Spalding Cross Country Introduces Altitude Training
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 15, 2009) – The Spalding University Athletic Department announces that the cross country program, under the direction of head coach Kevin Alessandro, will introduce simulated altitude training this fall. The facility will offer Spalding students the amenities of a traditional residence hall, while also introducing athletes to simulated altitude stimulus as a part of endurance training segments.
The project will be named "The Eagles’ Nest: High Altitude Project" referencing the Spalding University Golden Eagle mascot. The project emphasizes the support of the athletic department in developing cross country at the University. The investment in this equipment will distinguish Spalding University as one of the only, if not the only, institution in the region to offer this capability to its athletes.
The altitude equipment produces low-oxygen air that when used as part of certain athletic protocols will heighten race day performances. Some of the physiological benefits include increased red blood cell count and increased blood flow to the lungs, promoting oxygen exchange. The equipment will increase mitochondria, enzymes that facilitate release of oxygen from red blood cells into muscles and will also increase capillary density in muscles.
"Our cross country program is still in its infancy, but providing altitude stimulus will provide our distance runners a progressive approach to athletic development," said head coach Kevin Alessandro. "The altitude stimulus set-up will take an innovative and scientific approach to training athletes, while exposing prospects to what is possible with the sport of distance running."
For more information on this initiative and Spalding Athletics, visit
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Spalding University offers an innovative schedule of seven six-week sessions per year, allowing students to earn a bachelor’s degree at their own pace. Spalding has graduate, undergraduate and accelerated programs with majors in accounting, business, creative writing, communication, education, humanities, natural science, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, social sciences and social work.
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