Ammonia smell after running

brower47

I've finally gotten back into running (still at very much a jogging pace with some walking still thrown in) after a five year hiatus and I've been reminded of something that used to happen to me. After runs, for about an hour, if I take deep breaths, I get a bit of an ammonia smell. It's not coming off of my body (external), I'm pretty sure it's part of my respiration.

My questions:

Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone know what it is?

scottb81

It's because your body has run out of carbs to burn and has begun burning amino acids for energy.

Eat more carbs throughout the day.

vingogly

Here's a rather detailed explanation:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/nutrition/ammonia-sweat-smell.htm

ninerbuff

I've finally gotten back into running (still at very much a jogging pace with some walking still thrown in) after a five year hiatus and I've been reminded of something that used to happen to me. After runs, for about an hour, if I take deep breaths, I get a bit of an ammonia smell. It's not coming off of my body (external), I'm pretty sure it's part of my respiration.

My questions:

Has anyone else experienced this and does anyone know what it is?

Means you're burning lean tissue for energy.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

brower47

Thanks all. I guess I need to eat something BEFORE my morning run. Hmmm, I guess I need to get up even earlier. I don't like the sound of burning lean tissue. Sorta defeats the purpose of my weight training regimen.

Thank you so much for the informative responses. I knew there was a reason I liked this site!