For centuries the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks, which tower over the high desert of northern Arizona, have held sacred meaning for more than a dozen Native American tribes.
Robert: Historical background in the article was interesting. I was surprised to learn that Flagstaff was a center for altitude prep prior to the 68’ Olympics - I would have thought South Lake Tahoe, where the Oly trials were held.
Its good because you can live high and train low (shortish drive to lower elevation towns). Lots of top runners there. Facilities for elites in town and at NAU. Town is built up enough now that athletes won't get bored when not training.
It's become expensive and overrated now that everyone knows about it and LA Times is bringing more light to it. Weldon's stint was during an era where it was still relatively unknown.
The new Flagstaff (for late Spring, Summer and Fall training) is Laramie, WY. Those who know....know.
The new Flagstaff (for late Spring, Summer and Fall training) is Laramie, WY. Those who know....know.
You can't train low in Laramie.
And then there's the wind. Lost in all of this is the OG altitude training, Alamosa, Colorado. Also windy, but that's where Coach Vigil's crew really sank its teeth into altitude training.
only if the world does not extend beyond the US border
In all honesty, what compares? Switzerland and Kenya are lovely, but they don't check all the boxes.
I don't think there really is an altitude training location in Europe - which is why so many europeans go to Kenya. Probably are great places to train in the rift valley - but other than for pros, it doesn't matter as its cost prohibitive in one way or another.
I don't think there is anywhere in the US where you can live high but get low so quickly with the running community of Flagstaff. If you just want an altitude town then the Colorado cities (Boulder, Co Springs, etc) and Santa Fe/los Alamos, Mammoth, Big Bear, and Tahoe are ok.
Park City and Bend are great for running but aren't high enough for altitude benefit. I think you benefit more from having great places to run than just living high, but that's another discussion. So there you have it.
No one is training in Laramie unless they are just there for the summer.
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