Fast Talk 392: Potluck Discussion - Altitude Downsides, Fatigue Weeks with Limited Time, and the Auto-Pause Debate
Oct 9, 2025
Explore the challenges of returning to sea level after training at altitude, including individual responses and the risks involved. Delve into how life stress impacts training, particularly during fatigue weeks, and discover strategies for optimizing workouts under time constraints. The debate over using auto-pause on bike computers heats up as hosts weigh the pros and cons of accurate ride metrics against potential data inflation. Learn how to find the right routes for uninterrupted riding to enhance training efficacy.
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Short-Term Altitude Response Differs From Chronic
- Training at altitude produces short-term anaerobic improvements before aerobic adaptations arrive.
- Chronic aerobic benefits require time and vary widely between individuals.
Individual Variability In Altitude Adaptation
- People vary: some are strong altitude adapters, others are 'non-responders' who lose power at altitude.
- Non-responders feel much stronger at sea level but may not outperform true sea-level natives.
Keep Pre-Race Workouts Easy After Altitude
- If you race the day after descending from altitude, keep the pre-race workout mediocre to avoid wasting race-day legs.
- Expect a few races to re-learn how to push hard at sea level after descending.