donating plasma when training

I don't think it would be a problem. I would say that you would probably want to consume some good protein and maybe take some vitamins afterward, get a good nights rest and have a solid breakfast before your ride.

As always, ask the medical professional for their thoughts.

Shea

usasportstraining.comusasportstraining.comOpen ↗

vio765 said:

can an athlete donate plasma while training? i was told by a student of mine that however much they take, they replace with saline solution. although the website of my local plasma bank doesnt say that, they say it takes about 24 hours for the body to reach equilibrium. so im thinking i can donate on the day before a rest day (or maybe an easy day). what do you all think? an extra $150-200 a month sounds very good to me for only 2-4 hours work.

I wouldn't do it the day before. If you've ever given blood before you've probably opened the wound shortly after. Especially if it was a less experience volunteer. Just lifting the bike off the rack or over extending the elbow to get your water bottle could be enough to open it. The last thing you want to do is start bleeding in the middle of a race.

You should also check before donating what kind of chemicals they might mix with your blood. It wouldn't be surprising if they mix in some anti-coagulant when they do the separation. It's wise to know exactly what they're putting back in your body.

I just started riding a bike this August and have been donating blood for years. I have now donated twice and went out that afternoon and rode 12 miles both times without out any problems...

brokenelbow said:

I just started riding a bike this August and have been donating blood for years. I have now donated twice and went out that afternoon and rode 12 miles both times without out any problems...

You gave a pint of whole blood and rode the next day without a problem?

Unless you did all 12 miles at a TT pace, I doubt you were near the point where the difference would affect you. I doubt you could really push yourself and not feel the difference. Try doing 12 miles near your LT and see how your times compare.

I've given blood during the race season and my HR zones were messed up for about a week. I didn't feel totally recovered for a couple of weeks.