Training for meet at high altitude

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 That gives me hope! Going out three weeks ahead isn't an option for us; however, a couple of days ahead is what we had planned anyway. Hopefully, my experience will be similar to yours! For me, training any harder isn't a wise option. It has taken all of my willpower to cut back on the 450+ miles annual miles I used to log in, because my body couldn't tolerate the volume. Between my sports orthopedic surgeon (a former college football player himself) and my husband, they finally convinced me that my land-based repetitive stress injuries and congenital issues would follow me into the pool if I didn't back off. I'll check with my doc about that iron supplement. Thanks for the suggestion! Elaine, I was out in ABQ visiting family at Christmas last year and had planned to go to the pool, but didn't. My heart rate was way up there just resting so I can imagine it's going to be a little nuts while exercising. I've been having the same thoughts about the games next year and have just decided to just have fun and live with it. There won't be any records broken by me or probably not even PRs, but we'll represent our states just fine. :) Hey, Flystorms! Thanks for sharing your experience. I had this same discussion with my husband last night, drawing the same conclusion to go out and have fun; and, not worry about my race times. Hey, at this point, I'm thinking I'll just be happy if I can complete the 200 fly without getting DQ'd for passing out mid-pool! :whiteflag: I'm looking forward to meeting you at the games! Please let me know which events and age group you will be competing in, so I can cheer you on. :cheerleader: Off the subject, I've enjoyed your town a few times before hopping on an American Queen Steamboat Company paddle wheeler for a river cruise. The last time was in January during your wicked snow storm! It sure was cold and icy in Memphis!

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 That gives me hope! Going out three weeks ahead isn't an option for us; however, a couple of days ahead is what we had planned anyway. Hopefully, my experience will be similar to yours! For me, training any harder isn't a wise option. It has taken all of my willpower to cut back on the 450+ miles annual miles I used to log in, because my body couldn't tolerate the volume. Between my sports orthopedic surgeon (a former college football player himself) and my husband, they finally convinced me that my land-based repetitive stress injuries and congenital issues would follow me into the pool if I didn't back off. I'll check with my doc about that iron supplement. Thanks for the suggestion! Elaine, I was out in ABQ visiting family at Christmas last year and had planned to go to the pool, but didn't. My heart rate was way up there just resting so I can imagine it's going to be a little nuts while exercising. I've been having the same thoughts about the games next year and have just decided to just have fun and live with it. There won't be any records broken by me or probably not even PRs, but we'll represent our states just fine. :) Hey, Flystorms! Thanks for sharing your experience. I had this same discussion with my husband last night, drawing the same conclusion to go out and have fun; and, not worry about my race times. Hey, at this point, I'm thinking I'll just be happy if I can complete the 200 fly without getting DQ'd for passing out mid-pool! :whiteflag: I'm looking forward to meeting you at the games! Please let me know which events and age group you will be competing in, so I can cheer you on. :cheerleader: Off the subject, I've enjoyed your town a few times before hopping on an American Queen Steamboat Company paddle wheeler for a river cruise. The last time was in January during your wicked snow storm! It sure was cold and icy in Memphis!