Logical reasoning PrepTest 111 · Section 1 · Question 10

Incorrect. Those who train longer may have adverse health effects from air pollution, which can absolutely explain why they would run a slower marathon. This answer resolves the paradox, explaining the superior performance of those who train only 90 minutes/day, so it can be eliminated.

Correct. Argument or Facts:
Facts

Question Type:
Bizarro Paradox

Stimulus Summary:
Marathon — 26.2mi, taking even the best athletes 2+ hours
Training comparison — Those who train 90 min/day do better than those who train 2hr/day

Answer Anticipation:
As with all Paradox questions, we should start by identifying the paradoxical situation clearly. And as with many Paradox questions, this one deals with a comparison.

Since marathons are so long and take so much time to run, you would expect that those who train for longer each day would do better. However, it's actually the opposite (at least for certain time periods)—those who train 1.5 hours/day do better than those who train 2 hours/day.

As such, we're looking for answers that explain how the lower amount of training can result in better marathon performance. Anything we learn about that shorter training that would help with endurance during a marathon will serve to resolve the paradox, which in this Bizarro question means we can eliminate it.

Answer Explanation:
First, the only race length in question is the marathon, which is 26.2mi. Second, this answer would suggest that the people running 2 hours/day would be able to adapt more easily to different lengths, so if you viewed the training and the marathon as requiring adjustment, this would line up with the people training for longer periods doing better, making the paradox worse. This answer is either out of scope or it makes the paradox worse—either way, it's the correct answer.

Key Takeaway:
Paradox questions frequently trade in comparisons. When they do, the correct answer will frequently feature another relevant comparison, so think about whether you're looking for a similarity or difference between heading to those answers!

Incorrect. If longer periods of training each day increases the likelihood of injury, then those who train longer would have more injuries, which could explain why they run a slower marathon.

Incorrect. Lowered or a lack of motivation will definitely sap your drive on marathon day, thus explaining your slower time (or even your failure to finish).

Incorrect. If those training 120 minutes per day drain their biochemical energy reserves ahead of marathons, but those who train 90 minutes don't, then it's no wonder the former do better on marathon day!