LSAT Explanation PT 35, S1, Q10: Although marathons are 26.2 miles (42.2

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the difference in marathon performances described above EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and break down the information provided. The passage states that marathons are 26.2 miles long and take even world-class marathoners over 2 hours to run. It also mentions that athletes who train by running 90 minutes a day fare better in marathons than those who train by running 120 minutes or more a day. This might seem counterintuitive at first, as one might think that training longer would lead to better performance in a marathon.

To simplify the concept, let's use an example: Imagine two people preparing for a spelling bee. One person practices for 90 minutes a day, while the other practices for 120 minutes a day. Surprisingly, the person who practices for 90 minutes a day performs better in the spelling bee. We want to find possible reasons for this outcome.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Paradox question, which means we need to find an answer choice that does NOT contribute to an explanation of the difference in marathon performances described in the passage.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) The longer the period of time that one runs daily, the greater the chances of suffering adverse health effects due to air pollution.

This answer choice suggests that running for longer periods could lead to health issues due to air pollution, which could negatively impact marathon performance. This could help explain why athletes who train for 90 minutes a day fare better in marathons. So, this is not the correct answer.

b) The longer the period of time that one runs daily, the easier it is to adjust to different race lengths.

This answer choice implies that running for longer periods would make it easier to adjust to different race lengths, which seems like it would benefit marathon performance. However, this doesn't help explain why athletes who train for 90 minutes a day perform better in marathons. Therefore, this is the correct answer, as it does not contribute to the explanation of the difference in marathon performances.

c) The longer the run, the more frequent is the occurrence of joint injuries that significantly interfere with overall training.

This answer choice suggests that running for longer periods could lead to more frequent joint injuries, which could negatively impact marathon performance. This could help explain why athletes who train for 90 minutes a day fare better in marathons. So, this is not the correct answer.

d) Runners who train over 90 minutes per day grow bored with running and become less motivated.

This answer choice proposes that runners who train for longer periods become bored and less motivated, which could negatively impact marathon performance. This could help explain why athletes who train for 90 minutes a day fare better in marathons. So, this is not the correct answer.

e) Runners who train over 90 minutes per day deplete certain biochemical energy reserves, leaving them less energy for marathons.

This answer choice suggests that running for longer periods could deplete energy reserves, leaving less energy for marathons, which could negatively impact marathon performance. This could help explain why athletes who train for 90 minutes a day fare better in marathons. So, this is not the correct answer.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it does not contribute to an explanation of the difference in marathon performances described in the passage.