The Quad

         The Tahoe Ironman has proven to be a well attended Lake event.   This September will bring the crowds back: runners and supporters both will fill up local restaurants, hotels and motels over the long race weekend.   The weather is usually guaranteed to be ideal for all parties involved.
     Now athletes who participate are of a singular mind set:  they are competitive, focused, and determined to finish.  Hence, they try to get an edge, that bit of extra strength that will improve performance enough to make a difference.  Now they have found "The Quad".
     The Quad is a workout studio that does something different for the athletic workout:  it simulates atmospheric conditions at altitude.  It controls oxygen levels in the ambient environment-sea level- and can ratchet up altitude conditions to 5000' or 10000' or even higher, depending on the wishes of the trainer or participant.
      Most of these athletes are not professionals; they will not be invited to the Olympic training camp in Colorado Springs, elev. 5100', for any length of time.  At the Quad, for the price of a session, the athlete now can experience conditions at the elevation of the event ahead of race day.  The question is: does it help?
      Probably only psychologically.  The body adjusts to conditions and performance remains tied to conditioning and other factors.   Few would experience long term effects; the classes are brief.  Perhaps they would benefit those who regularly condition at altitude and find themselves at sea level.
But, it highlights the thoughtful efforts of some triathalon athletes: get an edge, any edge.
From the Chronicle Health section, 5/14/14.