Posted by labadaxa on 12/4/2007
Hi all,
So next
summer I am off to climb Mount Kenya, big high mountain with technical climbign
at the top. One problem between now and then the odds of em getting any time off
in a location with altitudes above 3000m are pretty much zero ( I am taking a
month in Kenya so my boss may actually rip me a new one if i try for anything
other than a long weekend).
So the question, does anyone have good
tips, about how to get 'fit' for altitude without the altitude?
currently I am working on climbing in the kind of weight/boots I
will be wearing on the trip plus some to get used to the alance and weight and
all that, but that's really not going to help with altitude..
Thanks in
advance,
BB
woodchuck07 says:
not unless you got a hyperbaric chamber nearby that they will let you play in. Just work on endurance, run, carry loads, that's about it unless you can get to altitude somewhere.
Anykineclimb says:
A Hyperbaric chamber will do you no good. A hypobaric chamber would help a bit, but the effects are negligible due to returning to sea level (or wherever you're at.) you need to remain at altitude to to maintain the acclimitization.
Intervals are supposed to help as it helps increase the amount of red blood cells in your bloodstream. this will help you acclimize easier. Of course, being in the best shape you can be will definitely help. also be sure to hydrate when while acclimitizing.
woodchuck07 says:
My mistake, the hyper/hypo thing that is. Agree that there is little to do but get to altitude, train, and stay there as long as possible.
andychasteen says:
I'm doing the Pikes Peak marathon next year and was looking for the same advice since I live near sea level. I was told to get on a stair climber with a plastic bag over your head (very comical if you envision it) or do intervals running or cycling breathing through your nose. I think it's rubbish, but who knows it does limit the amount of oxygen your body is taking in during exercise.
Anykineclimb says:
Actually, I've known of military personnel to wear a gas mask while on the treadmill to simulate the effects of altitude.
woodchuck07 says:
I've only heard of military using the mask to simulate how tough it is to keep focused, give 100%, not hyperventilate, and to breathe comfortably so they will be ready for real combat use. It does not simulate high altitude, just shortness of breath if anything, and you can get that by running with an overtightened backpack that restricts diaphragm and lung functions.
captain static says:
First I would ask if you have any previous high altitude experience? For me it has seemed the more I have been to altitude, the easier it has become for me to adjust. Also, how long do you have to train? I usually start training at least 3 months prior to an altitude climb.
The good old fashion ways I have trained for mountain climbing include running 3 to 5 miles every other day. Swimming 2 to 3 miles between running days. Running steps with leg weights. Also if you can plan time to acclimatize before your ascent that would be a big help. The "climb high, sleep low" approach has always worked well for me.
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woodchuck07 says:
Agree with above. Depends also how 'high' a high altitude trip is for you. Mt.Kenya is like 16,000 something I think. For others, just hiking at 10,000 gives them a high alt.headache the first days. In the past when I had one day to acclimate to above 12,500ft., I would drink quarts of water and run a dozen short sprints at my base facility. Seemed to work along with general conditioning in weeks before the trip.
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