Talk Cancer

Question:

We’re having a blood drive at work on 16th of October. I’m looking forward to running the TULSA RUN, a 15k on the 31st. Is that enough time to build back my blood supply and will I suffer any decrease in race performance?

Suggest not runnning two sleeps after donation; instead run just before. You’ll may tire more easily the first couple runs.  Won’t return to peak performance for "several" (2-8) weeks after donation.  Very similar to altitude training. Your are on the borderline.

Response:

A old book on cycling physology that I have reported a study of elete cyclist giving blood.  As I recall these riders took ten days to get back to their pre blood giving level of performance.  I personally gave blood once just three days before a hard 5 KM race and was sure glad that I had opted for the five and not the ten that day. Tom

: We’re having a blood drive at work on 16th of October. I’m looking forward : to running the TULSA RUN, a 15k on the 31st. Is that enough time to build : back my blood supply and will I suffer any decrease in race performance? Are : there any foods, supplements, that I can take before the race that will help : restore my blood volume? : Thanks : Lloyd Hanning

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We’re having a blood drive at work on 16th of October. I’m looking forward to running the TULSA RUN, a 15k on the 31st. Is that enough time to build back my blood supply and will I suffer any decrease in race performance? Are there any foods, supplements, that I can take before the race that will help restore my blood volume? Thanks Lloyd Hanning

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Lloyd It takes about a day to replace the blood volume and six to eight weeks to replace the red blood cells that you donate.  Your body can function fine without the red blood cells that are lost as part of the donation. If the race is really important to you, I would hold off donating blood until afterward.  Just be sure you and follow through with your plan to donate.   As an alternative to a "whole blood" donation you may want to become a pheresis donor.  In this type of donation, platelets/plasma are removed from your blood. There is no red blood cell loss to be concerned with. In any case keep donating – it really does save people’s lives.

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Neil, It would make sense that you would have a problem with your runs and feel quite tired.  I think that it is not your iron level that is the probelm but the red blood cells and plasma that went with the pint of blood you gave. The red blood cells function is to carry oxygen on the hemoglobin which they contain.  It has also been proven in some studies of athletes blood plasma increases over time.  Another reason I don’t believe it is your iron level is they usually test for anemia (lack of iron) just prior to taking your blood.  I can quote the study if you need me to but since I am at work I don’t have it right in front of me. Karen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I donated blood 2 weeks ago and have been struggling somewhat on my runs since.  I usually run 4 miles at about a 8:30 pace, but have been running at about 9:00 and really felt tired.  I have done four 3 mile runs and two 7 mile runs since.  I finally felt better on my second 7 mile run last Monday (12th day after donating).  I probably get an average amount of iron in my diet (I am assuming this might be the root of the problem).  Anybody else experience these symptoms after donating?                                            Neil

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quite tired.  I think that it is not your iron level that is the probelm but the red blood cells and plasma that went with the pint of blood you

        Yes, but the iron in your blood is sequestered in Heme in your RBCs. So a test for iron is a test for hemeglobin which is synonomous with RBC count. Jason  , *_}      Welch Hall Room 4.104    (              Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry              The University of Texas at Austin              Austin, Texas  78712-1167              http://huckel.cm.utexas.edu/groups/mcdevitt

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I donated blood 2 weeks ago and have been struggling somewhat on my runs since.  I usually run 4 miles at about a 8:30 pace, but have been running at about 9:00 and really felt tired.  I have done four 3 mile runs and two 7 mile runs since.  I finally felt better on my second 7 mile run last Monday (12th day after donating).  I probably get an average amount of iron in my diet (I am assuming this might be the root of the problem).  Anybody else experience these symptoms after donating?

Hey, Neil. You might want to have your blood checked, esp. your hemoglobin count. Donating blood in and of itself is not enough to push you into anemia, but if you’re borderline to start with, it could. Although the Red Cross checks to make sure your not anemic before allowing you to donate, I’ve learned through experience that the test doesn’t always catch when you’re close to the cut off point. So, if you’re still not feeling up to par, you might consider having a blood test done. Good luck to you! almost done with my second gallon, Julia

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I used to donate every 56 days and never experienced any degradation in running performance. I say used to donate because the Red Cross Volunteers have twice collapsed viens on me. I’ll probably let them try again soon. I donated blood 2 weeks ago and have been struggling somewhat on my runs since.  I usually run 4 miles at about a 8:30 pace, but have been running at about 9:00 and really felt tired.  I have done four 3 mile runs and two 7 mile runs since.  I finally felt better on my second 7 mile run last Monday (12th day after donating).  I probably get an average amount of iron in my diet (I am assuming this might be the root of the problem).  Anybody else experience these symptoms after donating?                                            Neil

