Runners and Blood Donation

ljacobson

Hello Fellow Runners,

I need some input. I am training for the Chicago Marathon (my first) and I gave blood Monday, figuring I would be good to go after a day or so. What I didn't realize was that while blood volume returns to normal after a day or two, red blood cell levels can be diminished for 6-8 weeks. I went for an 8 mile tempo run today, and definitely felt week and sluggish.

What I am asking is, are there other runners out there that donate blood? And how long do you feel like you are back to your "normal" training level?

arc918

I gave blood on a Thursday and ran easy Friday AM and then a nice 20 miler on Saturday. Just listen to your body and you'll be fine.

Qarol

:-(
I cannot donate anymore. Stupid mad cow...Just because I lived in Spain on a military base in 1982!!!