Oh My Elevation....

Over the last couple of days I have been exploring my new city. I have found a local coffee shop that I really like and have eaten at a couple restaurants. I still want to do a little more driving around and learning about streets and different locations of the city. But I know that will come as I get to do more and I meet new people.

That being said, yesterday I went to the local OrangeTheory Fitness and did a workout. It was a Power day which means there was a lot of short sprints and explosive exercises. Now I also have to admit that I had not worked out in over a week due to all the traveling and moving. So I was already not starting out at my peak of fitness and I could tell from the moment I started running. But then about halfway through the workout my head started to get a little light and my heart rate became very rapid. I can say I was probably pushing myself a little too hard because I was also applying for a job and wanted to seem capable. But I can say I know my body pretty well so I feel like there was something more working against me.

Then it hit me (both figuratively and physically). Birmingham is probably about 600 miles above sea level, while my new home is much higher. Billings only has an elevation of just over 3000, but that 2500 difference was definitely effecting me. And as I continued to push through the workout, let me tell you I was FEELING it for sure.

Even a few hours later, back at my cute little home, I was still feeling a little funny. It was probably a mix of being tired and also my intense workout. So I just kept drinking water and slowly my body started to feel better.

Then today I went for my first outdoor run in my neighborhood. Now although it was not quite as bad, I could still tell a difference in the feeling of my run. Back in Alabama I would have been drenched in sweat and externally burning up form the humidity. But here I was just slightly sweaty (even though I was working pretty hard) and at the end I felt the need to chug gallons of water. Obviously it is very dry here and I could tell that instead of sweating a lot my body was holding onto the water.

Isn't it interesting how a change in location can make a huge difference in your fitness and workout routine? When it comes down to it I have to keep reminding myself that my body needs some time to adapt to my new home. And all the climate and weather changes that go with it.

But that is why I wanted to start this blog in the first place, to observe the differences in BHM and BIL. To show off how different (and the same) two places that are so far from each other can be. So there it is the first big difference - working out conditions ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

KR