Question for the runners

A

Andrea

Guest
I have been having so much fun doing 5Ks with a friend of mine. She goes to Wyoming every summer (we live in So. Nevada), because her husband is a teacher and his family is there. Anyway they have a 5K in August every year, and we want to do it together. It would be a quick trip for me, so I would have no time to get used the elevation change. If I work up to 4 or 5 miles (which I want to do anyway so I can enter a 10K) will I do okay at the higher elevation for 3 miles?

I thought about posting this at Runner's World, but I know my way around this forum and know there are some runners so thought I'd give it a shot.

Andrea

P.S. Anyone know how many miles 5.05 kilometers is? I can't find any calculators on the web to figure it for me.
 
I lived in Tahoe for 2 years. When I moved there, even though I was in good shape, I couldn't climb a flight of stairs without feeling woozy. Running felt like I would faint, not from exertion, but from light-headedness. Also, when I was young I lived in Ann Arbor, elevation negligible, and went running a lot, did a lot of triathlon training. I flew to Denver on a vacation and tried to run, couldn't go a quarter mile without that sick dizzy feeling (elevation 5K feet). So, my experience tells me you might not do too well no matter how in shape you are.
 
What's the elevation? I live in Tucson and went to Sedona for a race and did fine. I also did a fair amount of running on a vacation in the White Mountains with no problem. The elvation was quite different from what I was used to. If you build your endurance enoungh by running longer, I'll bet you'll be fine. All you can do is try! There's no shame in walking if the elevation change is too much A 5K is 3.1 miles.

Bobbi http://www.plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif Chick's Rule!
 
Hi Andrea!

At what elevation will you be running? Altitude affects people differently. At 5000-7000', you will probably just feel sluggish w/ heavy legs. Above 7000' might bring on headaches w/ the heavy legs. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, minimize caffeine, & get plenty of sleep. DH is nearly vice-free but he needs to acclimate above 7000'.

A kilometer = .62137 miles. So a 5K is 3 miles w/ a little bonus.

I'm shooting for a 10k too! I can comfortably run for an hour now (at a snails pace), so now I'm going to work on speed. We ought to touch bases. My first is going to be at some altitude too - yikes!

Have fun w/ the 5k!

Debra
 
I knew a 5K was 3.1 miles (and you'd be surprised how many people doing 5Ks don't know this), but the last race was actually a 5.05K. My friend really thought this was probably a quarter mile more. But it's not.

Anyway I live at 2600' and would be running at 6200'. DH's sister lives in Tucson. I'll have to go for a run down there next time he is able to drag me. I like Tucson, just don't have much in common with the in-laws. While they are boozin' I'll go running! Has racing season tapered off there yet? Weren't you and your sis doing them every weekend?

Debra, are you running instead of biking now? I haven't attempted an hour of running yet! Have you done a race yet? It is so addicting. So much that I get up at 4am to get into Vegas to race. There is another one this Sat., but unfortunately I HAVE to go to something else.

Sorry so chatty. I have to come here to remind myself there are others who work hard too. I look around me and wonder why I do sometimes when everyone seems to be fine with their unfitness. Okay, bad day. I feel better now! Thanks!

Andrea
 
Hi Andrea

Still cycling too. The running is more time efficient. DH & I have been doing weekly running dates for our long run. I've only done 1 event, a 5K, for experience with the process & to find out my pace. I normally run on dirt w/ the hounds but now do a long run on a asphalt recreation trail. Sounds backwards, but had to get my joints used to a hard surface so that I could do events.

I'm not fond of the early starts. Don't mind getting up early but the get up & wait is a hassle. But I can see why Bobbi is addicted - it is fun to get out with like minded people. Plus there's all shapes & sizes, just doing their best.

Debra
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top