Runpreneur Journey Blog
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Runpreneur community. Discover inspiring stories, insider tips, and the transformative power of our global challenge. From first-time runners to seasoned athletes, our blog captures the essence of the Runpreneur movement, inspiring others to join the cause.
Altitude’s Impact on Immunity – What I Learnt After a Week in the Mountains
Altitude’s Impact on Immunity – What I Learnt After a Week in the Mountains
Recently, I spent a week in Andorra with my family, staying at an elevation of around 1,560 metres—well above the highest point in the UK. Given that Cambridgeshire, my home base, is about as flat as it gets, the change couldn’t have been more dramatic. Between skiing each day and keeping up with my daily runs—each with a good bit of elevation gain—the effects of altitude on the body became very clear.
The Unexpected Toll on Our Health
We were a party of ten, and during the week, every single one of us came down with some sort of minor illness—sniffles, coughs, digestive issues, and headaches. None were serious, but it struck me as more than just coincidence. As someone whose run every day for 1,729 consecutive days, I’d say my immunity is pretty robust, likely thanks to a daily exercise routine. Yet even I developed a cold—something I can’t remember having in years.
Tracking the Effects: Elevated Metrics
With my health metrics in hand, the impact of altitude was measurable. Heart rate and sleep patterns both changed, with my heart and respiratory rates rising, and sleep quality declining throughout the week. Exercise and physical activity at altitude clearly placed extra demands on the body.
Why Does Altitude Affect Immunity?
The process of acclimatisation can put extra stress on your system and temporarily weaken immunity. Even though mountaineers talk about serious altitude effects at heights above 4,000 metres, our experience at 1,560 metres showed that even moderate altitude can have a noticeable impact, particularly for those not used to it.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Mountain Adventure
If you’re planning an extended stay at altitude, especially if you’ll be physically active:
Expect potential changes in your immune response.
Be prepared for higher heart and respiratory rates.
Sleep disruption is common—plan rest accordingly.
Take medications or contingency health supplies, just in case.
Consider pacing yourself, especially if you normally exercise at sea level.
Next time I’m off on a similar trip, I’ll be taking these precautions to heart—maybe taking it a little easier to let my body adjust.
Have questions or thoughts on altitude and immunity? Drop me a comment or message—happy to hear your experiences. And if you want to support our mission to save children’s lives through the ultimate ultramarathon challenge, please share or subscribe!
Stay positive, stay happy, and see you next time.
Kevin's 40,075km Challenge: Raising £1 Million for Children
Meet Kevin, a dedicated Runpreneur who embarked on an extraordinary journey to raise £1 million for children in need. Over the course of his 40,075km challenge, Kevin's unwavering determination and passion inspired thousands to join the Runpreneur movement.
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Connect With Us:
I am on a mission to raise £1,000,000 for children's causes by daily run-vlogging barefoot-style, covering the total distance of a lap around the world—40,075 km.