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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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* Some variability may be due to differences in iron intake/availability. Low blood iron (serum ferritin < 20 ng/ml female, < 30 ng/ml male) may limit the body's ability to generate new red blood cells, which is part of the altitude adaptation. Studies in the USSR and CIS have shown genetic factors as well.
* The effects of altitude are non-linear. From sea level to Leadville (10,170 ft), your blood oxygen levels drop 6% from 96% to 90%. Going up another 4,000 ft to Pike's Peak (14,110), blood oxygen levels drop a further 8% to 82%.
* Running is harder at altitude as seen by the [[VO2max ]] drop. At Leadville your [[VO2max ]] will drop by ~15% (range 4-30%)
* Athletes' performance may drop noticeably even at relatively low altitudes. At 1,900 ft, a 5 minute maximal exertion test was 6% (male) and 4% (female) lower than at sea level.
* Athletes may suffer more at altitude than sedentary people, and men more than women.