GO NAVY!  I will remember every politician who attempted to change my retired pay! Florida Resident:                Currently residing: Cape Coral, FL 33904             Virginia Beach, VA 23454-3461

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I donated blood 2 weeks ago and have been struggling somewhat on my runs since.  I usually run 4 miles at about a 8:30 pace, but have been running at about 9:00 and really felt tired.  I have done four 3 mile runs and two 7 mile runs since.  I finally felt better on my second 7 mile run last Monday (12th day after donating).  I probably get an average amount of iron in my diet (I am assuming this might be the root of the problem).  Anybody else experience these symptoms after donating?

While I haven’t had symptoms like yours, I’m also a slower runner (9:00-9:30 in practice runs). This really should happen for more than  a week.  It may be partly psychological, and maybe not. Try increasing iron rich foods. I like raisins, so Donating is a great excuse to snack on them. Fresh or cooked spinach is good. Also, if you begin to donate regularly, your body should adjust to producing new blood cells at a faster rate. (that’s my theory anyway). But regarding blood donations in general: to all runners and otherwise healthy people: This past year has seen a real shortage in the blood supply. If you can, PLEASE DONATE BLOOD ON A REGULAR BASIS. The Red Cross sets up collection sites at many convenient places. Drop in and pump some iron rich blood. <Disclaimer: my only association with the Red Cross is as a  regular blood donor. Over several years I’ve given almost 4 gallons. You can do it too!!    ed Contract Computer Engineering Services

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I donated blood 2 weeks ago and have been struggling somewhat on my runs since.  I usually run 4 miles at about a 8:30 pace, but have been running at about 9:00 and really felt tired.  I have done four 3 mile runs and two 7 mile runs since.  I finally felt better on my second 7 mile run last Monday (12th day after donating).  I probably get an average amount of iron in my diet (I am assuming this might be the root of the problem).  Anybody else experience these symptoms after donating?                                                 Neil

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I too have had lack of energy after giving blood.  If I remember right, it was about two or three weeks before I started feeling better during a run.  However after donating plasma, I felt strong and seemed to have lots of energy.  But this boost of energy was short lived, about two days.  Try donating plasma and see if you get this same energy boost.  Then let me know and I would be interested if anyone else has had the same effect after giving plasma. Jon

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: I donated blood 2 weeks ago and have been struggling somewhat on my : runs since.  I usually run 4 miles at about a 8:30 pace, but have been : running at about 9:00 and really felt tired.  I have done four 3 mile : runs and two 7 mile runs since.  I finally felt better on my second 7 : mile run last Monday (12th day after donating).  I probably get an : average amount of iron in my diet (I am assuming this might be the : root of the problem).  Anybody else experience these symptoms after : donating? I have avoided giving blood during periods of normal to high training. My SO, an MD, claims that it takes up to 3 weeks to replenish blood stores after donation and she suggests that I only give blood during periods of relative inactivity.  I support the Red Cross Blood Donor program wholeheartedly, but I feel it is best to avoid giving blood during high season.  I’m not a doctor but I would believe the energy loss felt is a result of the reduced amount of oxygen carriers (red blood cells) and not so much the lack of iron.  Please, no flames for this statement. Rest up and then resume training. Eric. — Dept. of Medical Physics        phone: (403)492-8737                 Cross Cancer Institute          fax: (403)492-8202                   11560 University Avenue                                         Edmonton, Alberta                                                     T6G 1Z2                                                      

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I donated blood 2 weeks ago and have been struggling somewhat on my runs since.  I usually run 4 miles at about a 8:30 pace, but have been running at about 9:00 and really felt tired.  I have done four 3 mile runs and two 7 mile runs since.  I finally felt better on my second 7 mile run last Monday (12th day after donating).  I probably get an average amount of iron in my diet (I am assuming this might be the root of the problem).  Anybody else experience these symptoms after donating?                                            Neil

Try donating blood platelets instead of whole blood through a process called apherisis.  Call your local Red Cross for details.   Benefits: – absolutely no loss of energy – no dizziness or lightheadedness – cancer patients die without platelet transfusions Drawbacks: – they put two needles in you – it takes about 2 hours total NCR Corporation John Schafer

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I have been a fairly regular blood donor.  I was also concerned about how a donation would affect my racing.  I can’t remember the source, but I did read 2 years ago that one could expect slower race times for the 7 day period after a donation. I never had the feeling that a blood donation slowed me down, but I was always careful to hydrate well and save the strenuous speed work sessions for 3-4 days after giving blood.  I didn’t feel I needed to decrease mileage, but I always took ferrous sulfate for the week prior to and after donating.

