Running & Jogging in the Mountains (Prescott: fit in, transferring to, dangerous)

[collected_eve]

Problem:
When I jog at this elevation in Prescott, my throat burns. This isn't something that has happened to me at lower elevations & if any runners can throw me some advice, that would be perfect!
I love running this high, because of the benefits when transferring to lower elevations. Really gives yah a boost!

[mdp_az]

Has your low elevation running been done in desert air? If not, it could simply be the dry air getting to you. One thing that might help on cool days at least is to wear a thin balaclava or face mask over your mouth that's made from a synthetic material like polypropylene. This will help retain some moisture that you'll "re-breathe".

Regarding the elevation and training, most of the experts are now saying that you derive even greater benefit in training when you sleep high and train low. So, you may be better off driving to a lower elevation for your workouts and then sleeping in town at the higher elevation.

[Leana76]

Originally Posted by collected_eve

Problem:
When I jog at this elevation in Prescott, my throat burns. This isn't something that has happened to me at lower elevations & if any runners can throw me some advice, that would be perfect!
I love running this high, because of the benefits when transferring to lower elevations. Really gives yah a boost!

I totally agree. Arizona, not just Prescott, has a higher elevation and makes jogging and running more challenging. And it does give a great boost when running/jogging at lower elevations. Yes, it does and it's great. Also, it builds your stamina better too and increases your lung capacity.

[Steve-o]

My guess would be that the thinner/dryer air might leave you gasping for more air, making your throat "burn" or dry out faster? I dunno, Im not much of a runner myself, but my throat burns in dry climates because it gets parched much faster. A slower pace and more water helps things feel much better.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

My guess would be that the thinner/dryer air might leave you gasping for more air, making your throat "burn" or dry out faster? I dunno, Im not much of a runner myself, but my throat burns in dry climates because it gets parched much faster. A slower pace and more water helps things feel much better.

I would think that is right. Oxygen requirements would be the same, but the O2 content of the air lower, so you have to breathe more of it exacerbating the drying. I don't run either but I puff like a locomotive doing any work in the mountains.

[Leana76]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

My guess would be that the thinner/dryer air might leave you gasping for more air, making your throat "burn" or dry out faster? I dunno, Im not much of a runner myself, but my throat burns in dry climates because it gets parched much faster. A slower pace and more water helps things feel much better.

It does, in a way. So, in the summer time (in Arizona) you have to go very early in the morning (like around 4:30-6:00) while it's still kind of cool. Because it gets very, very hot in the afternoon and it's dangerous to go for a long-distance run then. And in the winter you have to go in high afternoon when it's the warmest because the freezing, dry air does give you a sore throat and gasping terribly.

So, if you run at the right times, around the seasons, you have no worries.