Experts believe about 90% of runners that have won at the highest level have done so by training where?

• A. Slightly above sea level.
• B. At sea level.
• C. Below sea level.
• D. At altitudes of one mile or higher.

Answer: (D)

Training at high altitude exposes the body to less oxygen, which triggers adaptations that boost endurance performance. The most important change is an increase in red blood cell production and hemoglobin, improving how oxygen is carried and used by the muscles during long efforts. Over weeks of acclimatization, these adjustments can raise VO2 max and running efficiency, helping athletes perform well even when racing at lower elevations. Training at sea level or only slightly above sea level doesn’t generate the same strong hypoxic stimulus, whereas training below sea level wouldn’t provide these altitude-related benefits. Therefore, training at elevations around a mile or higher is the pattern most associated with reaching the highest levels of success.