| Date | November 2017 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 17N.3.SL.tz0.18 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | time zone 0 |
| Command term | Describe | Question number | 18 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Describe one strategy to increase muscle glycogen for an endurance runner preparing for a marathon.
Markscheme
complete an exhaustive training bout «about» 7 days before event/competition ✔
for «about» the next 3 days eat high fat and protein diet / low CHO diet to deprive the muscles of carbohydrate «increases the activity of glycogen synthase» ✔
eat a carbohydrate-rich diet for «about» the next 3 days before the event/competition ✔
reduce training intensity and volume during this 6-day period / for several days before the marathon «to prevent additional muscle glycogen depletion» ✔
Answer does not need to be specific on the number of days. However, the strategy needs to be described i.e. exhaustive training bout followed by several days of high fat & protein/ low CHO diet followed by several days of high CHO diet and all combined with reduced training intensity & volume in the week before the marathon.
Examiners report
It was surprising how many could not explain carbohydrate loading effectively. Very few recognised the exhaustive training needed to deplete stores first.
