QOTD: I've gone from sea level to high elevation runs a few times (6000-9000) e.g. Tahoe and Beaverhead.  I don't acclimate, I just go up the day before and do the race before my body knows what's happening.  I slow down on climbs, stop to catch my breath when needed, and drink more than usual since altitude has a dehydrating effect.  Altitude can affect people differently, though.  Some people really feel it and get nausea and headachy, but others adapt easily.   Have you been at higher altitude before, e.g. on travels or hikes?  If you can go a week before the race, that could help.  I'd say less than 3 days before would not be a good idea since your body will still be acclimating.

First that looks like a beautiful course. I also saw your FB pictures.

I've hiked in the Swiss and Austrian Alps, Sequoia, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier NPs, so I've been at altitude before, 11,500' is about the highest.  I've also been to Cuzco (11,000') and Machu Picchu (8,600'), but that was easy walking.  Whiskey Basin is only the second time I've had any adverse response and the other time I was at over 9,000 ft.  I'm thinking about going out a week before, doing my sightseeing first, then racing.  In any case the race would be a supported training run in preparation for NC 24.  Seems like a lot to see near there with Badlands and Wind Cave NPs, Custer SP, Deadwood, as well as the Crazy Horse Monument and Mt Rushmore.

My run today sucked, bad attitude I think.  Now my heel hurts ....my shoes are less than a month old so it can’t be that UNLESS I was wearing an old pair.