altitude sickness

[cmrun78738]

Hello,  I'm a flatlander and have been in Co Springs since mon. I''ve run twice  with minor issues from altitude, unitl yesterday.   Went up on the 2:40 COG, despite drinking 2 bottles of water, I got a little dizzy while at the top, and I got ahheadache when I got to the bottom. Took 3 advil and 2 more bottles of water and felt better. I was told by a local to take an aspirin bc it w thin my blood and reduce the headaches.  Any truth to this?
 
I brougt altitude meds w me from my doc, but was concerned about taking them bc they can increase dehydration.

What to do??!!??

Thanks,

Maria

[windy902]

My 2 cents... I have read that Ibuprofen is more effective than asprin for issues dealing with high altitudes.  Although personally I would not take them too often.  Continue to hydrate.  Not only is the elevation of CO Springs relatively high, but throughout the race you are only getting higher and higher.  So I would continue to drink plenty of water.

I also think the fact that you went up to the top of Pikes Peak, that little bit of time spent up there should help when you are at the top either Saturday or Sunday.

One last thing is to stay positive.  Two years ago was my first time running the ascent and the last 3 miles were horrible.  I put way too much stress and anxiety on myself.  Last year I went into the race much more relaxed and accepting that the last 3 miles were going to be very tough.  I ended up feeling much better and ran close to 5 minutes faster above tree line.  So don't over think it.  Realize it is going to be tough but accept it.  Do not stress and worry about the effects of altitude.  It's gonna happen no matter what!

[Jasper]

I do take Aspirin specifically to thin the blood for this event, but I can't speak to Ibuprofen Vs Aspirin.

I can add to the previous comments that Emotions DO Run High At Altitude. It's a fact. Virgin Atlantic has warnings before even innocuous movies on their Trans-Atlantic Flights that you may simply be more emotionally reactive due to the Altitude.

Attitude above treeline, especially with the fog of Altitude closing in, everything seeming SO bright, or as you become increasingly Ataxic, is important. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways of keeping your head in a good space.
Positive Mantras, enjoy the scenery, maybe even fall temporarily in Love while you're up high on the trail. Haha. There's no reason you can't USE that emotional "Boost" to your advantage. Have some fun with it, by keeping it positive. Although I might recommend that if you do Fall in Love, just keep your mouth shut!

Now if you've got time goals and you're used to just gritting your teeth, yelling at yourself, and limping like Festus... you're on your own! Ha. Otherwise, relaxing during this race and staying positive is actually the best way to both finish, if that's your goal, AND to go faster.
Best of Luck!

[runmegood]

If you fall in love, just know its only the altitude.  Ha!  But DO FALL IN LOVE with the experience, it is a high.  All the best you, Windy is right... STAY POSITIVE ABOVE TREELINE.  LOOK around, but DON'T LOOK UP.     

[cmrun78738]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Best of luck to us all!