Alameda Runners – Get After It!

I’m taking a trip to Colorado early next month to get a rare chance to play in the snow, after major snow withdrawal from living in California for so long. As someone currently living just a few feet above sea level, the thought of visiting a location that is above 8,000 ft. in elevation sounds like an adventure.

It’s been a while since I’ve been to the mountains, and a few people have warned me about possible acute mountain sickness (AMS). I’m not overly concerned, but wanted to share a few tips and recommendations how to avoid feeling down during vacation.

If you want to learn more about AMS, here is some reading material at Altitude.org and the NIH.

To help reduce the likelihood of suffering from the effects of high altitude, the Breckenridge Medical Clinic has a few recommendations:

• Increase fluid intake
• Decrease salt intake
• Avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine
• Eat frequent small meals
• Moderate physical activity and get rest
• Medications and oxygen can help you feel much better

The excellent people at Breckenridge helped share their experiences, with one especially helpful PR person noting she stuck with a slower pace “to compensate for heavier breathing.”

Of note: “Since most people traveling to Breckenridge do arrive through Denver, the BMC’s advice on spending a day or two down there is quite good and I’ve definitely advised family members to do so.”

I’m going to spend almost two nights in Boulder before heading up to Breckenridge, and have been told by locals that should be plenty of time to adjust to the higher altitude.

In addition to the altitude, residents from climates like the Bay Area need to be fully prepared for the weather.

Here is basic winter weather information about Breckenridge:

Breckenridge enjoys a high-alpine climate with an average annual snowfall of 300 inches. The average winter high temperature is 28 degrees Fahrenheit and Breckenridge enjoys on average 300 days of sunshine per year. It is estimated that the valley basin has only 30 frost-free days a year.

Since the weather temperature remains mild throughout the year around here in the SF bay area, it can be hard to remember what it’s like to experience multiple seasons. I’ve checked the Breckenridge weather forecast every day, and have noticed dramatic changes in the weather.

Unpredictable weather means additional time packing and preparing for the trip to ensure I don’t lose any fingers or toes to frost bite.