Gas Mask Running to Simulate High Altitude

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Gas Mask Running to Simulate High Altitude

by Jason
(Louisville, KY)

I have recently been training for my first triathlon and I have began to use a gas mask when I run and bike. Are there any health risks to doing this and have you heard of this before. I figured it would simulate high altitude training with less oxygen, or maybe I am just an idiot who loves torture. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Jason

Answer by Dominique:

Jason!
A very interesting approach...
I have not heard of this type of running training before.

It is probably better to take off the gas mask for now.

High altitude running is not guaranteed to deliver best results. For a start, it makes it harder initially to do your running training sessions. You run out of breath quicker, you can't go for as long or as fast. Only after a longer time you start to adjust and cope with the less oxygen in the air. At first it is actually a little detrimental to your running training.

I experienced this first hand when I lived in Colorado for six months when I went on a student exchange to Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO). The first few weeks running was awful.
When I returned to Holland after six months, I expected that I'd benefit an incredible lot from running at high altitude, but ended up being a bit disappointed. Nothing seemed to have changed.
High altitude running is not a guarantee to optimal results, although there are plenty of runners who benefit from it.

Considering that gas mask running is not the same as high altitude running I very much doubt that it will help your running (and cycling).
However, maybe you are not just torturing yourself, but a true visionary.

See for yourself what you want to do, but I wouldn't do it.
Most remarkable question I have had for a while though!

Best of luck with your running (with or without The Mask).
Cheers,
Dominique

Comments for
Gas Mask Running to Simulate High Altitude

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Gas mask Training
by: Anonymous

If you are a good long distance runner already then the gas mask will have better effects than if you are a total begineer! I use a gas mask, and a 50lbs weighted vest in my martial arts training! it helps alot because it gets your muscles used to working with low oxygen levels so you can break down the 'wall' so to speak.Get good at what ever you do before you introduce the gas mask as it could have negative results and detere you from the sport you doing as it might be too hard!

Gas mask jogger
by: Swineflu Avenger

I've been training with a gas mask, flak jacket, helmet & 10 lb. baton in New York City. I've recently made it up to 21 miles with all the gear and had attempted to run the NYC marathon like that. US Coast Guard Police wouldn't let me on base (where the starting line was) with the mask & baton, but I'm going for more full marathons in the near future.

Anyway, the GM won't simulate a high altitude, but it most certainly will give your lungs a work out that will blow your mind! By creating pulmonary resistance, your diaphragm is strengthened, surface area and elasticity in the alveoli is increased. With the addition of the other gear, cardio resistance is also increased. Their will also be a noticeable improvement in blood pressure & heart rate that you just won't get with out the gear. Rest assured, with a little GM training, your lungs will soon be the last thing aching no matter how hard you train without it.

Also, if you live in an area with polluted air, your eyes, nose throat & lungs are completely protected. Anyone who would run in mid-town, rush hour traffic in Manhattan without a gas mask in insane! If training in public however, I would be sure to wear safety vest or similar gear, and be prepared to be completely candid with any inquiries as to what you're up to, esp. from police. I am so impressed with the effects of gas mask training it amazes me that everyone isn't doing it!

http://twitter.com/SwinefluAvenger

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Submitted by: Swineflu Avenger

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I've been training with a gas mask, flak jacket, helmet & 10 lb. baton in New York City. I've recently made it up to 21 miles with all the gear and had attempted to run the NYC marathon like that. US Coast Guard Police wouldn't let me on base (where the starting line was) with the mask & baton, but I'm going for more full marathons in the near future. Anyway, the GM won't simulate a high altitude, but it most certainly will give your lungs a work out that will blow your mind! By creating pulmonary resistance, your diaphragm is strengthened, surface area and elasticity in the alveoli is increased. With the addition of the other gear, cardio resistance is also increased. Their will also be a noticeable improvement in blood pressure & heart rate that you just won't get with out the gear. Rest assured, with a little GM training, your lungs will soon be the last thing aching no matter how hard you train without it. Also, if you live in an area with polluted air, your eyes, nose throat & lungs are completely protected. Anyone who would run in mid-town, rush hour traffic in Manhattan without a gas mask in insane! If training in public however, I would be sure to wear safety vest or similar gear, and be prepared to be completely candid with any inquiries as to what you're up to, esp. from police. I am so impressed with the effects of gas mask training it amazes me that everyone isn't doing it! http://twitter.com/SwinefluAvenger

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Gas mask
by: Anonymous

Hey man I run at least 8 miles a day and 5 of those are with a gas mask. It doesn't hurt you at all. If anything it will get your breathing under control and help with lung stamina. I love running with the mask on. good luck

Gas Mask variation
by: 82MAchines

I also have the same idea of training my body with less oxygen than normal, but what I do is that I breathe only using my nose. I never open my mouth and I think it gave a positive effect on my body.

Good luck

Jared.

I remember when....
by: BK

When I was in the Air Force we were required to spend a certain amount of time in our "Chem-Gear" To make it more interesting, we would play full contact basketball. I'm sure we looked silly but it was a lot of fun. It also helped us get used to moving about in our gear.

I want to know how many strange looks you get as you cruise down the road with a gas mask. Have you panicked anyone yet? Should I be waiting to hear about you on national news?

Have fun!

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