Flatlanders at 10k

[AaronMColeman]

I live at 8000’. But I’ve also come up to visit when I lived at 600’. I also have asthma and get massive headaches from the altitude and dryness. And I was literally running marathons first time I came up and the altitude kicked my butt.

So a couple things I did that help a lot.

1) food and water. Drink a lot but don’t go overboard. Bring electrolyte pouches for water. And don’t forget to eat good nutritious food. Too much water and you’ll just piss out all your salts and vitamins and feel like crap. Also take and bring vitamins.

2) physical conditioning. A lot of people focus on cardio. I did at first and it barely helped. I would work on HIIT (high intensity interval training). It strengthened my legs, balance, core, heart, and burns tons of fat. I’d work on that sort of stuff over cardio. Peloton has an app I just run off my iPad for $13 a month. Lots of good body weight only workouts and peloton isn’t just the bike (i don’t even have the bike).

3) 2-3 days were rough for me. I’d try to arrive at least a day before if you can. If not just know it’s gonna suck and don’t over do yourself.

 

[AaronMColeman]

I would also google something’s about acute mountain sickness. This what you’ll be dealing with at 8000’-10,000’. Altitude sickness is higher than that.

 

[Indian Summer]

You are about to learn how to slow down. Everything moves slow in the mountains except the elk. Over exertion in the first few days can trigger altitude sickness symptoms.

I take 3 days to get acclimated. I’m going from 800 ft to about 7500 so not as high. There’s a big difference between 7500 feet and 9500. It really helps if you’re camping lower and hunting up. Your body gets a little break at night. We camp at 6400. My spike camp is at 9000 and I can feel it.

Whatever you do remember that an elk hunt is a team thing so everyone needs to keep an eye on their partner and the one who is less capable sets the pace. You never know either..... that could be you not your wife. It really does affect different people differently. Good luck. Sounds like you have a keeper.

 

[mavinwa2]

I'm at sea level for 7 months of the year. But keep fit, can't overwork body at my age (62).
Elk hunt CO archery each year, 8000-9500' elevation average.

I arrive Delta CO 4 days before season. Acclimate a little on the 14 hour drive (take my time 1.5 days travel) to get there. 1st night at friend's house, we fly fish the river next day. Then go camp & scout at 7000' for couple days. Hydrate-hydrate and hydrate some more. Tried the Wilderness Athlete pills, don't know if they helped.

Last 3 years now just use maintain my daily vitamin regimen. But adding ginseng & green tea's and Ginko Biloba pills for at least month before hunt. Limit 1 cup coffee each morning and NO alcohol...until meat in camp then cold beers...