I have never swum at high altitude, so I have no idea how my body will react when I compete at the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque. The meet is over a year from now, so I have plenty of time to prepare. How should I train for it when I currently live and train at near-sea level elevation? The difference in elevation between here and there is about 4,300 feet. The events I will be competing in will be: 400 IM, 200 Fly, 200 ***, 200 IM, 100 Fly, and 50 ***.
I am 56 years old, swim six days/week (averaging a total of 12-13,000 yds./wk; I trade off heavier days with lighter days), and do various forms of dryland after each swim (yoga, weights, Theraband exercises, etc.).
Thanks!
:)
Elaine,
There is not much you can do to increase the amount of hemoglobin in your system although three weeks is better than nothing. BUT, don't lose hope because this was my experience from 1994. I attended the Breadbasket Zone meet in Denver in 1994. I got there a couple of days in advance - mixed a business trip into the fray. The first 2 practice days absolutely sucked - no other word for it.
BUT, come the weekend and the racing - everything from 50s to 500s and I was on track and not slower than at meets in Minnesota (700 ft elevation). I was pleasantly surprised.
With a year to plan, the snorkel might help although I would personally opt for training harder instead of restricting your airway. You might try adding an iron supplement in an attempt to increase your hemoglobin and red blood cell count. Normally this is a suggestion for people suffering from anemia (like me), but it might be marginally beneficial in your case.
That is my experience. I suspect, you will do just fine.
Windrath
Elaine,
There is not much you can do to increase the amount of hemoglobin in your system although three weeks is better than nothing. BUT, don't lose hope because this was my experience from 1994. I attended the Breadbasket Zone meet in Denver in 1994. I got there a couple of days in advance - mixed a business trip into the fray. The first 2 practice days absolutely sucked - no other word for it.
BUT, come the weekend and the racing - everything from 50s to 500s and I was on track and not slower than at meets in Minnesota (700 ft elevation). I was pleasantly surprised.
With a year to plan, the snorkel might help although I would personally opt for training harder instead of restricting your airway. You might try adding an iron supplement in an attempt to increase your hemoglobin and red blood cell count. Normally this is a suggestion for people suffering from anemia (like me), but it might be marginally beneficial in your case.
That is my experience. I suspect, you will do just fine.
Windrath
