I was wondering if anyone has any experience or opinions relating altitude training for sprinters? Any input appreciated.
Altitude training was used as a form of “overspeed” by the East Germans in the 70s and 80s. Primarily in Mexico City. Training camps lasted up to 6 weeks, I seem to remember.
Marita Koch said after her career, there was an indoor place in Kienbaum (south of Berlin) where the air was like in altitude. Athletes had to stay there all day long, and Koch found it very boring, so as she didn’t believe in the efficiency, she simulated allergia and was later exempted from those cessions.
For short sprinters, altitude seems to be effective only for overspeed workouts. Some groups did it like sprinters/hurdlers from Bulgaria.
For long sprints, it had good results, it was a vital part of Kratochvílová’s training, she used to stay in Font-Romeux (France), the first 400m runner who experienced it was 1968 Olympic Champion Colette Besson.
I agree, i dont see it helping much with short sprints besides recovery between sprints(ie heats…)