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I donated blood 2 weeks ago and have been struggling somewhat on my runs since.  I usually run 4 miles at about a 8:30 pace, but have been running at about 9:00 and really felt tired.  I have done four 3 mile runs and two 7 mile runs since.  I finally felt better on my second 7 mile run last Monday (12th day after donating).  I probably get an average amount of iron in my diet (I am assuming this might be the root of the problem).  Anybody else experience these symptoms after donating?                                            Neil

Just about everyone who donates blood feels weaker for  a few days. You need to back off a bit right after donating and reallly hit the liquids. You shouldn’t still be feeling it two weeks later, tho. Mike Tennent WebRunner Running Page — Southeast USA Race Calendar 200+ listings. Advertise your race. FTP Race Apps, FAQ http://www.webrunner.com/webrun/running/running.html

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Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc.

Two weeks ago, I give my blood on thursday afternoon (after a swimming training) and did a duatthlon (7k run – 34k bicycle – 3k run) on sunday. I noticed no problem (I rested after the donation until the race). I have done this for several times. One time, I asked a doctor at the donation. She recommanded not to do sports after the donation until the next day. And to restart easy. —         __o   o        `<,  < _^o_ (_)/(_) /|

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I also noticed my training suffered a bit with whole blood donations so I didn’t do them around critical races.  Someone suggested that platelet donations would be a quicker recovery. They take longer but you get your blood back and I honestly feel fine the next day.  I usually try to run before I go in but I have ran several hours afterward.  They key to success for me is making sure I eat a good meal beforehand and eating the refreshments during and after the donation.  Also donating platelets is a nice break for me.  You lay back in a recliner and watch tv while they serve you plenty of snacks and drinks.  Where else can you get a 1 1/2 – 2 hour break from the phone and e-mail?  Anyone who hasn’t tried this should consider.  The Red Cross really appreciates your help. Sue Lebens

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I’ve seen runners give blood and not be the same for over a week afterwards. It’s impossible to compare a week of crappy running with saving someone’s life, but I just thought I’d share my experience. -jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc. A few years ago, I was running my usual hill-route through the Syracuse University campus.  I saw a blood drive at a dorm.  So I stopped, rolled up my sleeve, and donated, drank some OJ, and then continued my run. Mostly, I run early AM and then donate later that day, then don’t run again until the next morning or evening. Do whatever your body toleratets.  You are not going to do yourself harm.  The worst that you’ll have is a run down crappy run.  But you might feel fine.  Just don’t expect to hit any personal records. — Josh

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I specifically asked the Red Cross nurse/tech if I could run that night, which was 6 hours later and he said sure.  He didn’t say how much harder it’d be to run my normal run.  My legs were fine, but my it felt like my lungs shrunk.  The same exact thing happened to a couple of other guys I know.  It took me at least a week to get back to normal.  YMMV. Now imagine you feel precisely the same in the _opposite_ direction. That’s what it’s like for Geb and others who use EPO… Better living though chemistry :

That’s a nasty thing to say.  Any proof? David Olsen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I vote. I do not vote for politicians who support drug prohibition and the Nazi-like "War On Drugs."

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Thanks Doc for the serious reply. Dont know why the last few years have been bad, but thats why i dont give. Maybe next time i see a doc about somethin, i’ll bring it up. Sorry if its not the politically correct thing to do or that the reason doesnt impress some. Im sure the vast majority of runners can handle it fine. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – that’s why i don’t give blood anymore. takes too long to recover from it Dear friend,     You of course are completely at your liberty to choose not to give blood. Your fellow man desperately needs it, however.  That the recovery period is inconvenient to you is not an impressive reason to abandon giving blood.  I time my blood donations around races, so I know what you mean recognizing that it takes a while to feel fully back up to full strength.     Thanks for the blood you’ve given in the past.  A lot of people are better off because of it.  I respect your current choice, but I hope you might reconsider in the future. — Josh Steinberg MD, Syracuse

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Do you weigh enough to give blood? Hint:  The cutoff is 110 lbs. for the American Red Cross. Phil — heavier than thou

I’m unaware of the weight requirement and have donated blood several times in prior years at weight under 110. (although it’s probably close)  However,  I’ve been screened out for almost 8 years now by the Red Cross because of another (non-weight related) health condition. I’ve heard the ‘it’s too much trouble’ excuse quite often.  It doesn’t sit well with me. Jennifer – give ’til it hurts

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Certainly you’re excused.  And I’m mistaken.  You’re not selfish.  You’re a whimp.  After many blood donations, I and others have run the very day with little difficulty.

