomfort until late stages.
- Recovery differs significantly between events. Sprinters need extended time to clear high lactate levels post-race.
Examples:
- A 400m sprinter experiences intense muscle burning in the final straight. Extreme lactate accumulation forces them to slow despite maximal effort.
- Marathon runners maintain comfortable pacing for most of the race. Lactate only spikes during a final sprint or when hitting “the wall”.