Bloodless run!

[Xmrkn20]

I gave blood on Thursday so obviously didn’t run, and took things steady for the rest of the day. Figured that I’d be fine to run the next day so off I went. Goodness, I soon felt I had no energy, legs were heavy and it took me an extra 2 minutes over my usual time (which is not fast!) to complete 5K.

It may just have been one of ‘those’ runs but I wondered if it was linked to giving blood - assumed that 24 hours would be enough time to replace said blood but perhaps not! Anyway, was pleased to have done it, particularly as next week is liable to be fairly run-free. Next time I give blood I may leave it a wee bit longer before exercising though!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Blood donation is so important but sometimes we react differently. I once made the mistake of doing a full day's physical work and going to give blood before dinner. To my embarrassment I nearly passed out. Lesson learnt

An extra day is probably a good idea, you deserve a bit of a rest after doing something so valuable.

[Cmoi Graduate10]

NHS recommends avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours after donation, and ensuring you're well hydrated: blood.co.uk/news-and-campai...

Maybe get advice from the staff next time? I've no idea whether that's realistic, it's decades since I gave blood.

[Scruff55 60minGraduate]

Sounds like you need to give yourself a little bit more time to recover. I’ve noticed that I need to leave at least 3/4 days after I’ve given blood before I go for my little runs. Well done 🏅for being so generous both of your time and your donation it is a vital contribution to those in need 🎄🎉🎄🎉

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Oh no! We live and learn. Perhaps next time take another rest day or two. It’s always ok to say “not my day” and have a walk instead of you find yourself on one of those sorts of run. Nice one on donating blood though. Such a great Christmas present to give to someone in need ❤️

[Sax64 Graduate10]

Well done for giving blood. I'm a regular donor, I think I've done well over 50 donations over many years, but I've only been running for almost 2 years. My personal experience is don't run the day after. After that, yes I can run, but I don't expect anywhere near the same pace. It usually takes me around 3 weeks to get back to my normal running but we're all different. I think it's a small price pay for doing such a worthwhile thing. I tend to eat lots of red meat following a donation, hoping to boost my iron levels. But that's not for everyone. Hope your running gets back to normal soon 🏃‍♂️