Kurt Piot is a five-time Belgian Ski Mountaineering Champion. In this article, Kurt reports on his experiences with altitude training via Altitude Dream.
" While preparing for the high mountain competitions Adamello Ski Raid (up to 3539m), Matterhorn Ultraks (up to 4164m) and Trofeo Mezzalama (up to 4226m), I came into contact with AltitudeDream.com, a Belgian company specialising in products that enable all methods of altitude training in the Benelux.
My experience taught me that it is not easy to optimally work as a full-time (in Belgium) Belgian acclimatize for such competitions and it seemed to me oneinteresting experiment.
After mailing back and forth we came to the conclusion that the 'sleep high principle' with the altitude tent (tent + altitude generator) in combination with 'intermittent hypoxic training'(mask + altitude generator) was the most appropriate method for my objectives. My experience taught me that it is not easy to optimally acclimatize a full-time (in Belgium) Belgian working person for such competitions and I thought it would be an interesting experiment.
"This method ensures that the hematocrit level can gradually optimize itself"
From 25 March to 17 April I slept in the height tent. The simulated starting height was 2286m and was gradually increased every 4 every weeke week to sleep at 2858m. This method ensures that the hematocrit level can gradually optimize itself. In combination I did the 'intermittent hypoxic training', with the mask and the altitude generator, to get the body used to high altitude. This program consisted of intervals of different minutes at a simulated altitude of 6400m interspersed with different minutes of rest at sea level. These intervals were built up gradually during the period of acclimatization, so that no adverse consequences for the condition manifest themselves.
After 10 days of altitude training, the period was interrupted for a few days for my participation in Adamello Ski Raid (team competition with 4300 positive altimeters, 5 cols / tops of which 4 above 3000 m and the highest point Monte Adamello 3539 m). The altitude training clearly had all its effect: no trouble with the altitude during this heavy competition!
"I am convinced: this way of artificial height training is the ideal way for me"
After this competition, the program was continued and ended on April 17, after which I headed back to the Alps for the Matterhorn Ultraks competitions and a week later Trofeo Mezzalama (team competition with 3100 positive altimeters, 2 peaks above 4000m and the highest point Punta Castore 4226m) . Eventually Trofeo Mezzalama was postponed for another week due to extremely bad weather conditions and high avalanche danger. 2.5 weeks after completing the altitude training, the effect was clearly noticeable for me. After all, I was able to make a comparison with participations in the past where I underwent insufficient acclimatization, due to lack of time and other obligations.
I am convinced: this way of artificial altitude training is the ideal way for me to acclimatize for such high mountain races and could be perfectly combined with a full-time job and intensive training at almost sea level. "
Thanks to AltitudeDream.com.
