There are a variety of reasons why some of the world’s top distance runners flock to Eugene, Oregon, in order to train for some of the most important competitive events of their careers. Access to some of the best distance coaches in the world as well as outstanding facilities certainly play a role, and for many American runners, the idea of running on the same trails as Steve Prefontaine surely serves as an additional draw. In keeping with some of the most common John Pryor strength and conditioning philosophies, these athletes have to also account for some of the drawbacks that come with training in the Pacific Northwest, particularly the lack of natural light.

As any resident of Eugene — or any other geographic location prone to low-light conditions — will tell you, halogen lamps are often used to combat the negative effects associated with the frequent lack of natural light. This means that athletes training in areas like Eugene have to make sure they are finding other sources of vitamin D, as any nutrient deficiency may end up having a negative impact on a training program’s overall effectiveness. Whether it is through halogen lamps or nutritional supplementation, athletes should be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that they are not being adversely affected by the low-light conditions inherent in locations that are otherwise ideal for training.