When you give blood, you can have the satisfaction of knowing you helped another individual. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood and by donating you can help save the lives of three people. Regardless of exercising your humanitarian nature, you may worry about your ability to run a race after a donation. You should recover physically well provided you follow appropriate instructions. Blood donation should not affect your racing ability unless your event is within hours of your donation.
Nutrition and Hydration
Before you race, you know how important nutrition and hydration are to provide you with energy and avoid dehydration. Nutrition and hydration are also important after blood donation and are usually part of your post-donation instructions. Following instructions allows you to recover quickly and get back to training and racing. After you donate blood, eat a full meal at your next scheduled mealtime. In addition, drink lots of fluids in the next 24 to 48 hours to replace what was lost. Stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as these are not ideal for fluid replenishment.
Timing
The American Red Cross suggesting avoiding vigorous physical activity and heavy lifting for five hours after your blood donation. According to information on the De Anza College website from an article in "The Physician and Sports Medicine", an athlete should not run the day of donation and needs to closely monitor hydration status before activity.
If your urine is a pale yellow, you are well hydrated. The article states that if you are running a long race you should proceed cautiously the day after donation because of hydration issues but a donation should have no effect on short activities requiring quick energy bursts.
Site Care & Light Headedness
Right after you donate blood, you will have a bandage over the site that should be left in place for four hours. If you have bleeding at the site after the bandage comes off, apply pressure and raise your arm for three to five minutes, says the American Red Cross. If you develop bruising, apply a cold pack to the site several times in the first 24 hours.
You may be light headed or dizzy at times after you donate blood, which is why you shouldn't race for several hours after your donation. If you feel dizzy, lie down with your feet elevated or sit with your head between your knees. Don't stand up until the feeling passes.
Seeking Medical Attention
The Blood Center of Central Texas recommends calling your doctor or the location where you gave blood if you develop a bruise larger than three inches across or you have numbness, swelling, pain or redness at the blood donation site on your arm.