Do you weigh enough to give blood? Hint:  The cutoff is 110 lbs. for the American Red Cross. Phil — heavier than thou

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<< lets see… been donating for a long time… thank God have never needed to use any. but im sure that when i do need some, the hospital will charge me for what i use. The recovery time is too much these days, so please excuse me for not donating anymore. Certainly you’re excused.  And I’m mistaken.  You’re not selfish.  You’re a whimp.  After many blood donations, I and others have run the very day with little difficulty.

This does vary from person to person due to factors outside of their control.  A friend of mine gave blood two weeks before the state cross-country meet.  It turned out he was slightly anemic and giving blood just totally ruined his running for like a month. -jeff

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There is a world of difference in between Cat 1, National and World Class……

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some place at home I have a book on Bicycling Physiology published by VeloNews.  It had an article on the impact of donating blood on top level cyclist.  Sorry I can’t remember if the study was Cat 1, National or World Class riders.  It stated that on an average it took ten days for the quality of their workouts to return to their pre blood giving levels. On a personal side I can’t remember now if it’s 43 or 44 units I’ve donated over the years but enough to have a good idea how it impacts me.  the blood bank where I use to live had evening hours on Thursdays so that was generally when I gave.  The first weekend after giving a hard training workout or a race and I would be dead in no time.  I could do moderate distance at a moderated pace.  Bye the second weekend I was pretty much back to normal. Tom : Anyone out there know the effects on running and : training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off : for a few days after the donation, or can you continue : to do normal training runs?  Etc.

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Some place at home I have a book on Bicycling Physiology published by VeloNews.  It had an article on the impact of donating blood on top level cyclist.  Sorry I can’t remember if the study was Cat 1, National or World Class riders.  It stated that on an average it took ten days for the quality of their workouts to return to their pre blood giving levels. On a personal side I can’t remember now if it’s 43 or 44 units I’ve donated over the years but enough to have a good idea how it impacts me.  the blood bank where I use to live had evening hours on Thursdays so that was generally when I gave.  The first weekend after giving a hard training workout or a race and I would be dead in no time.  I could do moderate distance at a moderated pace.  Bye the second weekend I was pretty much back to normal.   Tom

: Anyone out there know the effects on running and : training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off : for a few days after the donation, or can you continue : to do normal training runs?  Etc.

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that’s why i don’t give blood anymore. takes too long to recover from it

Dear friend,     You of course are completely at your liberty to choose not to give blood. Your fellow man desperately needs it, however.  That the recovery period is inconvenient to you is not an impressive reason to abandon giving blood.  I time my blood donations around races, so I know what you mean recognizing that it takes a while to feel fully back up to full strength.     Thanks for the blood you’ve given in the past.  A lot of people are better off because of it.  I respect your current choice, but I hope you might reconsider in the future. — Josh Steinberg MD, Syracuse

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Geez jennifer, enough of the personal attacks already. Selfish, now im not selfish, but a whimp. I make a decision and am honest about it, you dont like it and instead of arguing in a mature manner, you resort to name calling. Jennifer, get over yourself and grow up. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – << lets see… been donating for a long time… thank God have never needed to use any. but im sure that when i do need some, the hospital will charge me for what i use. The recovery time is too much these days, so please excuse me for not donating anymore. Certainly you’re excused.  And I’m mistaken.  You’re not selfish.  You’re a whimp.  After many blood donations, I and others have run the very day with little difficulty. Jennifer – that boy can’t give; his blood runs yeller

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I specifically asked the Red Cross nurse/tech if I could run that night, which was 6 hours later and he said sure.  He didn’t say how much harder it’d be to run my normal run.  My legs were fine, but my it felt like my lungs shrunk.  The same exact thing happened to a couple of other guys I know.  It took me at least a week to get back to normal.  YMMV.

Now imagine you feel precisely the same in the _opposite_ direction. That’s what it’s like for Geb and others who use EPO… Better living though chemistry : I vote. I do not vote for politicians who support drug prohibition and the Nazi-like "War On Drugs."

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Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc.

