Altitude Training: Mask/Tent... what works??

Training Advice/Discussion General

9 years ago 06/08/2014 7:20pm EDT

Hi all,

I am a graduating senior headed off to run in college next year, and I would like to experiment with some of the altitude-simulating tools out there. I understand most altitude tents are expensive as hell, so I looked at some of the other options and found an altitude mask on Amazon that appeared to be well-received that was "only" $80. It would be worth it to me if the thing worked obviously. The way I intend to use it is while sleeping, however.

I was wondering if anyone had experience using an altitude mask, whether you thought it worked decent, and whether someone could get benefit out of sleeping rather than training with it. If it sucked, are there any options that you feel are suitable for a collegiate athlete looking to do all he can to improve? I just want to make sure I make a wise purchase. Thanks!

9 years ago 06/08/2014 7:45pm EDT

re: WE NEED MORE ALTITUDE!

Can't recommend that one bit. It's not feasible long term. You need something that you can use consistently indefinitely. You can turn a small room into a "tent" and that is a serious long term solution. What is your budget? I'd say you need $2000 minimum or you're wasting money and compromising sleep and training, which will put you on the ropes starting college.

9 years ago 06/08/2014 8:03pm EDT

re: WE NEED MORE ALTITUDE!

Higher Peak has the cheapest real systems, and they're very high quality. You can connect them to a tent made by someone else, use a mask, or use their canopy system, which is basically a big box that just covers your head and part of your torso. Some people like it, because it means that most of your body won't get as hot as if you were entirely in a tent. Others don't like having something resting on them.

The thing about altitude tents is you really should be using them as many hours per day as possible. Ideally, you'd be getting 12 hours a day of exposure. That means you'd do a lot of your homework in the thing (easier with a full tent than a canopy). They're not comfortable. They're loud, hot, and humid. Basically it's like sharing a bivy sack with a snoring robot. You'll also want to get blood work done to determine whether you actually respond to simulated altitude. There's obviously no point in sleeping in one of those things for years if it turns out it's not going to help you.

But props to you for considering it. Hardcore distance runners should use simulated altitude. It makes a difference for most people, and while expensive, it's not crazy expensive. Not for something that matters this much, that you'll spend so much of your life focused on.

9 years ago 06/08/2014 8:17pm EDT

re: WE NEED MORE ALTITUDE!

Just freakin' train well. To me altitude should be like icing on the cake. Done after all other training has been optimized.

The efficacy of tents is questionable as you need to spend a lot of time in it. As soon as you re-enter sea level air (or close to it), the body reacts by shutting down the mechanism/process for increasing red cell mass.

As for the masks, my bet is that you will not be able to sleep well with it on.

9 years ago 06/08/2014 8:35pm EDT

re: WE NEED MORE ALTITUDE!

See the end of the thread - HSer Garrett O'toole runs 4:01.89

You only need a presta valve.

9 years ago 06/08/2014 10:50pm EDT

re: WE NEED MORE ALTITUDE!

They recommend not sleeping with the altitude masks on. I've bought one but have not used it very much so I couldn't tell you if it works.

9 years ago 06/09/2014 12:00am EDT

re: WE NEED MORE ALTITUDE!

Thank you to all for the serious and helpful responses. While it's unfortunate there isn't a somewhat feasible solution that could have some benefit, I'm glad to know this now. I suppose the point of altitude stuff being the icing on the cake is true, but I'm still building up my mileage progression, and when I'm topping out at 75 or so next year. I imagine anything more would be playing with fire, so I'm pursuing whatever other avenues there are for me to improve without bumping mileage more... yet.

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