High Altitude Training

Training at a high altitude can be a unique challenge for most runners; however, there are also benefits to this type of training. Runners who live at a higher elevation are likely already used to training at this elevation and have usually already made the necessary modifications to their training plan to ensure they will avoid many of the dangers often associated with physical exertion at a high altitude. Training at a high altitude gives runners a competitive edge over those who train at sea level when placed in direct competition. Whether the high altitude dweller goes down to sea level to compete in a race or his counterpart at sea level comes to a higher elevation to race, the runner who lives and trains at a high elevation will likely have a distinct advantage. This advantage is likely to come in the form of an increased red blood count which enables the body to carry oxygen more efficiently and more quickly through the body.