I'm planning to run a marathon at sea level soon, but I live and train at a moderate altitude (around 5,000 ft). How much of a benefit can I expect from altitude training in terms of increased red blood cell count and improved performance at sea level? Is it worth the temporary discomfort of training at altitude, or am I better off focusing on other aspects of my training? Anyone with experience in this area, please share your insights.
I've done altitude training before and it's a double-edged sword. Yeah, the increased red blood cell count is real, but it's not a guarantee of success. You still need to put in the work and focus on your overall training. Don't rely solely on the altitude to get you to the finish line. That being said, if you're already training at altitude, you might as well take advantage of it. Just don't expect it to be a magic bullet.
Altitude training definitely has its benefits, but it's not a substitute for solid training. I've seen improvements in my own performance at sea level after training at altitude, but it's a fine balance. Make sure you're not sacrificing your overall training quality for the potential benefits of altitude.
I've trained at altitude before and yeah, it sucks. But it's worth it. I've seen a noticeable difference in my performance at sea level after training at 7,000 ft. The increased red blood cell count is real, and it'll give you an edge. Just don't expect it to be a miracle cure. You still gotta put in the work. And don't forget to acclimate slowly, or you'll be cursing the day you decided to train at altitude.
Good point about acclimating slowly. I've heard horror stories about people trying to do too much too soon at altitude. Did you find that you needed to adjust your training paces and intensities when you were at altitude, or were you able to stick to your normal routine?
I've heard that altitude training can give you a boost, but it's not a magic bullet. From what I've read, the benefits of increased red blood cell count can take a few weeks to kick in, so if you're close to your race, it might not make a huge difference. That being said, if you're already training at altitude, you might as well take advantage of it. Just be sure to acclimate slowly and don't overdo it. Focus on your overall training and don't rely solely on the altitude to get you to the finish line.
That's a great point about acclimating slowly. I've heard horror stories about people trying to do too much too soon at altitude and ending up with fatigue or even illness. It's good to remember that altitude training is just one part of the puzzle. Make sure you're not neglecting other important aspects of your training, like nutrition and recovery. If you can make it work, the benefits might be worth it, but don't stress if you can't get it all in.