As I prepare to tackle the Inca Trail in April, I have been looking for ways to maximize my overall fitness, as well as minimize the discomfort that comes along with more intense training.  Prior to  beginning to train for this trip, I did very little stretching, either prior to or after an exercise session.  Of course, my exercise was not really that intense, usually consisting of walking 2-3 miles and doing sets of stairs.  I this level of activity I experienced almost no soreness or discomfort.  When I stepped it up, adding mileage, a weighted pack, and trails with elevation, I began to experience soreness.  Nothing debilitating, but uncomfortable nonetheless.  So I decided to incorporate some simple stretching into my routine.  A couple of years back, I was experiencing significant pain in my right buttocks, extending down my right leg.  I was helping with a Texas State Women’s golf tournament, so I visited with the athletic trainer on site and he said my  buttocks and radiating leg pain was the result of tight piriformis muscles that were compressing the sciatic nerve.  He gave me simple stretching exercise that immediately took care of the problem.  Well, as I stepped up my training, I began to experience this pain again.  To do the recommended stretching more efficiently and effectively, I purchased and began using a “Piri-Stretcher”.  Use of this device allows me to get a deeper stretch and allows me to hold it longer.

I was recently visiting with a friend who knew of my plans to hike the Inca Trail and my efforts to maximize my fitness and he inquired about my progress.  During our discussion, I mentioned that my main concern was the altitude, and my inability to train at higher altitudes.  He told me that at the gym he works out at he has seen several people wearing masks as they train and that these people told him the masks increased their fitness my simulating training at altitude.  I did some research online and purchased a Elevation Training Mask (http://www.trainingmask.com) and a Concord Basics Pulse Oximeter (http://www.concordhealthsupply.com).  I purchased both of these items on Amazon and, being a prime member, received them at my doorstep in two days.  I love Amazon for their amazing and consistent ability to deliver items on time, but also for the reviews found on their site of individual items.  On more than one occasion I have considered buying an item, but changed my mind after reading the Amazon reviews.  I find it a great resource.

So my plan now is to do some daily stretching and to use the Training Mask as I do the stretching.  The mask comes with extra plugs that you can change out to simulate altitude levels.  I am starting out at 3,000′ and will work my way up to 14,000′ if all goes well.  I will use the oximeter to check my oxygen levels as I progress.  As a side-note, I wanted to mention that my blood pressure and resting pulse rate has been excellent since I have tightened up my diet and began more intensive training.  I am one of those fortunate fellows that can control my blood pressure with diet and exercise-  but it doesn’t take much (think increased consumption of sugar and complex carbs during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays) to have my blood pressure start to climb.