11 Comments
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Brian Overcast's avatar

Fun fact. At the 1968 Olympics, which were held in Mexico City, Bob Beamon broke the long jump world record by a significant amount and it stood for 23 years. Many attributed to the lower gravity at the high altitude.

Stephanie Thurrott's avatar

Interesting! I never heard that. It is a fun fact!

Carmen Amato's avatar

After living at that altitude for several years, my hair faded from auburn to a mouse brown and stayed that way! Less oxygen is a real thing at that altitude and your post is super useful! Kudos 👏

Stephanie Thurrott's avatar

I didn't realize it could affect your hair! Wow!

Kim McCann Walks Far's avatar

Thank you for reminding me. When people come to visit I want to take them everywhere. I walk on an average 5 miles a day. I know that not everybody is in walking shape, but forget that a city block can feel like more because of the altitude. And my guests don't realize that they are at an altitude that is so high, even when they are in excellent shape, or are runners. There have been times when we've all been confused.

Stephanie Thurrott's avatar

Yep, there have been times when I've been regularly running 2 miles in Pennsylvania and then I'm winded here climbing a flight of stairs!

Plus the altitude doesn't have the same effect on everyone, or even the same person trip to trip!

Kim McCann Walks Far's avatar

So true. There is a high degree of pollution in the air during particular periods--such as right now--just before the rainy season, too

harry myhre's avatar

I stayed in Mexico City recently and experienced shortness of breath at night in the hotel. The big hotel off the zócalo. Has trouble getting to sleep. It only bothered me at night.

Stephanie Thurrott's avatar

At least you didn't have trouble in the daytime! It's rough when you can't sleep well, though.

Nadine's avatar

Your lung capacity on the return to sea level is why athletes come to CDMX to train before the Olympics!

I will be trying melatonin in the future on my returns here, the jet lag has me up at 4am every day to begin with and the sleep deprivation plus altitude definitely takes a toll 💡

Stephanie Thurrott's avatar

Right, you have the jet lag on top of the altitude to deal with!