Elite endurance athletes are usually traveling the world – not only for races, but for training. These athletes want to maximize their training, so they spend some time (usually a few weeks to a month) training at high altitude. Altitude training is generally found in mountainous regions at elevations above 4,000 feet. In the United States, the best athletes in the world train at altitude hot spots such as Mammoth Lakes, California, Flagstaff, Arizona, and Boulder, Colorado. However, these altitude hot spots are also popular for college and high school cross country teams with summer training camps being held to improve running and endurance.
Exposure to altitude training has many physiological benefits that can improve VO2 max. Some of these benefits include a more efficient circulatory system, increase in the number of red blood cells, a more efficient nutrient exchange, and an increase in mitochondria. These are the type of physiological changes that runners and cyclist seek for improving their fitness levels and enhancing performance. Altitude training is very difficult for athletes not acclimated to the elevation. Breathing is more difficult and athletes will often fatigue more quickly. However, because of the boost of aerobic benefits, returning to lower elevation makes it easier to train and race.
If you are a serious runner or cyclist, consider spending some time at a high altitude location to improve your training and boost your performance to another level.
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