I am just wondering if there is any medical research provides evidence that a regular blood donor has better lung function due to reproduction of red cell in the blood? Or, even there isn’t any medical evidence, could this be true? If you want to donate blood, what is the best time to do so? Before or after a 1/2M? How far before or after?
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I'm up to donation number 48, and in my experience I need to allow at least 3 days before running a half marathon.
I did the Blackmore Vale 1/2 after giving blood on the friday eveing and I got to 9 miles before I was totally knackeredit was a bit like hitting a mini-wall). I had been running with two friends and we would all have expected to finish in about the same time. My pace dropped fro 8 to 10 minutes per mile.
Giving blood after a 1/2 (i.e. the next day) has not cause me any problems.
Ever considered the old fashioned route... training more?
Finally, I cannot accept any responsibility for any false info, as I am just a lowly med student dontcha know!
I spent a lot of time pretty stunningly anaemic due to blood loss, and I simply can't believe it has anything to recommend it!
I suppose I got used to keeping going when I thought I couldn't even sit up any more, so I suppose that knowledge was worth gaining.
Good luck, but I shan't try it.
Title
Effects of blood donation on exercise performance in competitive cyclists.
Source
American Heart Journal. 130(4):838-40, 1995 Oct.
Abstract
This study evaluated 10 male cyclists before and after phlebotomy (blood taking)to determine the effect of donation of 1 U of blood on exercise performance. Each subject underwent maximal exercise testing with oxygen consumption measurement at baseline, 2 hours after phlebotomy, 2 days after phlebotomy, and 7 days after phlebotomy. Maximal performance was decreased for at least 1 week. Submaximal performance was unaffected by blood donation.
TIA in case you do come across it!
I used to be a regular blood donor but since I started serious running I am worried that I can't be a regular donor anymore. I spend almost every weekend doing racing (10K or half) and I think I am addicted for doing it now. However, after reading an article in the RW Magazine I was curious if the “new” red blood cells work better than the “old” ones. I will certainly not using this as a method to improve performance. And the method suggested by Helen …… Gosh! I will certainly NOT to try. It sounds like science fiction story. Maybe Trinity can try it in the Matrix Re-reloaded!!! Ha! Ha!
It seems like the only way to do both (running and donating blood) is just doing one thing at a time.
Thanks to everybody!!!
* Helen, I will go have a look of the journal paper in the university library tomorrow. Thank you so much for finding this paper.
David
David - a few things to boost your red cell count/lung function:
EPO - illegal (in competition)
Blood packing - illegal (in competition)
Training - legal (and for best effects do so at high altitude for at least a month)
Easy choices really.
David: no problemo!
" and the web address is .
Perhaps the reporter was on our Forum. Haha! What a coincident!!
David
The address is
Anyway, the address is http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/2965802.stm