I have written before about running and hiking at altitude. The key factor to remember about altitude, is that it takes quite a while for your body to adapt to it. So, even though my second run at altitude this morning went well, it was not because I have started to adapt to the elevation.

My second run at altitude was indeed much better than my first run yesterday. It most likely felt much better however, because I had a great night’s sleep and was well rested from traveling.

I did two loops around Sloan Lake here in Denver.  It is a perfectly flat run around the lake, and is clearly very popular with the locals. The loop was busy with runners, cyclists and people roller blading.  The other thing that is really good about the loop, is that you can run on either a concrete path, or on a ‘trail’ consisting of crushed limestone or dirt.

I chose to run on the ‘trail’.  I did this so as to reduce the impact on my body. As I am trying to increase my run mileage, I am taking every opportunity, to minimize the risk of injury.

Tomorrow will be our last full day in the Denver area, before we head into the true mountains.  I will only have time for a quick run in the morning. Saturday will be then be a rest day, before my long run on Sunday.  That long run will likely be quite challenging, as it will be at a very high altitude. It will be interesting to see how it goes.