I went for my lunchtime swim today, did somewhat more laps than usual, maybe swam a little harder than usual. (I am not at all an accomplished swimmer, just a recovering runner.) After my shower I just wanted to puke. I broke out in a cold sweat, felt generally rotten, and quietly wished for death. I had to lie on the bench for about 5 minutes before I could finish getting dressed. This happened only once before, 27 years ago when I ran cross country.
Questions: Is this what athletes call "bonking?" What is the physiological condition that causes it -- build-up of lactic acid? Running out of blood glucose? Not enough oxygen in the brain? Dehydration? What is the preventive -- Big breakfast? Stretching? Being in better shape? Wearing boxers rather than briefs?
Thanks for your help.
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Former Member
Okay, maybe I was a little too dramatic in my initial post. I should add that felt much better after the five minute rest, and completely fine after I had a sandwich later in the hour. It's probably not the heart -- I recently had a stress echocardiogram (part of an executive health screening), and the doctor said it was excellent. My current money is on either low glycogen (I should have eaten more), or high lactic acid (I'm out of shape).
Okay, maybe I was a little too dramatic in my initial post. I should add that felt much better after the five minute rest, and completely fine after I had a sandwich later in the hour. It's probably not the heart -- I recently had a stress echocardiogram (part of an executive health screening), and the doctor said it was excellent. My current money is on either low glycogen (I should have eaten more), or high lactic acid (I'm out of shape).
