<p>Sounds remarkably like the advice I continually give the other vertically challenged member of 2011 redhead. Worry about the things you can do something about (Level of fitness), and let the other stuff take care of itself. I would say you have gotten wiser over the last year redhead, but I think you would have said the samething last year too :)</p>
<p>That's right, we short girls have to stick together! :) I would say I have changed a lot over the last year too, but I think it might be that I realize so much more now how much I DON'T know... maybe going to school with some of the most amazing people ever and learning from them does that to you. ;) Anyways, big picture, don't sweat the small stuff... That's what will get you through this Academy to graduation. Good lesson to learn as a cadet because there are a lot of things that will happen here that are out of your control!</p>
<p>p.s. ds, I heard that you might be moving out here in a year or so? I told potter to tell you I said you have to now! haha</p>
<p>It is true we want to relocate, and some want it to sooner including Potters youngest sister. We will let the summer play out first though. Someone else suggested a CC BBQ we will see next year.</p>
<p>Back to your regularly scheduled thread....the Altitude in Co will hurt you but only for a little while. No matter how well trained and fit you are it will get you. Any questions watch a Denver Broncos home game and see the opponents sucking O2 on the sidelines.</p>
<p>Haha, but it's so great going back down to sea level. You'll feel like you can run twice as well as you did before! (Well, at least for a little while...)</p>
<p>I want to make it clear that I think you all have been giving great advice. As has been pointed out, many, many cadets have had to go through the acclimation process and geting into the best shape you can before you arrive - where ever you are - is the best advice to give.</p>
<p>I just wanted to point out that there are some legit options for altitude training at sea level, although IMHO not very practical for the average appointee. The breathing trainer question that started off the thread is not really one of them.</p>
<p>Also, from what I can tell the altitude acclimation study would provide some valuable data to the USAF. There is data out there, but the sample sizes are small so there is a good reason why the study would be useful.</p>
<p>O.K. off with the scientist hat...Have a good one!</p>
<p>Soaring Dad, I hope I didn't seem like I was trying to discredit the advice you were giving! :) I'm sure there are some legitimate ways to expand lung capacity, prepare for altitude change, etc. (I'll leave the scientific stuff to people like you and hornetguy), I just wanted to make sure that 2012ers weren't stressing about it TOO much at this point.</p>
<p>Can't wait for you all to inprocess!</p>