Is just being at altitude good enough or do I need to train too?

Just being at altitude will give you the maximum benefit, provided that you train all of the other days of the week. Bears don't completly sleep thru the winter when they hibernate.

You need to run at altitude to get the benefits of altitude

You need to run at altitude to get the benefits of altitude

I don't think that running at altiitude is better than running at sea level. You are only training yourself to run with less oxygen or to run slower. However, spending time at altitude will give you the same benefits if you run or not.

Ski!um wrote:

In other words, do elites secretly run on treadmills in their altitude homes?

Yes, we do.

Your one day at altitude will boost your 2,3-BPG levels. Coupled with your rest day, you will PR upon returning to sea level. That's why before an important race Ethiopians stay at altitude until the last moment.