yuiop wrote:
Very true. And, as I said, certainly exceptions (plenty of them), but I still think many people underestimate the limitations of training at altitude, especially as it relates to intensity and recovery.
The guys from Utah, although they could get higher within minutes of SLC or Provo, were training at the lower end of 'altitude'. Aragon grew up at altitude, spent his college years at sea level, but where did he train as a pro? Many professionals in this day and age have the ability to train some at altitude and some at sea level. Other than possibly many of the Kenyans and Ethiopians, how many A-level athletes train entirely at altitude? Simpson? I wouldn't be surprised if a number of top Africans spend some time training at sea level. Kim McDonald's stable of Kenyans always had 'camps' in the London area.
Add Richie Harris to the mix of American milers that trained at altitude.
Yes, altitude training takes some adjustments and concessions. Likewise, however, seems like Wetmore focuses more on developing (and recruiting?) distance/cross country types, not middle distance runners.