  Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day!! The clouds settled in below us and the sun was shining all day. I went for a run and checked all of the views from up top. The high yesterday was 45 with a low of 27. While typing this post the rain has turned to snow. Looks like we are in for the some of the white stuff today.
3/28/2011 12:50:02 am
Looks like it was a beautiful day yesterday. Glad you got a tune-up run in for the big weekend upcoming.
KrisMoose
3/28/2011 01:01:10 am
Allyson....beautiful photos from yesterday. Yes, here in the valley it was rainy and "yucky" all day. So foggy this morning that we can't see LeConte today. Stay warm and dry. Enjoy the hot chocolate.
Juanita
3/28/2011 01:13:15 am
Oh gracious me, will it ever stop snowing? We even have some flurries in Asheville this morning. I think Frank and I left Coral Gables a few weeks too early. Has it ever snowed on LeConte in June?
Sarah
3/28/2011 01:52:14 am
Do you have any trail updates? We are heading up tomorrow and are trying to decide between Trillium and Rainbow Falls.
Michael
3/28/2011 02:35:22 am
Allyson - do you run on the trails up top -- or do you go to a lower elevation? Curious because of all the notes about elevation gain/loss on the higher trails. If you are running up in that mountain air, I'm sure you are twice as prepared as the others once you hit the race course!!!
Dr. Bob
3/28/2011 02:52:41 am
Michael, unfortunately for Allyson the elevation differential between Knoxville and Mt LeConte is not significant enough to lend any substantial physiological training benefits. The early build-up of lactic acid and heart rate (which are the targets of high-elevation training) will be similar during aerobic performance at either altitude. It is worth mentioning, however, that due to very poor air quality in the Smokies, Allyson's training on LeConte may actually have a detrimental effect. This is caused by respiratory disfunction during training as a result from pollution. In other words, she may have been better off sitting on the porch and taking in the view rather than engaging in rigorous cardiopulmonary exertion.
Mtn Runner
3/28/2011 03:08:44 am
Until you get above 8,000ft, oxygen saturation in the atmosphere remains constant at about 21%. There is no increase in EPO, red blood cell production, or VO2max unitl you break the 8,000ft threshold and oxygen concentrations are reduced to levels of around 15%. Addiitonally, training and recovery for a 14+ day cycle is necessary.
DGB
3/28/2011 03:15:01 am
The Smoky Mountains is the nation's most polluted park. Every year there are about 50 "unsafe air quality days". That means you shouldn't even go outside, much less hike up a steep mountain. Hurts my lungs just thinking about it. But with all those cars (the GSMNP is also the nation's most visited) what can you expect?
Geno
3/28/2011 03:25:21 am
I think a trail race on LeConte would be cool. Run up one trail and down another. Trail running is becoming very popular.
High On LeConte
3/28/2011 03:30:06 am
Funny you all should ask about training at this elevation. There may not be scientific data to back it up, but I can tell a difference when I am lower elevation. My breathing is much easier. I have also seen people who live at sea level be effected when they hike up to this elevation. Maybe it is in our heads, I don't know. I can tell a difference when training at this elevation.
Dr. Bob
3/28/2011 03:39:05 am
Allyson, your feeling of being in better shape is not just in your head, but likely the effects of being much more active on a daily basis. If you want to go someplace, you can't jump in the car and drive, you must walk. Plus, the walk up and down the mountain weekly lends itself to improved physical condition. Without the temptations of television and fast food, we'd all be and feel healthier. The point is that your sensation of feeling you're in better shape is the result of simply being more active.
Mtn Runner
3/28/2011 04:35:30 am
Dr. Bob is on the money again. Don't confuse muscle conditioning and cardiorespiratory fitness. The "flatlanders" may be just as fit as a person living at higher elevation in terms of pulmonary function. And they may also be very well fit in terms of musculature. However, if a specific mucle group, like the calf or quad, is used in a way that it is not conditioned for then fatigue is sure to come into play (like a flatlander climbing a mountain). When the muscles fatigue, your CR function no longer matters, and vice-verse-- You look and feel bonked.
Tony GA
3/28/2011 04:45:25 am
Wow, look at all the smart people on here today.
Ryan
3/28/2011 04:48:00 am
Hi Allyson, from a fellow runner I must say you and Chris are in great shape. Third half in six months, watch out for the ankles on the trails. Did my PR on a 5K in Destin,Fl this weekend. Will yall ever do the Cresent City Classic here in New Orleans? See yall on the 6th of July after a 10K in Nashville on the 4th.
High On LeConte
3/28/2011 05:12:43 am
@Sarah- the trails should be fine. The falls should be flowing with all of the moisture we have had recently.Have fun and see you up top.
Patti
3/28/2011 05:30:49 am
Allyson, loving the black and white pictures you are adding to the mix. Drink some chocolate for me!
Rachel
3/28/2011 06:15:34 am
Why is the Smokies so polluted? I've noticed my chest hurts after a long hike there. I'm a runner too and in good overall shape, so what gives?
George
3/28/2011 06:22:05 am
@ Juanita- I can't say that it has ever snowed in June, but it has certainly been cold enough. I believe the record low temperature for June is 24 degrees.
Michael
3/29/2011 09:01:52 am
Hmmm - wasn't suggesting that living at a higher altitude was in any way a substitute for muscle conditioning, and I was more referring to the differing effects of barometric pressure, not oxygen levels. I hadn't considered the pollution factor, however, or the fact that Knoxville is at a similar elevation as Mt. LeConte -- but the pressure difference could have an effect on someone used to being at sea level. Comments are closed.
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