I sort of thought that the whole ‘train at a higher elevation and get PR’s at a lower’ thing was a bit exaggerated, or at least didn’t last more then a few days. I live in Calgary, Alberta (1,100 meters / 3,600 feet) and have been in Hawaii for the last three weeks. I am training for a half marathon, so am running here (at slightly above sea level), and even ran the local Jingle Bell 5K race just before Christmas. My pace at home was, at best, 6:20 or so per km. When I did the 5K race, my pace was 5:27/km! I’m consistently getting new PR’s, even during my long runs and in the heat (for me, it’s pretty hot for running). It’s awesome!
Will I maintain this speed at home or am I going to be horribly disappointed? Is it truly a difference in elevation that’s making me so speedy (for me)?
Maybe I should only do races in Hawaii, eh?