A few years ago, I was running my usual hill-route through the Syracuse University campus.  I saw a blood drive at a dorm.  So I stopped, rolled up my sleeve, and donated, drank some OJ, and then continued my run. Mostly, I run early AM and then donate later that day, then don’t run again until the next morning or evening. Do whatever your body toleratets.  You are not going to do yourself harm.  The worst that you’ll have is a run down crappy run.  But you might feel fine.  Just don’t expect to hit any personal records. — Josh

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that’s why i don’t give blood anymore. takes too long to recover from it

Lucky for you, there’s no quid pro quo.  You’ll still get it if you need it regardless of your rather selfish attitude. Jennifer – "…don’t give money to charity.  Takes too long to earn it."

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oh please.. save the self-righteousness – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – that’s why i don’t give blood anymore. takes too long to recover from it Lucky for you, there’s no quid pro quo.  You’ll still get it if you need it regardless of your rather selfish attitude. Jennifer – "…don’t give money to charity.  Takes too long to earn it."

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lets see… been donating for a long time… thank God have never needed to use any. but im sure that when i do need some, the hospital will charge me for what i use. The recovery time is too much these days, so please excuse me for not donating anymore. that’s why i don’t give blood anymore. takes too long to recover from it Lucky for you, there’s no quid pro quo.  You’ll still get it if you need it regardless of your rather selfish attitude. Jennifer – "…don’t give money to charity.  Takes too long to earn it."

Mike  -  "…give blood, so Jennifer will like you. Heck, donate a kidney while your there, Jennifer will love you"

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<< lets see… been donating for a long time… thank God have never needed to use any. but im sure that when i do need some, the hospital will charge me for what i use. The recovery time is too much these days, so please excuse me for not donating anymore. Certainly you’re excused.  And I’m mistaken.  You’re not selfish.  You’re a whimp.  After many blood donations, I and others have run the very day with little difficulty. Jennifer – that boy can’t give; his blood runs yeller

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that’s why i don’t give blood anymore. takes too long to recover from it – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I agree that you should  take it easy for a few days. One time I gave blood and ran a 5K 3 days later and felt like I was about to pass out during the race. I’ve heard it’s not the best idea to donate blood and run hard within a few days, but after that I’m sure you are fine. Certainly easy runs are fine.. it’s not that big of a deal. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "Why should I practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. I must learn to run fast."                                                    Emil Zatopek http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html – Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc.

  mjg.vcf

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I agree that you should  take it easy for a few days. One time I gave blood and ran a 5K 3 days later and felt like I was about to pass out during the race.

  Note that was race.  I agree.  Don’t run for 24 huors after donating (the vampires advise).  But I had no difficulty with 5k-10mile jogging in the days after that (backed off the pace though).  Would definitely not try to race distance within the week though. — Robert Grumbine http://www.radix.net/~bobg/ Science faqs and amateur activities notes and links. Sagredo (Galileo Galilei) "You present these recondite matters with too much evidence and ease; this great facility makes them less appreciated than they would be had they been presented in a more abstruse manner." Two New Sciences

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I agree that you should  take it easy for a few days. One time I gave blood and ran a 5K 3 days later and felt like I was about to pass out during the race.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve heard it’s not the best idea to donate blood and run hard within a few days, but after that I’m sure you are fine. Certainly easy runs are fine.. it’s not that big of a deal. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "Why should I practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. I must learn to run fast."                                                    Emil Zatopek http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html – Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc.

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Try to run what you normally do, but expect not to be able to and to feel like crap.  If you feel bad quit a little early or go a little slower.  Just like any other day – you have to adjust your workout to how you feel. -jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc.

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I specifically asked the Red Cross nurse/tech if I could run that night, which was 6 hours later and he said sure.  He didn’t say how much harder it’d be to run my normal run.  My legs were fine, but my it felt like my lungs shrunk.  The same exact thing happened to a couple of other guys I know.  It took me at least a week to get back to normal.  YMMV. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc.

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Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc.

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I’ve heard it’s not the best idea to donate blood and run hard within a few days, but after that I’m sure you are fine. Certainly easy runs are fine.. it’s not that big of a deal. — David (in Hamilton, Ont) "Why should I practice running slow? I already know how to run slow. I must learn to run fast."                                                    Emil Zatopek http://www.angelfire.com/nc/swstudio/racing.html –

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone out there know the effects on running and training of donating blood?  Do you need to lay off for a few days after the donation, or can you continue to do normal training runs?  Etc.

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