What is the worst enemy to running? Bad weather? Over training? 6am? Nice try. The real nemesis to running is:
Vampires
That’s right. Vampires. Let me start off by saying this is NOT a post trying to ride the coattails of Twilight’s success. If it were, I’d throw in some search buzz words like “Edward”, “Jacob”, “Eclipse”, or “OMG Taylor Lautner Shirtless*“. Actually there is a much more altruistic reason why vampires are bad news for runners.
Last Friday my company hosted a blood drive. Being the giver that I am, I went down after lunch to donate with a fancy apheresis machine (basically means I give twice as many red blood cells). Ok, enough blood talk.
After less-than-moderate activity over the weekend, I went for a run on Monday morning. After 2 miles I felt like I was running in sand with a parachute on my back in a hurricane with a weight vest on. My energy was just zapped. I struggled through it for a little more than 6 miles, but it was unpleasant to say the least.
Anyone have experience running after giving blood? I waited 2 days and still felt terrible. How long does it take to get back to 100%? I’ll be giving it another try (obviously) so we’ll see how I feel.
Details:
| Distance | 6.34 miles |
| Time | 54:02 |
| Pace | 8:31 min/mile |
| Average HR | 162 bpm |
*You deserve that for clicking the link.
It’s a trap. please note that I did not click the link until after I read the asterisked remark, it got me curious. Well played sir.
It’s a classic two-sided attack. Thanks for playing 🙂
You are a better man than I. I keep my blood for myself.
I think it can take up to a month to completely restore your red blood cells to basal levels. I bet you will feel it for a couple weeks on hard efforts. Take it easy because you may get light headed and pass out if you push it too hard.
What’s scarier than vampires? Puppets.
Also, Barrett – Always the doctor 🙂
Vampires have nothing on the apheresis machine (except imparting eternal life and a really bad vitamin D allergy). It took me 3-4 weeks to fully recover when I gave double-red cells.
The apheresis machine dominated me. I think I’m starting to recover now. Also, my Vitamin D allergy makes more sense now…