Accidentally running at altitude!: I’m... - Couch to 5K

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Accidentally running at altitude!

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate
18 Replies

I’m travelling parts of the US at the mo, running whenever I can. Yesterday arrived in Santa Fe & so this morning set out for a run. Hadn’t been able to run for quite a few days so thought a half hour would be good. We’re staying out of town and the birds are lovely. So decided to run without a podcast or music for a change and listen to the birds. My goodness, my breathing was so loud & laboured & I thought no wonder I nearly always have my headphones on! Settled into an even slower pace than usual (Japanese slow jogging), wondering why I was struggling a bit. When I got back, I checked the elevation - it’s nearly 7200 ft - that’s only slightly lower than Mexico City at 7350! Feel better about my abilities after that, and think I’ll stick to shorter runs while at these heights. Mind you, I’ll be a rocket when I get back - well a 🐌🚀 anyway! Happy running y’all.

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DiscoRunner
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18 Replies
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

That’s so interesting & encouraging for me as I go to Calgary Canada next week & spend time in the Rocky Mountains. I was wondering if the high altitude would affect my running!

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply to Annieapple

It’ll be lovely & you know to go slow & not too long, and walk bits of you need to!

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to DiscoRunner

So helpful thank you!!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

I had never thought of the difference it would make, a great place to run though with the birds sounds an interesting experience

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun

I’ve been to Mexico & Peru & so know altitudes can be tough - especially while adjusting - I just hadn’t realised how high it was here!

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun

We go every two years as my son lives there but it will be my first time as a runner 🏃‍♀️ Looking forward to a run with my boy!

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate

As a skier i know altitude makes an incredible difference. Every time we come home from ski holidays hubby finds his running is much improved - guess this is why athletes do high altitude training. Tough at the time but good results after.

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply to Grannyhugs

Seven league boots here I come!

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Grannyhugs

Ooh now that’s encouraging as I will be there 7 weeks🥳

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate in reply to Annieapple

Wow mega holiday. You'll notice the altitude as soon as you try to climb your 1st flight of stairs. How cold is it going to get while you are there?

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Grannyhugs

They have had heavy snow already this week but supposed to be milder next week. -1 with a high of 6. Packing my snow boots because it will definitely drop to a zero high in November & we there till the end of November. Have to get my runs in October. I am going to see if I can use an indoor track in Nov if I can pay as I go and not take out membership. I am happy to run on soft snow but not ice!!

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate in reply to Annieapple

Keep safe and have a great trip

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply to Annieapple

Ah! Time to learn to use a treadmill! That with hiking if you can get that I’m will keep you fit! Safe travels!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

I have often wondered about that, I know with certain things it makes a big difference, recipes for one for some reason cakes have to have a slightly different recipe for cooking in altitude so if it can do that to a cake I imagine it could do it to a person 😀. Well done for getting out there. Rfc x

wheatmontana.com/content/hi...

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate

I had no idea it effected the cooking. What we learn when we run!

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to DiscoRunner

🤣 I knew about the cooking but not the running🙈

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

Gorgeous, gorgeous area - have fun! But take care about the exertion. 😊

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply to Granspeed

Will do! Running again tomorrow but nice and slow, and only 1/2 an hour.

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