In reply to ByEek:
> I have never really bothered training much prior to going to the Alps. However fit you are, altitude will render it useless. To acclimatise, I have always walked up to climbs rather than getting the cable car for a day or two.
That's probably mental rather than physical. In 2-3 days you get very few physiological changes, in fact they often say that's the worst time as your body is then starting to suffer before the adaptations start.
They always so runners should either turn up a week before the race, or the night before, if racing at altitude.
I think being fitter helps, especially at the lower altitudes of 1500-3000m. The more efficient you are at using oxygen the easier it is. You'll still suffer but probably not as much.
But I do find it kind of random how much I'm affected, sometimes I can be at 2500-2800 and feel little effects, other times I'll really struggle.
I'd just do some running/biking etc asap, at least get 2-3 weeks in of decent training, drop some weight, gain some muscle, get fitter, get some conditioning in.
Post edited at 14:06