LogFAQs > #958502114

Njolk posted...

@BreezyExcursion

Another question: I live at 7500ft and aside from the track the flattest areas here have 100ft/mile

Does this factor into my training at all? Am I setting goals that are better suited for sea level and need to dial back my numbers?

In fact, how does vertical feet factor into training in general? I usually clock 4-6k ft each week on top of this 50mi, so it's not all running and I wonder what a purely running week would feel like

-There is definitely a difference between altitude and sea level, but since you live at altitude it's not as big of a deal.
-IE someone coming up from Sea Level and trying to train/race in the mountains would have a very tough time. For someone used to it, it's a much smaller difference, like 1-3sec per mile. The lack of oxygen in the air is slightly offset by less wind resistance. Short sprints are actually faster at altitude because of this.
-You'll notice that a lot of pro endurance athletes will train in places like Boulder and Flagstaff, because their body gets used to less oxygen, and then they feel great when they go back down to sea level. So while I'm saying you're not affected, you will have an advantage if you ever decide to travel for a race elsewhere.
-As long as your heart rate is not going down to walking levels when you're climbing, it should be pretty much fine, some would even argue this is a good thing. I'd count the mileage "as-is" even if you're going super slow up something steep sometimes. I'd suggest doing your tempos on something fully runnable though.


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gm