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Pursuing a passion for
the mountains can be a challenge when you live at less than 1000’ above sea
level. I am lucky because as a high school teacher, my job allows me time
to get out to the mountains well ahead of any Summer race so I can
acclimatize. Still, I’ve always wanted to bypass that 2 week period where
gasping for air is inevitable as my body makes the necessary adaptations
allowing me to run and play above 10,000’. For several years I have looked
into buying a Hypoxico system, but they are an expensive investment.
(My Idea of Paradise)
(Hypoxico Tent)
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This Spring my coach and
friend Joe Sulak developed a Performance Lab at Stratton Sport and Spine in the
Stone Oak area of San Antonio, Texas. They recently purchased a Hypoxico
altitude simulator to help athletes maintain aerobic conditioning while
recovering from injury as well as assisting mountain athletes get a head start
in the adaptation process. Brock Stratton, the clinics mastermind and
owner, and Joe brought me in to test out the unit. After 6 weeks I am a
believer. Joe devised a protocol that, in 3 workouts of 30 minutes each
per week, would have me mountain ready by June. We started relatively
low, usually beginning at 5,000’ and working up to 8,000’, running at speeds
ranging from 5mph to 6mph. Now I begin at 10,000’ (7mph) and work up to
fast intervals (10mph) at 12,000’. Aside from feeling better, my oxygen
saturation levels (SpO2) prove that my body is adapting to the stresses of
higher elevations. That’s the cool thing about working with Joe and
Brock…their methods are always driven by science.
(It Puts the Lotion In the Basket)
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Today I can run faster at
higher elevations than when I began which is proof of the application of the
adaptations made in the clinic. We have added a few “passive” sessions into the
protocol, where I sit around at 22,000’ reading a book. This sounds easy,
but your brain doesn’t initially function well at that altitude. I
usually have to remain seated for a few minutes afterwards so I don’t pass
out. It’s a surreal experience. I am excited about my mountain
fitness and can’t wait to test it out for real next week.
(Light Reading at 22,000' Above Sea Level)
