Conference Report Highlights of the Third Annual International Altitude-Training Symposium Peter Pfitzinger, MSc Sport and Exercise Science Department, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. The optimal altitude for daily exposures of 20 hours per day is about 2,100 to 2,500 meters. There is a large variation in benefit between athletes. Altitude exposure can be included in the training program in the peak phase or at the end of the base phase. A potential nutritional problem is loss of muscle mass resulting from insufficient energy intake.
Iron deficiency can also reduce the benefit of altitude exposure.
Hypobaric chambers, nitrogen houses, and nitrogen tents appear to simulate altitude exposure successfully. Use of supplemental oxygen to achieve high-intensity training at altitude appears to be more stressful than training low. I was able to attend the meeting, thanks to support from the NZ Sports Foundation and the NZ Triathlon Academy. He is currently cross country and track coach at Indiana University. Robert first explained the need for high aerobic power in an elite runner competing in events lasting 2 min or longer.