The art of the bonk (part 2)

Well I had originally thought that my recent bonk was primarily due to lack of carb intake, but now realize that it was more likely due to the the blood donation last week. I had originally thought that at worst, I had lost 10% of my red blood cells, which would mean a 10% reduction in pace, which I attempted to do thinking it would be fine. Not so, I was beat on my long runs and I was beat on my attempted tempo run today. I found a couple of articles and blogs that discuss the issue which I present here just for general information.

http://www.lafes.net/run/?p=51

http://www.runnersweb.com/running/news/rw_news_20040809_BloodDonation.html

http://blogs.sun.com/roller/page/tls?entry=blood_donation_and_long_runs

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2001/06_01/news.htm

The last article talks about sub-maximal performance not being affected but maximal performance being affected which would be in line with my tempo run sucking today. It also discusses that maximal performance will return within 1 to 2 weeks and maybe as long as 3 to 4. Here's hoping that it's 1 to 2 weeks.


BTW, happy 4th of July to our neigbours down south!!