Altitude Training Nutrition: A Colorado Coach's Guide
Colorado programs do best when altitude nutrition is treated like a system, not a one-off reminder. That means repeatable hydration habits, iron awareness, and clear visitor guidance for away teams or athletes new to elevation.
what usually happens
Program basicsBuild altitude habits into the weekly rhythmBottle access, refill breaks, and recovery food matter even more at elevation.Programs that live at altitude should not treat these as optional extras.
Iron planningHave a process for athletes most likely to drift lowDistance athletes and menstruating athletes deserve extra attention before hard blocks.Coaches should know when to raise the question and who handles labs.
what the evidence supports
Visitors and travelNew-to-altitude athletes need simpler, earlier supportPush fluids, easier carbs, and conservative expectations around the travel window.Visitors often under-pack or overestimate how normal the day will feel.
Coach missDo not assume athletes already know how to handle elevationLiving in Colorado does not automatically teach good altitude fueling habits.The more routine the environment feels, the easier it is to overlook weak systems.
Altitude nutrition works best as a Colorado program habit, not a last-minute reminder.