dd1288 wrote:
Is Albuquerque unfair for non-altitude runners? Would results be any different at sea level? Poll at d2cross.blogspot.com
First off, I'm not here to argue whether Adams and the rest of the RMAC deserve to be in the NCAA distance races. They have had a great year and it's beyond altitude converted times, (which is sometimes a problem in the 1500m outdoors when Adams/Western get 10 second cushions for racing at home). They would score a ton of points in the mile/5k events at NCAA's regardless of where the championships would have been held this year. BUT with all of this said, there is no denying that holding the championships at altitude gives these athletes an advantage over their sea level counterparts.
There is no argument.
Looking for evidence to support this claim? open any exercise physiology book that discusses the topic, OR, listen to Damon Martin's video interview on Flotrack that was posted several months ago, where he talks openly about how long it takes his athletes to acclimate to training at the higher elevations of Colorado. He mentioned that it oftentimes takes 6-8 weeks for athletes to feel comfortable running up there. Hmm... Last time i checked the NCAA doesn't exactly fly sea level teams to the venue of NCAA's 6-8 weeks in advance.
You can poll athletes all you want, but the bottom line is that the altitude kids will say there is no advantage and the sea level kids will say that there is. The funny thing is that everyone knows the truth. I mean, how many elites move to elevation to gain the physiological advantages that are associated with living and training in the thin air?
The ironic thing here is that ALB, NM is a major destination for those seeking good altitude living and training.