I spent my entire childhood growing up on the front range of Colorado, I was six when my parents decided to move our family out west and away from our relatives in New York City.  My dad was a train buff and always wanted to work for the railroad. He landed a job as a brakeman for the Colorado & Southern Railway

My parents loved Colorado and were excited to be so close to the mountains. But very early on, I found it very hard to breathe. My doctor explained to my parents that many folks struggle with the altitude when they first get here, and my body will eventually adjust.

3 months later, struggling so bad, at one point in time, my parents were thinking about moving back to New York City due to my struggles. I would eventually adjust, but it did take a good year for that to happen.

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Being 5280 feet above sea level has its disadvantages, especially if you're an athlete. Why do you think the Broncos post the elevation right there on the field?
(the sign below now resides on the wall coming out of the visitors locker room @ Empower field @ Mile High))
New York Mets v Colorado Rockies
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Colorado Rockies players stand in the outfield with at Mile High Stadium elevation sign in background before the game against the New York Mets on April 15, 1993 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images)

It’s purely a mental game and preparation is the key to your success.

So the next time your friends or family come to Colorado, may I suggest avoid making these top 5 bad decisions.

 

#5  Hiking in Tennis Shoes: 

Our very first camping trip was in Granby and I remember forgetting my hiking boots. I also remember sliding all over the place cuz I was wearing sneakers. The result; Twisted ankle and scuffed up knee from slipping on the rocks. What a huge mistake that was...

The North Face Endurance Challenge
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

#4  Walking East Colfax Ave alone:

Just don't do it. Need I say more

Woman walking alone at night
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View of woman walking alone at night

#3  Drinking Alcohol the minute you step off a plane coming from lower elevation:

According to the American Addiction Center, Experts recommend that you avoid alcohol if you are ascending to higher altitudes. Two days is normally enough time for your body to acclimate.

Oktoberfest 2019 Opening Weekend
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BBeerfest (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

#2  Not Drinking Enough Water :

Your body is working harder to take in more oxygen. So the more energy you exert, the more water you will need to drink.
Salvation Army Distributes Water In Phoenix
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Man hydrating (Photo by Jeff Topping/Getty Images)

#1  Under Estimating The Altitude:

Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, physical fitness or previous experience with altitude.

Keep an eye out for these telling symptoms which include nausea, headaches, fatigue and trouble sleeping due to a lack of available oxygen. If these symptoms continue for more than 24 hours, please seek medical attention.

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sick woman lying in bed
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