working out after giving blood

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-2008
working out after giving blood
3
Mon, 09-22-2008 - 12:08pm

Hi, everyone--I gave blood last Monday, and, ever since then, my runs have been really poor. I can't string together my regular run without having to stop repeatedly to get my breath. I deliberately skipped my run the next day, opting instead for the bike (although I did notice feeling unusually tired on my 25-mile ride). But my runs the following three days were really frustrating. I took Saturday and Sunday off, so I'm hopeful for today.

I've been giving blood regularly for years, and haven't really experienced this much of a post-bloodletting difference. Any ideas/explanations? FYI, I'm 41.

Thanks!

P.S. I've also recently added once-a-week interval training, which seems to have me unintentionally running faster on my regular runs. I suppose that could be a factor, too.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2007
Mon, 09-22-2008 - 12:28pm

Sometimes that happens, funfit. It could be a number of things going on. Your bp, blood sugar, low resistance, etc. Make sure you are drinking enough and hopefully you will be back to normal today with the two days off.


When I used to donate blood, I would notice I had different reactions at different times. No telling what it would be.


Hope you are doing better and thanks for donating blood.


Grace


Be like a postage stamp.

Be like a postage stamp.  Stick to it until you get there.

Bob Proctor

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Mon, 09-22-2008 - 9:53pm

Do you have any problems with being anemic? Any chance you're

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-2008
Mon, 09-22-2008 - 10:00pm

Right now, I'm running four miles, four times a week--I'd been training for a half marathon earlier in the summer but got injured after a long run, so I'm being cautious about distance now. Lately, I've been running 8 intervals/sprints on Fridays after my regular run (so I can eat more that night!). The intervals REALLY feel like a workout--your heart really gets pumping. And people look at you kinda funny!

I'd like to get to the point where I'm running four days a week but more varied--a 5-mile, a 4-mile, a 3-mile with intervals built in, and a "long run" of 6-7 miles to kick off the weekend (I take Saturdays off altogether).

Hope this helps!