How to tackle altitude?: I am on W8R... - Couch to 5K

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How to tackle altitude?

BahamaMama1 profile image
BahamaMama1Graduate
7 Replies

I am on W8R2 (unbelievable) and will be going on holiday in a couple of months. We will be in the Southern Alps and staying at about 1,750m above sea level. Often it takes me a day or two to acclimatise and effort is definitely noticeable. I would like to be able to go for a run during my holiday time but I am not sure how best to deal with the altitude.

Does anyone have experience or recommendations? Left to my own devices I am not sure it will end well :-)

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BahamaMama1 profile image
BahamaMama1
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7 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

That's about 5700 feet (ish) Whilst you are unlikely to suffer from high altitude sickness (Hypoxia) below around 8000 ft you will still have a reduction of oxygen in your blood .

Therefore you muscles will not get the amount of oxygenated blood as they are used to at or around sea level which in turn is likely to affect your pace somewhat for the same perceived effort

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

It's going to take a few days to get acclimatised to being a mile high. Just do what you feel capable of. If you can't, don't fret it.

By the time you're ready to go home you'll probably be ready to run. 😆

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate

See how you feel when you're there and have had time to acclimatise is the best I can suggest BahamaMama1 .

If you want to run, do, but take it easier than usual, without pushing pace or distance. If you don't feel up to running, then don't. You didn't mention how long you'll be away, but you might find it reassuring to know that you won't lose much fitness during a fortnight without running.

BahamaMama1 profile image
BahamaMama1Graduate

I think Run/Walk will be the way - if only to see what it feels like!

John_W profile image
John_WGraduateAmbassador

You tackle it by listening to your body and probably going much much slower than at sea level - in fact, more than likely by including a few walking breaks.

Lonmayloon profile image
LonmayloonGraduate

I split my time between Scotland, at sea level, and the French Alps, where the house is around 1,500m. In winter my exercise of sea level 5km runs are usually replaced with long skiing days at altitudes between 1,500m and 3,400m. Like you I feel the altitude for the first couple of days, nothing distressing just an awareness that the air is thinner.

In summer my 5km in the Alps, rather than being level, is uphill for the outward part climbing about 150m. For that I run for 90 seconds then fast walk for 30 seconds. For the return leg I can absolutely fly home and the total 5km time is similar to a sea level 5km run of about 30minutes. I try to make the cool down after the run much longer and more gradual as I’ve noticed I can get lightheaded if I stop suddenly. I also have a heart condition and generally wherever I’m running I keep my heart rate at the lower end ie less than 140bpm for my age of 65. My resting heart rate at altitude is about 5-10bpm higher than at sea level if that is relevant to you.

Enjoy your holiday, which area are you going to? I’m in the Belleville Valley, Savoie just now.

BahamaMama1 profile image
BahamaMama1Graduate

Thank you Lonmayloon, that really resonates

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