Compare the causes of fatigue between a 400 metre sprint and a marathon runner. (4 marks)
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Sample Answer
Similarities:
- Both events cause fatigue that limits performance and forces athletes to slow down.
- Both require recovery time before the athlete can perform at the same level again.
Differences:
- The 400m sprint causes rapid lactic acid build-up from anaerobic glycolysis, making muscles acidic within 45 seconds.
- Marathon running depletes glycogen stores after about 2 hours, forcing inefficient fat use.
- Sprint fatigue includes immediate burning sensations and muscle tightness.
- Marathon fatigue involves gradual energy loss, dehydration and overheating.
- Sprint fatigue clears within an hour while marathon recovery takes days.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
Similarities:
- Both events cause fatigue that limits performance and forces athletes to slow down.
- Both require recovery time before the athlete can perform at the same level again.
Differences:
- The 400m sprint causes rapid lactic acid build-up from anaerobic glycolysis, making muscles acidic within 45 seconds.
- Marathon running depletes glycogen stores after about 2 hours, forcing inefficient fat use.
- Sprint fatigue includes immediate burning sensations and muscle tightness.
- Marathon fatigue involves gradual energy loss, dehydration and overheating.
- Sprint fatigue clears within an hour while marathon recovery takes days.