Explain the significance of lactate levels for a 1500-metre runner during training. Provide an example to support your answer. (5 marks)
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Sample Answer
- Lactate levels are important indicators of exercise intensity and energy system usage for a 1500-metre runner
- At the lactate threshold, there is a significant increase in blood lactate concentration, indicating the shift from predominantly aerobic to increasingly anaerobic metabolism
- Training at or slightly above the lactate threshold helps improve a runner’s ability to clear and utilise lactate, enhancing performance
- Monitoring lactate levels during training sessions allows coaches to prescribe appropriate training intensities that target specific energy systems
- For example, a 1500-metre runner might perform interval training sessions (e.g., 6 × 400 m runs) at an intensity that causes moderate lactate accumulation to improve their lactate clearance ability and anaerobic endurance
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Sample Answer
- Lactate levels are important indicators of exercise intensity and energy system usage for a 1500-metre runner
- At the lactate threshold, there is a significant increase in blood lactate concentration, indicating the shift from predominantly aerobic to increasingly anaerobic metabolism
- Training at or slightly above the lactate threshold helps improve a runner’s ability to clear and utilise lactate, enhancing performance
- Monitoring lactate levels during training sessions allows coaches to prescribe appropriate training intensities that target specific energy systems
- For example, a 1500-metre runner might perform interval training sessions (e.g., 6 × 400 m runs) at an intensity that causes moderate lactate accumulation to improve their lactate clearance ability and anaerobic endurance