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Greenland Education Tour 09

Hey Jennifer,

So how's breathing there? Are you able to keep up your training schedule for you long run that's coming up? You may have mentioned it and I missed it but what is the altitude at Summit? Did they give you Diamox or anything else to help with altitude sickness?

Kirk

Sun, 07/12/2009 - 16:37

Jennifer Thompson

Wow, Kirk, thanks for the question about acclimatizing to the altitude - the first day was tough! We had to take a middle of the night flight because of snow conditions. It has been very warm and sticky snow here at Summit - so we wanted the best possible conditions for landing. And I have to tell you that it was a smooth landing!
Upon arrival it was really hard to breathe and just walking to the Big House was a chore! We were given great support and good information to keep hydrated and take frequent rests. Day 1 was definitely the hardest. We slept for awhile after arrival and getting up was not fun! Day 2 I woke up with a headache but after getting up, having a tylenot and drinking even more water than on Day 1,  I felt much better. I can feel my heart pounding when I first wake up and sit up.
And I'm happy to report that Day 3 has been much easier. We had an active day despite waiting and hoping for a plane. But I've noticed that I can move around and keep my breathing even. Carrying gear, getting set up again for an unexpected extra night. Heavy fog at Summit right now and we've just noticed that the wind is coming from the north!
Always an adventure! Summit is 10,000 feet (3200m) and the strongest remedy I took was tylenol! that was effective on day 2!