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.
Parents
Former Member
Thanks, everyone. After reviewing your responses and studying related websites, I believe that the winner is: Vasovagal Reaction.
For reference -- Wang, Sakaguchi and Babcock (THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE - VOL 25 - NO. 5 - MAY 97) have written that "Vasovagal reactions are reasonably well accepted as a cause of postexercise syncope . Vasovagal reactions consist of varying degrees of bradycardia and vasodilation . These reactions can range from pro-dromal vagal symptoms such as nausea, pallor, diaphoresis , and/or blurred vision, to presyncope or outright syncope."
This describes my episode accurately. As I understand it now, some dilation of the blood vessels is normal during exercise, as is slowing of the heart rate immediately afterwards. In combination, these may result in a mild, temporary shortage of circulation to the brain, leading to the observed symptoms. To support my conclusion I note that the symptoms began not during exercise, but while showering (i.e., I stopped moving my legs, which further decreased circulative effect), and equilibrium was restored when I put my head down for several minutes. To prevent recurrence -- I have to get in better shape, don't overexert, and cool down after workout.
"Bonking" seems to be a different effect, as it happens during exercise (rather than after), even to extremely fit long distance runners and cyclists. It has to do with depleting glycogen stores.
Thanks, everyone. After reviewing your responses and studying related websites, I believe that the winner is: Vasovagal Reaction.
For reference -- Wang, Sakaguchi and Babcock (THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE - VOL 25 - NO. 5 - MAY 97) have written that "Vasovagal reactions are reasonably well accepted as a cause of postexercise syncope . Vasovagal reactions consist of varying degrees of bradycardia and vasodilation . These reactions can range from pro-dromal vagal symptoms such as nausea, pallor, diaphoresis , and/or blurred vision, to presyncope or outright syncope."
This describes my episode accurately. As I understand it now, some dilation of the blood vessels is normal during exercise, as is slowing of the heart rate immediately afterwards. In combination, these may result in a mild, temporary shortage of circulation to the brain, leading to the observed symptoms. To support my conclusion I note that the symptoms began not during exercise, but while showering (i.e., I stopped moving my legs, which further decreased circulative effect), and equilibrium was restored when I put my head down for several minutes. To prevent recurrence -- I have to get in better shape, don't overexert, and cool down after workout.
"Bonking" seems to be a different effect, as it happens during exercise (rather than after), even to extremely fit long distance runners and cyclists. It has to do with depleting glycogen stores.
