Ok, I need some help…yesterday I went to the doctor because I felt like crap, and still do. It turns out that I have a temp of 102 and possibly strep throat. I am supposed to be running the pike’s peak ascent this weekend. Here are my questions:
Although I used to live in CO and have run this race before, I now live in NJ where, last I checked, did not have the Rockies. Will running at altitude sick effect me more than being healthy?
I was told that being sick and running at 14,000+ feet could possibly kill me. I am hoping this is a myth, not fact?
Can I actually run this race this weekend, or is all lost? Has anyone ever run this race sick? I started antibiotics on Monday and they will last through the race.
First, it is tough to simply DRIVE up Pike’s Peak. Altitude sickness starts to set in on me at about 9,000 ft. By the top I want to vomit, I can barely stand up, and my head feels like a hot air baloon. That is with me healthy and in good shape.
So you’re nutz to want to even try to run up that thing.
Next, to race anywhere with a fever is dumb. To do it with strep is even more dumb as it can kill you.
To try to run up Pike’s Peak under these conditions puts the final touch on your diagnosis. Been nice knowing ya.
Ok, maybe I am, but I have run this moutain many times and have not felt the effects of altitude (granted that was when I lived there). My fever has broke and I still have 4 days to recover. I have been looking forward to this race all season . . .I’m making a mini vacation out of it with my new wife! I was secretly hoping all would not be lost…