Last year, I went to Manitou from Aug, 3rd- 9th two weeks before the and PPA/PPM. I had 7 days to train. It was a "Training" vacation. I did the Manitou Incline twice, hiked up to the top of Pikes Peak, ran Garden of Gods, Beer Creek and Red Rock Canyon (twice). I took an ice bath followed by a warm bath almost every day. The following week, I was back in Kansas, one week before the race. I ran Tuesday and Wednesday morning for a total of 7 miles. In other words rest and recover one week. I know the thought is the hay is in the barn 2 weeks before the race, but I set a PR in both the PPA and PPM even though I did the "Double" for the first time. I think running in Manitou 2 weeks before really helped me........ So short story is run as much as possible to get used to altitude without killing or injuring yourself. Taper 4-6 days before the race, and you will do great!!!! The first couple of days will be tough, but your body will used to it. Start out slow and look for a local running group.
