Hi all. This last Oct, I scored my first Elk in the Chama area of NM. I have not even shot a deer yet! Anyway, it was an incredible experience.
I come from about 500' above sea level. I exercised for th trip. MAinly running and biking with crunches thrown in. I got to where I could run 3 miles in 40 minutes without stopping and still have enough oomph leftto do my job that day (BARELY!!). I am 42 and I thought I was in fair shape. BUT THE ALTITUDE!! I don't think it was anything but the altitude that killed me. Becasue I couldn't breath up at 8000-9500', my stamina, ability to keep up with the guide, and even sleep cycles went to pot.
My question is, Did I need to be in even better shape? Should I have run wind sprints too? Is therre anything one can do to pre prepare the body for low oxygen when you know you are going up to altitude? Or am I just a middle aged ***** with a pace maker LOL