Training & Nutrition - i'm having blood drawn before a race..

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timmhaan
08-14-04, 11:18 AM
i'm having a blood test, and therefore blood drawn, about 20 hours before a bike race. i'll ask the doctor of course, but i'm wondering how this will affect my performance in the race, or if it's even a good idea to continue with it at all.

twahl
08-14-04, 08:03 PM
Based on the information I'm always given when I donate blood, I would say you shouldn't suffer any ill effects. They tell me not to do anythng streuous for 5 hours after donating. Last donation I made I rode 36 miles the next day, which was a new long distance for me, and I was fine.

Ask your doc of course, but it it's just blood drawn, like for blood tests, it's not nearly as much as the pint plus testing vials they take when you donate.
SSP
08-14-04, 08:40 PM
The amount drawn for most blood tests is small and should not make much of a difference.

But, donating blood is another story. They take enough blood volume to definitely impact performance, and say it takes 4-6 weeks before your hemoglobin levels recover to their normal levels. This is why I normally only donate blood during the winter months.