If a marathon runner maintains a high pace beyond their anaerobic threshold, which consequence becomes most likely?

💡 Explanation

Sustained exertion beyond the anaerobic threshold causes inadequate oxygen delivery to muscle cells, which leads to increased reliance on anaerobic glycolysis. This results in an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, because the electron transport chain is overwhelmed; therefore, oxidative stress increases within skeletal muscle, rather than the other options, which would decrease or remain constant.

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