Supporting running in the metro Richmond area
Blood donation and running
Friday, I gave a 'double-red' blood donation - my first in a number of years and I'd never even heard of the 'double' before Friday.
I'm training with the advanced 10K team, and yesterdays (Saturday) run was awful for me. Had to walk a number of times, battled the whole way.
Today, on the treadmill, again I was exhausted after a few miles, my heart rate was also way higher.
Does anyone have experiences with running after blood donation? When will things improve? Should I take a break for a week, or keep going?
This blog, shows that many people have had a similar experience.
http://www.lafes.net/run/?p=51
I'm training with the advanced 10K team, and yesterdays (Saturday) run was awful for me. Had to walk a number of times, battled the whole way.
Today, on the treadmill, again I was exhausted after a few miles, my heart rate was also way higher.
Does anyone have experiences with running after blood donation? When will things improve? Should I take a break for a week, or keep going?
This blog, shows that many people have had a similar experience.
http://www.lafes.net/run/?p=51
Views: 1
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Doug Fernandez on -
Malcolm:
I have donated whole blood before, and what I have been told to do, is to hydrate, rest, and eat well for at least 48 hours.
After a week or so, your energy levels should be back to normal.
-
Permalink Reply by Myron Kemp on -
I agree with Doug - I usually feel pretty bad for about a week after I donate. I've never done a double red donation though, and probably won't. That might take a little longer to recover from since that would take away twice as many red cells through the donation process. Since the red cells are what helps carry oxygen to your muscles you're kind of taking away part of the fuel source that drives you during a run.
After a blood donation, hydration is key because that will help you get your 'blood volume' back. However, while your blood volume may return in 24-48 hours, it takes a week or two for your red blood cell count to begin to come back up. To be honest, it probably takes close to 3 weeks for your Red Blood Cell count to return to normal after a donation (not sure about the double red donation). But, you'll definitely feel better after a week.
I donated about a month ago on a Monday. I took that Monday off (rest day), I took Tuesday off from running, and then ran 6 on Wednesday, and my legs felt like dead logs (not normal for two rest days in a row). The 8 minute mile pace that I ran felt like I was running 30 seconds to a minute faster, and I didn't even feel much like talking to my running partner that day. By Saturday, I was up for a 12 miler (still not running it fast, but at least my stride felt a little more lively). The following week, my pace, stride, and general running mojo felt like it had returned.
If you recover quickly after the double red count donation, I'd say it would be fine to do it again... if it takes seemingly forever to recover - then next time, I'd ask them to skip it, and just do a regular donation.
On a side note, if you just donate 'platelets' your recovery should be really fast since they don't take any red blood cells.
Good Luck!
-
Permalink Reply by Maymont Amy on -
Do you think donating blood a day or two after a big race (marathon or whatever) is a good idea? My theory is that you'd be resting anyway. But would the blood donation hurt your recovery?
-
Permalink Reply by Myron Kemp on
-
I don't think I would donate a day or two after a big race for the reason that your body is likely broken down at that point, and donating will hurt your recovery. It could also lower your immune system (ever get that post marathon cold a few days after a Marathon?).
I generally only donate once or twice a year (yeah... I know in theory you can donate more, but I'm a little selfish), I try to time it so that I donate at the beginning of a training cycle. I know I'm likely to feel like poo then anyway, and there aren't any really 'intense' intervals or long runs then that I'll be missing out on.
From all I've read (and Sean C confirmed it) - I'll just say no to doing a Double Red Donation. Even if you donate at the beginning of a cycle, you can't afford to be set back 6-8 weeks.
-
Permalink Reply by Ed Carmines on -
I don't think so. On one side you will be giving "damaged" goods. On the other you will need all that you have to help your body recover.
-
Permalink Reply by Sean C on -
Malcolm,
I don't want to depress you but double-red blood cell donation will affect your running for an extended period of time. VA Blood Services talked me into it last summer - it took about 6 weeks before my running returned to normal. The first two weeks were horrible, it slowly gets better. My advice to athletes training for events - give whole blood and hydrate well before and after. Know that performance will be down for 48 hours and do not do the double-red blood cell donation!
Sean C
-
Permalink Reply by Ed Carmines on
-
I stopped donating because of the "side effects". It really slows you down and takes about 6 weeks to fully recover. Basically, you have less blood and less ability to deliver oxygen to your muscles. It's OK for non athletes who don't stress their system but for runners it is a deal killer.
-
Permalink Reply by Tonya on -
Definitely take it easier, keeping in mind that you have less blood cells to carry O2. I would rest, drink fluids and an iron supplement wouldn't hurt. Will take time to build those blood cells again. I would wait and donate after a big race in the future.
-
Permalink Reply by Valerie V. on -
I think it's wonderful that you decided to donate - you're definitely helping a lot of people. But, I did find that running was quite difficult after giving blood (not double red cell). I felt like I was gasping for air and the run was awful. I found it took me about a week to feel better on the run and about 3 weeks to feel completely back to normal. You still have over a month before Monument, hopefully you'll be back to full capacity by then!
-
Permalink Reply by Gary Hearn on -
When I was running track in college, giving blood was one of the excuses that was used to get out of workouts. I expect you will feel the effects for some time to come.
-
Permalink Reply by Eileen on -
Gary, that is cool about you running track--what distance is your favorite?
-
Permalink Reply by Gary Hearn on
-
I was actually a long jumper, though I occasionally did some running events. In fact one year I was recovering from a torn hip flexor and was told I was running the mile relay at an indoor meet at VMI. Needless to say, I was not in shape and hadn't done any sprinting in weeks.
When I got the baton we were already in last place. I tried to stay up as best I could, but the guys from Norfolk State, East Caroline, etc. were flat fast. I was okay for the first lap (220 yard track) but was faltering on the second. I slowed down on the backstretch (behind the bleachers) and stopped and walked in the tunnel between turns 3 & 4. I sprinted at the end and I know we finished dead last. It was the last mile relay I was ever asked to run.
© 2013 Created by Richmond Road Runners.
