The answer is yes but the effects are temporary and minimal. After donating a pint of blood, you may notice that your run time is little slower or that you may tire more easily.
Here is the reason: your total body haemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells, will be lower (approx 9% lower). It is the role of haemoglobin to transport oxygen from your lungs to your muscles so that your muscles are able to function efficiently.
Lower Haemoglobin = Less Oxygen = Decreased Performance
As I mentioned this effect is temporary and certainly minimal for most of us. The average person replenishes their full haemoglobin counts within 35 days. Athletes can often do this within a couple weeks. Recreational runners may not even notice a difference after donating blood.
Personally I continue to give blood all year round. Running and doing well in races is important to me but my donation of blood helps save lives, and for me that is more important.
For more tips on running you can visit Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic. Don’t let foot pain keep you from doing the things you love. We can scan your foot and analyze your gait results to recommend the best possible treatment for you bio mechanics. Let us diagnose your source of pain and get you back on your feet, so you don’t have to miss a run! Call Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic at (705) 444- 9929 or schedule an appointment online!
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