Trail running at elevation.
At the top end of the competitive world of distance running even the smallest advantage becomes significant. Living and training at altitude is a popular way to achieve an advantage over those at sea level due to the changes in the body from the reduction in available oxygen in the air. I’m not an elite runner nor do I live at altitude so why should I care? I think it’s a fascination I’ve developed through running of the metamorphosis that takes place as you make your way through the training process.
The only way the body can deliver internally the required amount of oxygen to the rest of the body is to provide more vehicles. Think of the red blood cells as the pride of any middle aged balding man who seem to love red sports cars. The more you have the sexier and more fit you must be – right? The blood cells are the vehicles the body uses in the circulation system. In the thin air above 5000 feet/ 1500 meters the body is forced to adapt resulting in a higher red blood cell count. Unfortunately the adaptation doesn’t include new hair growth.
