Can any activity cause the loss of RBC (red blood cells) in our body? sudden loss in fitness in running?

Question

I have been running for quite a few years, and recently I had a feeling that my training had gone down the drain, my fitness seemed to have just vanished. I know it sounds ridiculous, but that's how I feel. Before this I could run 90 minute long runs without much difficulty, and now I'm having trouble running 7-minute/miles for just a few miles, while is supposed to be breeze. I have been eating right, sleeping and hydrating, and one of my suspicions is that there's something in my body that is not allowing me to maintain the cardiovascular level that I have been building. The sudden feel of out of shape does not make any sense to me. Any helpers?

Answer 1

I'm a pretty serious runner who logged 80-100 miles per week regularly.  I had a relatively sudden decrease in my ability to run, but shrugged it off as being tired or just being over-trained.  In reality, I turned out to have a blood cancer.  It's VERY unlikely you have cancer, so I'm not trying to scare you.  Rather, I'm trying to emphasize why it's a good idea to get checked out by a doctor.

Anemia can definitely cause the symptoms you're describing.  There's a protein in your blood called hemoglobin -- it basically helps carry oxygen around your blood.  If you're anemic and low on hemoglobin, you will get out of breath quicker.  It's called a decrease in exercise tolerance.

A simple blood CBC test can check your hemoglobin levels.  If you're anemic, the doctor may try to find out why, or he may simply decide you should try iron supplements to get your iron levels up.  Iron deficiency is associated with low hemoglobin levels in the blood.

Running can cause anemia sometimes -- we lose extra iron in our sweat, and sometimes long distance running can result in the breakdown of red blood cells.  In women runners, even normal menstruation can lead to anemia.  Finally, dietary deficiencies can lead to anemia.

Anemia is also linked to certain illnesses; for example, I was severely anemic and had cancer.  Your doctor can probably rule those out pretty fast.

Other possibilities for a drop in performance could include over-training, allergies, exercise-induced asthma, etc.

Check out the links below for some more information on running and anemia specifically.  Good luck and I hope the problem gets solved and you get back running well.

Answer 2

Yes I would agree with the iron deficiency, get your blood checked out. Be careful to ask for the actual levels of ferritin as normal doctors will say anything above 20 is OK, when in fact being a regular runner like you anything under 30 is getting a bit low, no harm in getting it much higher. If it is this then under 10 and it might pay to have a rest and mentally recharge.

Also I am aware of a 7 year cycle where one type of training provides improvement and then improvements diminish, so perhaps a relook at your training program to freshen it up a bit. I have not seen any research on this 7 year cycle, but I have heard it commented on a few times in coaching circles.

Good luck

Answer 3

M<y guess is that it may just be time for a break.  Every once and a while the body just needs a little time off from training.  I say take a week or two off from running.  Maybe bike some, or hit the pool, hike some trails, do anything but run and then go back to it and see how you feel.  Physical activity causes and increase in RBC not a loss.  I really dont think you have lost any fitness.  Just take a break and I bet when you come back you will be running even stronger.

Answer 4

The activity does not cause damage or loss of red blood cells, but over training can lead to injury or illness.

If you have a sudden on set of this fatigue you should see your doctor, it is possible that you have an infection or illness that is causing your problems.

Answer 5

I would definitely go to doctors and get your iron and ferritan level tested (it's only one test) for iron deficiancy anemia.  Basically in this, your body doesn't have enough iron (a major oxygen carrier) to supply enough oxygen to your red blood cells, hense your tiredness and trouble breathing.  It may be something else, but this is my best guess because I have lots of teamates that have had this happen to them and their symptoms were just like yours.

hope this helps!!