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Mexico City

August 31, 2008 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: Hot and Hazy

Comments:
Elevation: 7,350' (this is why my pace was slow)
Density Altitude: 8,000' (this is what the body thinks or feels it to be)
Temp: 73

What a goat-rope flying into Mexico City (MEX). I knew this because I've been here a dozen times before, but for some reason, I traded into this trip. I should have known. It's no wonder so many people bid to NOT get MEX on their schedule. I guess with 18,000' peaks surrounding the airport, it only makes sense.

Very nice hotel (Gran Melia) here in the middle of town in Mexico City. The hotel has a nice gym and pool, so I took advantage of the former.

The first mistake I made was to workout with weights first. That really beat me up before my required runs. Working out doing anything at 7,350' elevation is taxing on your body if you aren't used to it, but I continued. The facility has a glass ceiling leading to the outside. At this altitude and with warm bodies, the room was a sauna. Could you imagine putting all your exercise equipment in a sauna? Better yet, how about a sauna and a greenhouse combined. Yup, that's more like it. I'm not complaining here, just setting up the scenario. Anyway.........

After 30 mins on the weights and already wishing to consume Lake Lanier, I jumped on the "dread"mill to conquer conquistadors.....I mean MEX's high altitude. After 42mins and 5 miles, I had enough. Drenched in sweat, stinky and exhausted, I headed to our "crew room" for some fresh fruit juice and apples. Overall, it was a great run.

BTW, no, I won't run outside here in MEX. The smog is horrific (think, Beijing) and you never know which corner you turn you'll either get hit by a car or kidnapped. Geez, there are over 20 million people in this city. Did ya know that?