Marathon running and elevation mask.

[1972girl]

I like to do distance running and was thinking about getting an elevation mask. Just would like to get some feedback from people who have or do use them.
Did help? and how often did you train with it on?

[gregmcclure25]

I got one a while back for warm weather training, (from Scotland, so really anywhere is warm to me) mixed with the humidity it really makes the basic of moves suck, walking lunges, pull-ups, press-ups you catch my drift.
can’t say much about it for running, had it on the bike a couple of times and you can really notice the difference of breathing harder a lot earlier in the session.
mines has removable parts to the front so you can change the altitude, 3,6,9,12,15 and 18000 ft usually stick between 3000-9000 ft depending on the work load.

Kind of went off it a little since reading some studies trying to prove you get the real effects of altitude from it.
Would still recommend, just from writing this post I am looking forward to getting back on it!

[1972girl]

I read a lot of negative stuff about the altitude part, I don't really think it helps much there. But I was thinking more for increasing lung capacity and diaphragm muscles.

[gregmcclure25]

I think you are right on those 2 points there!
think they are around £70 on amazon from what i remember!

[1972girl]

Its kind of pricey for what it is, if it works well I would be fine with it, but i'm on the fence mostly because of the price.

[1972girl]

bump

[DCSpartan]

its a less than optimal idea. As a long distance runner your max lung capacity isnt a limiting factor. All it will do is get you to run slower and for less distance than breathing normally, which isnt going to help your marathon times. If you were getting ready to deploy for combat operations in the mountains of Afghanistan in 2-3 weeks my advice might be different.

[badgenesnogainz]

its a less than optimal idea. As a long distance runner your max lung capacity isnt a limiting factor. All it will do is get you to run slower and for less distance than breathing normally, which isnt going to help your marathon times. If you were getting ready to deploy for combat operations in the mountains of Afghanistan in 2-3 weeks my advice might be different.

This. Altitude masks dont really provide the same stimulus for the tissue as altitude does. (occlusion seems to be a better tool for that, even though I doubt thats a good idea for distance running either.) So all that will happen is you´re gonna do hypoxic training and have less power at same effort. Thats actually gonna hurt your progress.

Another thing, and I know thats not what you asked, but still: I dont think its wise to think about stuff like that if you are not a super experienced runner yet. First focus should be to build up mileage and not get INJURED!!! The prevalence of overuse injuries in serious runners is extremely, extremely high. (bodybuilders and other training fanatics are especially endangered cause of their level of motivation and die-hard attitudes)

Anyway good luck and enjoy running!

[1972girl]

I really just wanted to hear from people who have used it and not debate over the altitude stuff. And I don't know what you mean by super experienced runner, I do four 14 mile runs a week, normally around April I start fours days, 26 miles, 14 miles, and two 8miles. I try to through in one 30 mile a month but don't always. I have been running for awhile and have had my share of injuries, i'm not unfamiliar with injures.

[DCSpartan]

I really just wanted to hear from people who have used it and not debate over the altitude stuff

But the whole purpose of the mask is to simulate altitude!!!

I happen to know a little about endurance in high altitudes from multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, and the difference from VO2 max and lung capacity from the personal training Mark Twight gave us (he knows a little bit about training for endurance events) - looks like you have your mind made up regardless and will keep bumping this thread till someone tells you how great it is.

If you are doing the insane volume claim to be doing than all a mask will do is slow you down, its not the silver bullet you are looking for.

Seems to me if you are doing 4 14 mile runs a aweek you can optimize your training a lot without spending a dollar on unneccessary gear . . . .

[1972girl]

Odd how people can't read or have to put there 2cents in when it doesn't even apply to them.

[DCSpartan]

Odd how people can't read or have to put there 2cents in when it doesn't even apply to them.

yeah, funny how people ask for advice when really they want validation.

[badgenesnogainz]

I really just wanted to hear from people who have used it and not debate over the altitude stuff. And I don't know what you mean by super experienced runner, I do four 14 mile runs a week, normally around April I start fours days, 26 miles, 14 miles, and two 8miles. I try to through in one 30 mile a month but don't always. I have been running for awhile and have had my share of injuries, i'm not unfamiliar with injures.

Superexperienced runner = fully matured athlete who´s reached his or her breakpoint volume training optimally.

You are right I dont have experience with training with elevation masks but if you just want user experiences and no background info why not check amazon? there are hundreds of reviews.

Cheers