Return of the runners headache : Ouch.. so I... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,478 membersβ€’159,720 posts

Return of the runners headache

fivekstarter profile image
β€’7 Replies

Ouch.. so I could almost feel it coming on shortly after I completed my run. I did everything to avoid it like I usually do, I was hydrated and feeling good before I set off, wasn't on an empty stomach - but it seems whenever I have a run that was particularly hard , the headache has a chance of following with a dull aching that echoes the footfalls of my run! Normally lasts the day and two paracetamol won't shift it.

Anyway, off to bed πŸŒ›πŸ™„πŸ€•

Written by
fivekstarter profile image
fivekstarter
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
β€’
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

You say you are hydrated....how much and how frequently do you drink?

fivekstarter profile image
fivekstarterβ€’ in reply toIannodaTruffe

I'd already had a litre before my run

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentorβ€’ in reply tofivekstarter

The NHS recommend 1.2litres per day. If you are exercising regularly then you need considerably more. I drink at least twice that amount per day. The important thing is to keep your intake regular throughout the day. Drinking a litre just before a run is not a good idea.

Many people do not drink enough, especially when they start running. Your symptoms sound like poor hydration, but if they persist after your hydration is adequate, then see your GP.

The simplest way to check your hydration is to check the colour of your per. It should be a pale straw colour. If yellow, you are under hydrated.

I am a well known lizard and don't perhaps hydrate as much as I should, but with the running, I've taken positive steps to really up my water intake, and in fact although the 30 minute run doesn't need water I take one of those small oval shaped bottles with me to sip little and often, and now I make sure I drink the same amount post run, within 5 minutes of my cool down. I have found my incidence of running headaches has reduced significantly, it seemed worse not taking water when I was running. We are all different of course, but worth a try?

fivekstarter profile image
fivekstarterβ€’ in reply to

Great advice - I don't take any with me I just drink before and after so this could be a solution , especially with my run times increasing , maybe I haven't adjusted the water accordingly to reflect that I'm now running longer

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Need to drink water all the time throughout the day and stay hydrated, and not just before running..

Also make sure you're not hunched over and tensing your shoulders, hang loose, with head up looking forward chest out shoulders back..

roseabi profile image
roseabi

Sounds a bit like migraine, maybe you should get checked out.

I get migraines occasionally, always after strenuous exercise. What I think helps me (and I'm sure this would apply to non-migraine headaches too):

1. Eat beforehand (you've got that covered)

2. Drink plenty, take water with me if I'm going for more than an hour

3. Protect my eyes from bright light - peaked cap and/or wraparound sunglasses

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

The Return of the Missing Mojo

Having had a couple of weeks with no desire to run, and a few runs that have been completely meh, I...
Razouski profile image
β€’

Return of the tomato - w4run3

Whew, it's a hot one! πŸ₯΅ Got out at 9 and wished I'd made it an hour earlier, so I decided to use...
grumpyoldgirl profile image
Graduateβ€’

Return of the Sun

Usually I run first thing but today I was in two minds about running at all. Yesterday had been a...
dijep profile image
Graduateβ€’

I found all the runners!

Needed to get my run in early today as boy child #2 has thespian duties. It would appear that 8:00...
CitizenP profile image
Graduateβ€’

The return

Some of you may know that I have been laid low recently and havent been able to run. Most...
runner56 profile image
Graduateβ€’

Moderation team

See all
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.