AMS or just not in good enough shape?
Staying in winter park this summer, I plan on eventually doing some 14ers but since I have all summer I want to start slow. Decided to give mt flora (13k) a shot this Sunday after spending 3 nights at 9k and doing a few shorter hikes Friday and Saturday.
For background, I’ve lived at sea level my whole life (26M) consider myself a strong sea level to 10k feet hiker. I’ve done 60+ mile backpacking loops averaging 3+mph moving pace, Grand Canyon r2r, other massive climb hikes, but haven’t spent much time at all above 11/12k.
While doing flora I got to about 12k feet and felt like I hit a massive wall. Taking 5 steps before totally winded, mild/moderate but not terrible headache despite being well hydrated and electrolyted (probably not a word). Ended up turning around at 12.5 as I just felt like shit and have all summer and didn’t feel like pushing it (I was solo as well).
Considering I’ve been at 9k feet since Wednesday, I know I’m already ahead of most sea level to 13/14k people from an acclimation standpoint, but still hit a wall that I’m curious as to whether it will go away or not. I will admit that I am not your typical peak bagger. I’m 6’8”, 230lbs, and spend most of the past year weight training and doing some but not a ton cardio, but I am definitely in decent shape.
So I guess my question is should I expect my wall to ease up as I do more hiking? Or should I assume I’m just more susceptible to AMS than most and might just have to level set my expectations this summer.