Quote:
> The problem is that the starting line is at 5280 ft above sea level.
> (The finish is at 2680 ft above sea level). Even though the race is
> mostly downhill, this "mile high" altitude MUST have an appreciable
> effect on breathing. Can anyone share with me either their experiences
> with the ability to breath at St George or with any similar high
> altitude marathon? Also, do most participants arrive several days early
> in order to acclimate to this height?
Actually, the only thing that took my breath away was the desert sunrise.
1. I have had altitude problems in a 5K in Denver once, but was obviously
running much faster. It never bothered me at St. George. I think awareness
of the 5280-ft. elevation can help keep your initial pace sane. This is
especially important at St. George, for reasons other than altitude.
2. You should note that since the first 5 miles
or so will be in darkness, you can go out faster than you think. You will
need to either wear a glow-dial watch AND/OR drive the course ahead of
time to know where the miles are in relation
to the 3 or 4 dips in the course in this section. You may hear mile splits
called out but you won't be able to see much else.
3. Know also that there is a fast downhill from mile 5 to 7 into Veyo,
followed by a STIFF uphill out of Veyo (the "Volcano" hill -- you'll know
why when you see it)
with a grade that eases slowly but keeps you going up steadily for another
two miles... followed by more terrain that looks flat (and is labeled as
slightly downhill on the course profile) but actually RISES much of the
way to about mile 12. THESE ARE HARD MILES, and you really can't run them
too hard or you will not be able to take advantage of the latter half of
the race where most of the downhill action is to be found.
4. Too many words, but my point is starting slowly at St. George is a very
good idea for all of the above reasons. I think I was 2 minutes behind the
Boston cutoff at the halfway point, running carefully but getting worried.
I beat the Boston time by nearly 3 minutes in the end, because I saved
enough to rip the downhills on the second half of the course.
5. If you run under control for the first half, the altitude shouldn't be
much of a problem, nor would two or three days do much to acclimate if it
were. I would agree that it's worth arriving early to "acclimate" to the
St. George hospitality and the scenery, both out of this world.
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Clint Morrison "Controversy equalizes fools and wise men
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
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