Has anybody had experience using canned oxygen (such as Boost Oxygen) at high-altitude swim meets? I will be competing at the National Senior Games, in Albuquerque, this June and would like to know what I can expect if I use it. How well does it work? Would racing after taking a few hits of oxygen be similar to racing at sea level?
I have been doing some training with a center-mount snorkel with a air-restricting cap to help prepare. In addition, I will be arriving on a Wednesday evening before my first race on Sunday, so I will have a few days to adjust; however, it's probably not enough. I'm thinking the oxygen could help-- at least it wouldn't hurt! I just don't want to die on my 200 fly, 400 IM, 200 IM, and 200 breaststroke! :whiteflag:
I don’t think I’d waste the money on bottled oxygen either. There are some medical articles in the running community I’ve read that say if you can’t spend at least three weeks at your elevated race location that you’re better off getting there the day of, or late the day before the event. The belief is that once your organs begin to acclimate, it negatively impacts your body’s performance. Getting there just before the event doesn’t give your organs time to begin the adjustment, and therefore function more normally as you compete.
Dan
I don’t think I’d waste the money on bottled oxygen either. There are some medical articles in the running community I’ve read that say if you can’t spend at least three weeks at your elevated race location that you’re better off getting there the day of, or late the day before the event. The belief is that once your organs begin to acclimate, it negatively impacts your body’s performance. Getting there just before the event doesn’t give your organs time to begin the adjustment, and therefore function more normally as you compete.
Dan
