Nearly passed out after running in cold

Beet_Girl

I recently moved to a city where the weather is much cooler than what I am used to, and I don't know how to deal with it. I went running the other day in what was apparently nine degree weather. I was wearing yoga pants, a light running jacket, a vest, and mittens and earmuffs. The mittens did not do a good job of keeping my fingers warm and my fingers were very stiff by the end of my run. But other than that, I was cold but it wasn't unbearable and I wasn't shivering.

After my run, I hopped in the shower as usual. After about 5 minutes, I felt extremely nauseated and light headed. I started seeing static. I got out and managed to lay down, but felt like I was very close to fainting.

Any idea why this might have happened? Do you think it had to do with it the extreme temperature adjustment from the cold outdoors to the hot shower?

fleetzz

You had limited blood flow in your extremities while you were cold. When you took a shower all those tightened up blood vessels opened due to the warm water, you got blood flow to your extremities, and you dropped your blood pressure. You were probably slightly dehydrated, so your body couldn't compensate. You should have had a fast heart rate and felt sweaty as well (adrenaline release).

I suggest you rehydrate more than you think you need with lots of water and some sodium for about 1 hour after these cold weather runs and get warmed up before you take a hot shower.

Hypoglycemia can cause the same symptoms so make sure you have some calories before you run and maybe after run too. If it keeps happening despite these suggestions see your doctor.

Beet_Girl

Wow, I was not expecting such a thorough answer! Thanks a bunch! I will be sure to drink more and rest before hopping in the shower next time. I suppose having a little something to eat before or after wouldn't hurt either.