Bobmo

There is gonna be a blood drive at my school next week, and I was wondering if anyone can tell me how long it takes afterwards until it is safe to ride again, input is greatly appreciated.

Elvish Legion

Depends
Whole blood, plasma, double reds?
Weight
Have you given before?

I'd say its safe to say you won't likely feel up to riding home.

Bobmo

I should've been more specific... im not sure about my blood cell count and plasma and all that but im probably like... 148... 145 at the very least... I posted this because the blood drive is on next wednesday and I have a cross country meet next Friday... unless I can be assured that ill be fine to race on Friday, I wont do it...

Elvish Legion

So you want to give on wednesday and then run on friday? You should be fine, be sure to eat a really hearty meal and drink lots of water.

Bobmo

ok cool, ill drink plenty and eat my traditional chicken parmigiana and pasta with some garlic bread the day before lol

Elvish Legion

Make sure you eat a hearty meal after donating (and a big meal before....breakfest or lunch) and you'll be fine. The first time I gave I road up to the place and I hadn't eaten a big enouh meal, thank goodness for the burger joint right there (and the bike shop )

Prodigy4299

Hmmm.... giving blood on Wednesday and racing Friday. I don't know about that

I give blood regularly and I think everyone should, but in your case I wouldn't. My ex-girlfriend is a college level tennis player and she got in trouble with her coach for giving blood. Remember, athletes are given blood, they don't have it taken away.

Lastly if it's your first time, you might feel an increased heart rate and less stamina as a result.

Az B

Last time I gave blood it was about 10 days before I was riding normally. For me, that is.

I was fine on the previous days, but I was definitely slower.

Az

brinstar

Well the blood dopers wait a week before they put there blood back in them. Presumably taking a week for however much they take out to be reproduced.

Inoplanetyanin

When you give blood, they advise to avoid doing physical activity that day and that the blood cells will reproduce in either a week or two (I think it was two).

Speaking from experience, I also gave blood the day before going on a cross country ride (without real training before), so the result was being quite weak walking with a bike in the mountains in the sun. So I guess that could add to feeling weak.

Fresh air, rest, and good nutrition help to renew the blood cells the quickest.

ed073

Dammit....now I'm starving!! Thanks a lot!