Cold for a whole day after running

[Achy4days]

I get very cold after a decently lengthy run. Regardless of whether it is warm or cold out, I just feel cold for the rest of the day. I had a google about this and it seems this happens to quite a lot of runners too.

Everyone has a different explanation and solution. Some suggest that this is caused by the body trying to come down from an adrenaline rush, some suggest iron deficiency, low blood sugar levels, etc. and prescribe eating a small amount of carb & protein post-run, which I might try on my long weekend runs. Anyone else have other solutions?

[roseabi]

After a long run I like to have a hot bath and drink a cup of cocoa while I'm in it. I think this helps relax my muscles, warms me up inside and out, and gives me a good slug of carb and protein 😊 I only stay in the bath for about 10 minutes because otherwise I feel faint when I get out (low blood pressure I think), and I make sure to get my hair dry as soon as possible afterwards (my hair's really long!). After that I wrap up warm and put my feet up for a bit. Later on I will get out for a walk to keep myself warm and mobile.

[Achy4days Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

I see a lot of recommendations on hot chocolate. I usually have a cup of tea, that's where I've gone wrong! lol

[roseabi in reply to Achy4days]

😄

Only cocoa after the very longest runs, mind you! The way I make it it's got 200+ calories!!!

[Achy4days Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

Nooooo! My plan for a new delicious post-run treat is ruined 😂

[roseabi in reply to Achy4days]

Awwww 😂

I'm sure it can be made lighter 😊😊😊

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to Achy4days]

My recipe is 1 teaspoon cocoa (not hot chocolate) in a mug of milk, plus 1 sweetener - yum!

[roseabi in reply to JonathanP]

Ha, mine is two heaped teaspoons of sugar and two massively heaped teaspoons of cocoa! Full fat milk too 😄😄😄

[JonathanP Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

That wouldn't quite work with my type 2 diabetes!😀

[roseabi in reply to JonathanP]

Ah, no...

[Granspeed Graduate10]

I also tend to go cold after a longer run - I think for me it’s my body not switching off the “cooling mechanism” that keeps body temperature comfortable while I’m running. My remedy is cool down exercises followed by warm shower & vigorous toweling and then dressing warmly even if I don’t yet feel I need it.

[Achy4days Graduate10 in reply to Granspeed]

That's an interesting idea. Do you find your body recover from its thermoregulation quicker from having been running more and regularly?

[Granspeed Graduate10 in reply to Achy4days]

It seems to be getting better under about 6k, but beyond that I still have to be careful. I’m a “mature” runner 🤣 so I suspect these regulatory systems aren’t as quick on the uptake as they might be! But my body’s always been good at venting heat & much slower about dealing with cold.