Highpower

I've read that it takes one day for every 1000ft in elevation change for the body to effectively adjust, and I've found this to be pretty close to true. As everyone has stated, staying hydrated is key to feeling good during the hunt. Drink, even when you're not thirsty, it certainly helps. I've found that flying out several days ahead of time and even relaxing at a hotelfor a day or two helps before heading into camp.

okcmco

Ok. I will follow every one of all of your suggestions. then call me an ambulance! LOL.
I am 5' 9" and about 175 pounds. Probably about 10-15 pounds overweight. I have been that way for 10 years no matter what I eat. No sugar, low carbs, excercise every day for 3 monthe, 175 lbs. Diet shot to hell, sweets and burgers, exercise once a week for 3 months, 175 lbs. guess I shouldn't complain.
One big thing. I have a pace maker. I am only 42 (I was 40 when I had the pacemaker put in) I have a faulty nerve which carries the impulse to the heart to beat. Problem is, that If my heart rate goes above 150 for over 7 minutes, the pacemaker automaticly reduces my rate to 72. this is because it is not unknown for older people with heart problems to have a runaway heart attack. Problem is, I am 42 and fairly active. The pacemaker people have been working on me to adjust the pacemaker. But believe it or not, the technician has never had this problem come up. He said "hey, these machines usually go into 80 year olds.". So my docter told me to train this way for a year. If I don't croak, I can raise my upper limit to 160 whcih is not too much lower than the target rate of your average non pacemaker wearing 42 year old.
I thought I was in good shape but I was just in better shape thn I was before I started training. I will continue the way I have been, weather or not I go elk hunting next year. I will try to get to altitude a week early if I do.....or train with a plastic bag over my head!
okcmco

MANIAC998

I try to get a four day fishing license for the first part of my hunt at any kind of serious elevation. You get to enjoy the scenery, and relax, and slowly start to acclimate to the elevation. It does help! Maniac

rwire125

a doc told me viagra and a water pill will wipe out all effects of altitude lol
just a new point on the subject

Alsatian

I don't think your weight is the problem. Let's be reasonable about this. The best advice is to make a serious, good faith effort to get into physical condition. It sounds like you have done this. So what if you don't have the same oxygen function of a Lance Armstrong. So what if you don't do as well as a Rocky Mountain native. You have done your level best to get into shape. Your guide will just have to accommodate a pace which is comfortable and manageable by you.

According to the BMI scale you are just a shade overweight. This is a tough standard. There are a lot more overweight, nay, obsese people struggling around the mountains trying to hunt elk than you are even close to being. Do what you can to prepare. If you can go early to acclimate, great. But just accept that you have limitations and you have done your level best to train.

Soilarch

Those BMI scales are worthless. I'm borderline obese according to it...wish I had pics to show you how funny that is. I may try here in a little while.