Giving Blood

First off, I would like to say that giving blood during track season was not a smart idea AT ALL! I gave blood along with two of my friends who are also on the track team, last Thursday. I am glad that I was able to help out and do a good deed, but this is taking a toll on my performances at meets. One of my coaches, Coach Baker, told us not to and we went ahead and did it anyway. I do regret not listening to him because after every race since Thursday, I feel exhausted, when I usually don't. I am still performing well at my meets, but they really take a toll on my body afterward.

Today, at our last dual meet and last meet on our home track, I felt like crap. I ran in the 100m dash, 4 by 100m relay, 400m dash, and the 4 by 4m relay. After the 100m, I felt really tired, which I know for sure I should have not. After each race, I had a hard time catching my breathe and I felt horrible. After running the 400, I laid on the turf for a good 10 mins just trying to recover. I was feeling sick and lightheaded. I had go up to get ready to run the 4by4 and I could barely walk straight and my speech was kinda slow. I got out there on the track and ran, and collapsed on the track breathing heavily After a race, you're not suppose to lay down because your muscles will get tight. Some off my teammates came over and tried to get me to get up and I would not budge. Coach Baker and some others came over to see if I was alright. I was having slight tunnel vision, was still trying to breathe, and was still lightheaded. They brought me water to drink, got me up, and I was transported over to the school so that Kim, the trainer, could help me out.

She put ice on me to cool me down, gave me some Gatorade, and put a fan on me. I sat there for about 10 mins, and I was starting to recover slightly. I am feeling much better now, but still feeling really tired.

I am going to go easy tomorrow at practice so my body can have a chance to recover.

NEVER GIVE BLOOD WHILE YOUR IN A SPORT; IT IS THE WORST!