Ep. 24 Altitude Camps Explained: Timing, Benefits, and Best Practices

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, hosts Andy Newell and Brian Halligan dive deep into the benefits and challenges of altitude training. They share insights from observing world-class athletes like Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and Emil Iversen training in Park City, and discuss how altitude adaptation varies from athlete to athlete. The conversation covers what it means to be an “altitude responder,” why timing and duration matter, and how to maximize gains without overloading the body.

From there, the discussion shifts to the role of cycling in modern ski training. The hosts compare philosophies from international coaches—some favoring running for its ski-specific benefits, others increasingly turning to cycling as a lower-impact way to build volume. Drawing from their own coaching experience, they explore how athletes can strategically add cycling into their plans, whether as early-season base work or as a recovery tool during interval-heavy training blocks.

The episode rounds out with listener questions on fall training topics, including how to adjust workouts when sick, best practices for strength phases, and creative solutions for athletes without access to long training hills. Andy and Brian emphasize practical, real-world advice: prioritize recovery when illness strikes, focus on technique before heavy lifting, and adapt training creatively to your environment. Packed with actionable takeaways, this conversation offers both athletes and coaches tools to fine-tune their approach heading into the race season.

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