Interesting findings from altitude training

It was a great training day. I drove down to University of Denver and got a day pass to swim in the competition pool. The facility is definitely newer, probably within the last 6 years or so. The 50 meter x 25 yard facility has a movable bulkhead. It was a good pool overall:



Pros:
- Good Water (some pools have an odd taste or smell depending on the chlorine and source of H20)
- Open Lanes ALL DAY (rather than a few choice hours)
- Backstroke Flags are always up (some pools move them)
- VERY clean facility, well kept and well staffed

Cons:
- Military Level Security
- $15.00 per visit (sorry, no presents this xmas)
- 10" Stainless Steel Gutter that extends below the water line (easy to slip on during flip turns)
- No large digital clock to keep track of splits



I was warned from multiple sources to not train for 2 days when transitioning from sea-level training to altitude training. That I should let my body adjust to the differences in air density. Being the total daredevil that I am and not wanting to miss a day of training. I decided to try an easy practice the first day I was here. I did 3500 yards and just a few moderate sets. I dove in and did my typical 100 moderate at the beginning of a 500 yard choice set. I don't know why, I just always jump in and my first 100 yards is always pretty fast. I think I just like clearing out the cobwebs. I usually flip at the 100 and just do the remaining 400 slower. The difference today was that I finished that 100 and I was DEAD tired! I literally felt like I just finished an ALL OUT race. I could barely move. I took it really easy the rest of the 400 and drank some water and reflected on what just happened. I noticed I was breathing heavy. Even when I calmed down, my breaths were relaxed but much longer than normal. These are all very expected results, but it was really interesting to actually experience them first hand. I did a quick 500 yard kick set and moved on to a benchmarking 500 yard pull (no equipment) set. My typical 5x100's fast pull no equipment. I typically average around 1:12 or so on these with my fastest ever a few weeks ago at 1:06. My first one was 1:09... I was surprised, after everybody told me how much slower I would swim at altitude. I was intrigued to see what I could do, and determined to get a good time. I swam my next 100 pull and finished at a LOW 1:05! I literally swam my fastest 100 pull at altitude on the first day. I think during my entire practice I was determined to prove to myself that the altitude wouldn't have any effect on me. This thought pattern can be traced to the typical male mindset that we're all "low level superheros"

Unfortunately a best time at altitude undeniably confirms this theory :)