![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.racingyachtmanagement.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/P1060364.jpg\" "\\"P1060364\\"")
<\/a>\nWith SFYC burgee at 6000m smarter this time as I brought the fabric version. The plastic burgee fell apart in the cold at Aconcaqua at 6500m. <\/p>\n
I was still making rational decisions at 6000m \u2013 gathering information on what remained of the climb and figuring out what percent of energy I felt I had left. I made a promise to myself that if I didn\u2019t think I would have 50% of my energy left on the summit that I would not continue. At those altitudes the only person that will get you down the mountain is yourself. At lower altitudes you can have helicopter rescue (unlike the middle of the ocean). My heart wanted to continue up the hill but my lungs and my brain made the decision for me. <\/p>\n
I have always been able to prepare myself and my boats with lots of hard work and if not finish the races entered but end up on the podium. This new sport is something I haven\u2019t found a successful equation for. Maybe there isn\u2019t one – what I do know from reading is that your body reacts differently to altitude every time you go to a mountain. If the speed is down on the boat we logically figure out why and rectify the situation. To some degree this is possible with high altitude climbing but I think there is a large percent that can\u2019t be controlled. The problem is we aren\u2019t dealing with mechanical parts it is human physiology and if you get it wrong the potential for physical damage is higher. I monitor my pulse ox and that helps me with many other clues to understand what my body requires to go higher. I don\u2019t get worried about those figures I just analyze why my figures are not as I expect them to be. My body does react quickly to help in the form of water, rest etc. at altitude but it does seem to lag behind others in acclimatization once I get to 5000m. We all acclimatize at a different rate which makes commercial mountaineering trips a difficult thing for my body to deal with. <\/p>\n<\/a>
\nAll that was left was to persuade Jon that I was capable of making it to crampon point to give the team each a good luck hug. I did try very hard to put on a smiley face after getting up from my hands and knees from a coughing and vomiting fit! The antibiotics didn’t stop my cold going to my chest and causing an infection. <\/p>\n<\/a>
\nThe guys heading on up without me. <\/p>\n