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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 shows that Carolyn's mile completion times are increasing progressively. For instance, her time for the first mile is 8:23, but by the last mile (mile 12), her time has increased to 10:38. This indicates a significant drop in her performance as the training session progresses, suggesting that her cardiovascular fitness may not be sufficient to maintain a consistent pace throughout the run. Carolyn might feel fatigued and unable to complete the later miles with the same intensity, which can be improved through enhanced cardiovascular fitness.
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 would be interval training. This involves alternating periods of high-intensity running with lower-intensity recovery periods. For example, she could sprint for 400 meters followed by a slow jog for 200 meters. This method increases cardiovascular endurance by challenging the heart and lungs, improving her overall ability to sustain longer runs at a faster pace.
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 the surface area available for gas exchange in the lungs. This allows Carolyn to take in more oxygen with each breath, which is crucial during long-distance running. Improved oxygen uptake increases her aerobic capacity, enabling her to sustain higher levels of intensity for longer durations, thus enhancing her overall running performance.
Step 4
State two other long-term training adaptations to Carolyn’s respiratory system.
Answer
- Increased lung capacity, allowing greater volumes of air to be inhaled during exertion.
- Enhanced efficiency of the respiratory muscles, which reduces fatigue and enables prolonged periods of exercise without tiring.