Efficiency of Training in a Mountain Environment: Increasing the Performance of Athletes Specializing in Middle and Long Distance

In this study, we characterized the effectiveness of building the training process of track and fieldф athletes for medium and long distances in a mountainous environment. For the development of physical qualities of professional athletes who specialize in endurance sports, training in mountain conditions is of great importance. Among the key influencing factors on the human body in mountain conditions, the most significant are the decrease in atmospheric pressure, the rarefaction of the air, as well as the decrease in the oxygen level. Modern scientists have studied the main adaptive reactions caused by staying in mountain conditions: increase in pulmonary ventilation; increase in cardiac output; increase in hemoglobin content; increase in the number of erythrocytes; increase in erythrocytes of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DFH), which contributes to the removal of oxygen from hemoglobin; increasing the amount of myoglobin, which facilitates oxygen consumption; increase in the size and number of mitochondria; increase in the number of oxidative enzymes. After the transition to the mountains, in the body of a person who found himself in conditions of hypoxia, compensatory protective mechanisms against lack of oxygen are activated. Visible changes in the functioning of various systems are already observed from a height of 1000-1200 meters above sea level. So, at an altitude of 1000 meters VO2 max is 96-98% of the maximum level recorded on the plain. With increasing altitude, this indicator gradually decreases by 0.7- 1.0% for every 100 meters. In our study, we gave examples of track and field athletes who trained in mountainous terrain and showed high sports results at competitions in normal conditions. So, we came to the conclusion that training in mountainous terrain is an effective way to increase the athlete's functional potential and achieve better sports results in normal competition conditions. We believe that this type of training not only increases the physical endurance of runners, but also makes their body more resistant to extreme conditions that may arise during competitions or training in different areas. The use of mountain areas for training helps to adapt to different conditions and provides endurance for long distances.