Altitude & Training
How high?
Gorak Shep, one of the world's most inhospitable environments, is the highest plateau on earth where an official game of cricket can be played. It is over twice the altitude that FIFA allow professional footballers to play due to health risks (up to 2,500 metres).
Every team member has a personal training plan to prepare them for the expedition and will be pushing their physical and mental boundaries to their limits in order to achieve something never done before.
At this altitude the body absorbs only 66% of the amount of oxygen it does at sea level meaning that the resting heartbeat is at least 30% faster. In terms of flora, only lichen exists naturally at this altitude, and the difficulties in reaching and playing in this remote atmosphere are not to be underestimated. For humans, the reduced oxygen alters basic bodily functions, noticeable after about 3500m. Your appetite becomes suppressed as the body rationalises oxygen to keep the vital organs going and breathing at this altitude has been described as like "breathing through a straw".
Another affect of altitude is sleeplessness and this is obviously going to impact on the team's ability to play. There's not a lot that can be done about this, apart from making sure that everyone is forcing themselves to eat enough to keep their energy levels up.
On top of all this, the other problem we'll have to deal with is altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Acute Mountain Sickness
A few things worth knowing about AMS:
- It's a pathological condition that is caused by acute exposure to low air pressure, commonly occurring above 2,400 metres (approx 8,000 feet).
- Altitude sickness occurs in low atmospheric pressure conditions and the symptoms are caused by low CO2 levels which cause a rise in blood pH.
- It can develop from around 2 000 metres (6,500 feet), and is aggravated by exertion.
- AMS usually occurs following a rapid ascent and can be prevented by ascending slowly.
- It can progress to high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema.
- The rate of ascent, altitude attained and amount of physical activity at altitude as well as individual susceptibility, are all contributing factors to the onset of high altitude sickness.
- Symptoms often manifest themselves around 6-10 hours after ascent and generally subside in 1-2 days as altitude acclimatisation occurs.
- AMS can occasionally develop into more serious conditions, which in extreme cases can be fatal.
Training
Players need to be ready for two varying elements of the trip, the 9 day trek to the plateau, and then playing the match at 5165m.
The first element requires to be walking fit, both legs and upper body, to carry the expedition kit in packs. Particular attention to be paid to core stability and flexibility through the legs and back. Aside from regular walking and running players will also be undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge, just as training!
The second element is the match with just 66% oxygen the players would have at sea level. There is no substitute for being aerobically strong, players will be training through running, cycling and swimming. They will also need to be ready mentally, pushing through the barrier that says I have had enough. To train for this players will be doing the Merrell Mudman, Thoughguy and various other intense endurance events.