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Carolyn is preparing to run a marathon - Edexcel - GCSE Physical Education - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 8
Carolyn is preparing to run a marathon. Table 7 shows data collected during one of her training sessions. Mile Time to complete mile (minutes : seconds) Time diffe... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Carolyn is preparing to run a marathon - Edexcel - GCSE Physical Education - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Justify, using the data in Table 7, why Carolyn thinks she should work on her cardiovascular fitness.
Answer
The data in Table 7 indicates that Carolyn's mile completion times are consistently increasing and show a trend of slower paces as the distance progresses. For instance, her time for mile 1 is 8:23, but by mile 12, it has increased to 10:38. This suggests a decline in her cardiovascular endurance, which is crucial for maintaining pace and performance in marathon running. Additionally, the time differences show that Carolyn's pace continues to slow significantly, indicating that she likely needs to improve her cardiovascular fitness to enhance her overall performance and manage fatigue throughout the race.
Step 2
Explain one training method that would be suitable for Carolyn to improve her cardiovascular fitness for marathon running.
Answer
One effective training method for Carolyn is interval training, where she alternates between high-intensity bursts of running and slower recovery periods. This approach can increase her cardiovascular endurance by improving her heart's efficiency and capacity to deliver oxygen to her muscles. For example, she could run at a fast pace for 2 minutes followed by a slower pace for 2 minutes, repeating this cycle several times during her training sessions. This method conditions her body to tolerate fatigue better and enhances her overall stamina.
Step 3
Explain one reason why an increase in the number of alveoli would improve Carolyn's marathon running performance.
Answer
An increase in the number of alveoli enhances gas exchange in the lungs, allowing for greater oxygen uptake during intense physical exertion. With more alveoli, Carolyn can absorb more oxygen with each breath, which is crucial during marathon running when her muscles require high levels of oxygen to sustain performance. Improved oxygen intake not only delays the onset of fatigue but also enhances her ability to maintain a faster pace throughout her run.
Step 4
State two other long-term training adaptations to Carolyn's respiratory system.
Answer
- Increased lung capacity: Regular training can result in a larger total lung volume, allowing more air to be inhaled during each breath.
- Enhanced respiratory muscle strength: Training can strengthen the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, improving the efficiency of breathing and endurance during long-distance activities.