It never occurred to me that it might affect my running. But as I was finishing up donating blood they remind me to take it easy and no strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. Ooops.
The next morning (Today) I was planning on running another 13.1 Miles. I figured that was beyond strenuous even if it was 24 hours later. It's just not what normal people do.
So after posting on Facebook and not getting any real helpful responses, I decided to do some Googling.
What I found out is that I just donated a bunch of red blood cells. Well more than that, but it's the red blood cells we are concerned with.
Here is an excerpt from Runners World that explains it better than I can:
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Your red blood cells contain hemoglobin. Oxygen attaches to hemoglobin at your lungs and is carried to your muscles and other tissues where it is used to produce energy aerobically. If you have low iron levels, you produce fewer red blood cells, and your hemoglobin level decreases. Less oxygen is transported to your muscles, therefore, and your running performance (amongst other aspects of your life) deteriorates.
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Thankfully my iron level is in a good range. But you can see I have less red blood cells now which means my body has a harder time transporting oxygen to my muscles. It will take 4-6 weeks for my body to replenish my red blood cell count.
So, I didn't run my long run this morning. I thought I'd go out and at least run 4 and maybe up to 6.2. I ended up running five. The last mile was my best time at just under 10 minutes. That's only because I was trying to stay ahead of the rain.
I was overtaken by rain on my mile walk home. Just about a 1/4 mile from the house. Well, more than rain - downpour. I was thuroughly wet.
My run was ok. Glad I didn't go for the long run. My body just felt weak. Like low on sleep weak. Still, I was able to run the 5 miles at race pace without any major issues.
This weeks weigh in: Oops, I forgot.
Today's run:
ya, it's crazy how much that makes a difference. In early pregnancy before my body makes extra blood cells for the baby, my legs feel like lead. And then, 2nd trimester, even though I weigh more overall and it should be harder, it's way easier because the oxygen is adequate again. I should think you'll be craving some stake to make some new platelets ;)
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