I was wondering if there is anyone on this board who studies the physiology of altitude training. I recently moved to boulder, it took me a couple weeks to become acclimatized to the base altitude of 5400'. However, i went to do some speedwork the other day and it was extremely hard to hit splits that were pretty easy to hit at sea level. My question; is there a formula or study that explores the correlation between altitude and velocity and possibly effort (heart rate)?.
Chris
If you mean fairly fast, but short reps (200s, 300s, 400s) then you should be able to do usual SL speeds, but you may need to take longer recoveries between individual runs. If by speed work you mean longer intervals (1000s, 1200s, miles) then you will most likely be running those about 2 to 4 seconds per 400 slower than at SL. On threshold runs, figure about 10-15 seconds per mile slower. On the other hand you can also just go by feel and run the various paces as they would normally feel at SL. Even just do repeat 4 or 5-minute runs instead of worrying if you are running 1200s or miles that may normally take about that time. You should be able to do your normal amount of running, but some of it will be slower, but certainly not easier.
When I was in Boulder I used to run slightly downhill (ie, along the Creek) when doing speedwork to compensate for the altitude. Or if you really want to leather it, then fast down the Canyon is a lot of fun as well. Good luck!
altitude is over rated just like Boulder
you should move to state college... i hear there is some good running there
STOP WHINING!!!
state college is where its at, although i was able to run up flagstaff(6800') at lunch. Cant wait to come back to state college and hammer a run in rothrock.
you better get your ass in shape by august!
mags is going to eat you up