High Altitude Racing?
I live at sea level and usually don't feel the effects of altitude until about 12,000 feet.
The best way to race in altitude when you live at sea level is to show up as late as you possible can. Plan to race within 24 hours of getting there....less if possible. If you're just going to 4000-5000 feet (maybe a bit more) you shouldn't feel much difference anyway like Dan said.
______________________________________________
-Matt
Not fast enough.
Depends on you and depends on the altitude. The more in shape you are (endurance wise) the better, but I still know a 3 hour marathon runner who starts feeling it at 5000. I don't start to feel it while running until about 8000, but my boyfriend feels it by 5000 every time. You usually are pretty well for the first 2 days you get there, then get worse over 2-4 weeks before you start feeling better again. If it's not too long you'll probably be okay, but if you can take a trip before then to the same elevation somehow to test it out, you might get a better feel for how you'll react.
Yes, it will be at around 5000 feet. Thanks for the advice!




Has anyone experienced racing in high altitude without acclimating to it?
The reason I ask is because I'm considering a race (Olympic) in Utah or Colorado this summer. I can't spare the time off work to hang around up there for a week or two before the race, and of course I don't want to asphyxiate myself in the high altitude.
Would it really be that bad coming from sea level?