Question Man wrote:
No but really... I'm looking for some serious answers on how big of a difference it could make for me. And for those who know, what is the right way to use it. How high to sleep, and when to stop using it.
It sort of depends what kind of runner you are. You say you are a 348 1500 runner, but how do your 800 and 3k/5k times compare to this performance. Are you better as the distance gets longer, or shorter?
The altitude tent will mainly help you develop your aerobic system which of course helps for the longer distances. If you suffer at 5k, the tent could help.
The proper way to use the tent, like I said above, would be to sleep/live in the tent for 10-12 or more hours per day between 8500 and 12000 feet. Pick only a couple your most important performances/races of the year, and turn the tent off about 3-5 days beforehand.
There are also risks, no one responds the same to the altitude. Your workouts could be absolutely awful, the same, or awesome. There is no real way to tell until you try.
In addition to your performance increase, benefits can be traced back to your blood. Mainly, red blood cell count should increase as a result the increase of natural EPO in your body. Other levels will change as well. You need to make sure your ferratin levels are high when you are sleeping at altitude
I had a blood test done after 4 weeks in the tent at low altitude, and will be getting another test hopefully soon. Its been about 8 weeks above 8500'.
Most science from this post is hearsay, and I could definitely be wrong. I think its right, but I am open to corrections.