What do you like to do on vacations? We took a family vacation to Copper Mountain Colorado and enjoyed the scenery and outdoors. But, there are some things to remember when traveling to the altitude and increasing physical activity.
Yes, we have an active family, but adding in the altitude factor requires a little more focus to keep going strong.
Hydration- Water is important (you should drink it everyday). In everyday life, water is important to help joints and muscles, keep body cool, promote cardiovascular health, and cleanse your body. Now, when in the high altitude, the more water you have, the faster you will adapt to the altitude. So, drinking water is an easy way to avoid altitude sickness and feel better overall. Don’t go overboard, to much water can have negative effects on your body. So, use your best judgement. A good way to check hydration levels is the color of your pee. Darker pee=not hydrated, lighter pee=well hydrated.
BCAAs- BCAAs (branch chain amino acids) can help with endurance and exercise capacity. Adding some in during exercise may be beneficial. Taking some BCAAs on a high altitude hike may give you a little boost when you need it most. BCAAs come in a powder form that can be mixed with water. Definitely try some out before you get to high altitude to make sure your body agrees with the supplement. My favorite BCAAs are Titan Nutrition BCAAs (use code TEAMPRO for 20% off).
On my trip to Colorado I planned my big hike around our time at high altitudes.
Day 1- Little bike ride at Copper Mountain Bike Trail (getting adjusted to altitude and exercise). Beautiful ride with great sights. Visit Epic Discovery on top of Vail Mountain (elevation 11,570 ft) (8 hours at high altitude).
Day 2- Little bike ride at Copper Mountain Bike Trail towards Frisco, CO (getting more adjusted to altitude). Visit Leadville, Co (elevation 10,152 ft) for the day, (another day at high altitude).
Day 3- Hike Quandary Peak, elevation 14,265 ft. Started trail at 5:30am. Hikes 2.5 hours up, stayed at summit for 10 min, hiked 2.5 miles down. Packed my hydration pack with water, small water bottle for Titan Nutrition BCAAs, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, banana, trail mix, beef jerky, protein bar, first aid kit, whistle, and carried hiking poles. This was my first “14er,” and I’m up to try another one. Yes, I got exhausted and had labored breathing as the altitude increased, but I kept a steady pace and kept moving. My concern was making it to the top, which I did. Then, to get down and move on with my day. This was definitely a test of will power and inner strength to keep moving to the top.
My family trip to Copper Mountain was a success. This is the highlight of three of our six days. Fun, adventure, time with loved ones. Now, who’s ready to take it up to the mountains? Plan what you want and enjoy the time!