Running after Diving

[JanR]

This April my wife and I will finally be able to get back into the water after a two year hiatus. My family will be spending just less than a week in Marsa Alam on the Red Sea.

However, I'm planning on running a marathon in May and would rather not go an entire week without running. I'm planning on cutting back my mileage to just easy 8 mile days (<72% HRR). I don't know what our dives are going to be yet, but I would be surprised if we are diving deeper than 60-65 feet. My preference is to stay shallow if possible and "just hang out with the pretty fish."

My concern is I know that exercise is a contributing factor to DCS...what are the guidelines here? I wouldn't want to push my odds by running any intense tempo/interval days while diving, but would I be safe to assume the easy runs...combined with fairly mild depths...won't put me over the threshold?

Thanks for your help.

Jan

 

[String]

There are no real guidelines other than "avoid exertion after diving". Mainly to do with micronuclei and bubble formation. It can be an issue even shallow (and some dehydration issues too).

I'd be careful and leave a good 5-6 hours before that sort of run (although i freely admit ive driven directly from the dive site to home just to change and get out for a 10k. Its not smart though).

Ideally if you have the choice i'd alter the schedule and do the running BEFORE the days diving. Go for a run(guessing it'll only take an hour or so), then have breakfast etc. By the time you get to the boat and dive you should be fine.

Marsa in April will be cool borderline cold early morning too which is perfect for running. Its warmer in the afternoons/evenings. Just make sure you properly re-hydrate after running before diving.

 

[memorex77]

It's the same reason why you're not allowed to fly after diving. Your body is still supersaturated with nitrogen when you surface. You're still desaturating for hours after the dive. There is a reason why DCI shows mainly between 30min and 2h after diving, and even up to 24h after diving.

Your only chance is running before diving, and drinking lots of water, just as String mentioned above.

 

[RJP]

My concern is I know that exercise is a contributing factor to DCS...

Seems like you know the answer to your question, but you're hoping to find someone to tell you something different.

 

[String]

Seems like you know the answer to your question, but you're hoping to find someone to tell you something different.

To be fair its pretty vague. It doesn't define vigorous exercise, it doesn't define a time period so is kind of open to interpretation.

When you start trying to classify hard exercise is it 75% HR, 80% HR, 90% HR, 100% HR. Is it 5 mins, 10 mins, 30 mins, 1 hour. And "wait after diving" is that 1hr, 4hr, 6hr, 8hr etc.

No hard fast rules exist so a lot of it is down to the individuals definitions.

But as i said, before is way way better and potentially beneficial.

 

[JanR]

Seems like you know the answer to your question, but you're hoping to find someone to tell you something different.

Wow. Haven't posted in this forum for about two years and the first time I ask a question to make sure I'm not about to do something that that'll get me hurt, I'm accused of asking a leading question only to reassure my own vain existence.

I was inquiring to get a gauge on how I might best mitigate the risk of engaging in the two activities. Other related sub-questions I could ask are: 1. Is there a minimum interval from dive completion to beginning a run? 2. What running actually qualifies as "exertion"...LSD running at <70% HRR, tempo runs at lactic threshold, VO2MAX intervals? 3. If intensity of working out is not a key factor, is duration of run a key factor for consideration? 4. At what depth does this become more problematic <33 feet, 66 feet, 99 feet?

 

[JanR]

Thanks String...

Not charishing getting up earlier in the morning to run...had thought of running in the evening. But your suggestion makes better sense...dang it!!

Could I get away with a tempo run if I ran prior?

Also...didn't see your last last post prior to my previous reply. Thanks.

 

[String]

Before is probably ideal but i don't practice what i preach. I hate mornings no matter how much sleep i've had, ive got no energy and just cant physically do ANYTHING. I prefer running between 7pm and 1am as ive got a LOT more energy. It does mean when working (diving) i go weeks without a run as i cant go after diving sadly.

Unfortunately you're trying to define things that haven't been confined. There just isnt the research out there. Its known the mechanisms for increasing DCS and stats prove an incresed risk but that's as far as it goes. No real definitions on the amount, intensity and type of exercise exists nor does how long after a dive or after what sort of dive. You're on your own.

 

[tkdgodess]

Ok, I am a morning runner, and an avid diver. I don't run the days I dive. I'm more in to 10k sprint than marathon, but I work at a high intensity. (75-85%hrr) I have gone for a dive after a run, and I've been tired, I rather put 100% of my energy into one activity. I am cold water diving so maybe it's easier physically if you are warm water reef cruising. I will say that I am tired if I try to do a hard run the day after a dive, so I don't, it's a easy recovery type run.

You seem to know your body, why not see what works for you? There are lots of runners or cyclist who are active divers too.

 

[RJP]

I'm accused of asking a leading question only to reassure my own vain existence.

Hmm... "vain existence" are your words. Interesting choice. I merely suggested that you seemed to understand that running after diving is a bad idea, yet were seeking information to the contrary.

:cool2:

Be safe!