How long does DOMS water weight last?? Even if no longer sore?

bobnachosicle

Hi All, I'm a runner who was out of commission for a couple weeks after I strained my back. I got back into running two weeks ago and was so sore the next day even though it was just a couple miles that first day back. So as expected my weight went up by three lbs that next day from DOMS water weight.

Now my question is, is it weird that my weight still hasn't gone back down, even though it's been two weeks since getting back into running and I am definitely no longer sore?? For what it's worth I'm a petite female, 5 ft, and was 110 lbs before this weird gain... I've been eating a bit more but certainly not enough to gain more than maybe half a pound, and don't believe this is fluctuation due to the monthly cycle...

Thanks for any input!

AnnPT77

It isn't DOMS water weight specifically, and it's not strictly related to being sore necessarily.

The water weight change from an exercise change is about muscle repair. That can be happening/needed whether sore or not, and DOMS (as a term) is more about the soreness, not other aspects.

That said: Is there any possibility you could have other sources of water retention right now, such as hot weather, extra carbs (even if healthy, calorie-appropriate amounts, just more than your personal average), etc.?

Bodies are weird sometimes. I can understand feeling stressed about it. Another thing that can increase water retention? Stress. Not fair! 😉

I'd say hang in there, give it another couple of weeks, hydrate well, eat sensibly, see what happens. It'll probably sort out.

zebasschick

are you, perhaps, eating foods with more sodium in them? most salad dressings and sauces have tons of sodium, as do most prepared foods. in hot weather, i find i crave salty foods, but if i eat them, the result is water retention.