Originally Posted by
noodle soup
Something that hasn't been mentioned here, and some of you might get upset by hearing this is...
Some athletes are using "enhancements". They don't build sustainable fitness, but the do build muscle that remains long after they get clean.
It could be argued that "muscle that remains long after they get clean" IS sustainable fitness, as would be an increase in hematocrit values. Yes, it's a cheat, but it's not necessarily a short term boost, AND it's layered on top of long term fitness. Though I suppose it depends on what you consider 'long term'.