Why do morning runs make me feel ill?

[Slowburner]

Hi, i’m On week 7 and absolutely loving it. However, with the night’s drawing in i’m finding it hard to get out there after my children go to bed as I live in a rural village with no street lights. I could switch to a morning run before my husband goes to work but whenever I run in the morning I end up with a banging headache that lasts all day. I have no idea how to stop it happening as I imagine it’s due to not eating, but I wouldn’t want to run after eating breakfast. Any ideas???

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

If you do have the time, have breakfast but don't run for at least 1 hour, perhaps that way the headaches won't recur.

[Hidden]

I am in the same boat, I really dislike running in the mornings, but unless I’m back from work on time, it’s too dark to run at night :/

What has helped me is having a banana before running, it’s not too filling, but will release enough energy to keep me going for half an hour.

For me when I get headaches, it’s usually due to dehydration, so it may be worth having some water before you head out

[Slowburner in reply to Hidden]

I’ll give the water a go when I wake up- I must admit I haven’t been drinking before a morning run.

Such a shame the evenings are getting darker- like you, I much prefer an evening run 😕

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

if you are eating well, and hydrating well and sleeping well... all the time, not just the day before run days... ..then you should be fine with the runs, at least, up to 5K. But we are all different..I have always had a cup of tea and two light digestives about an hour before my morning run.. and it is fine.

If the headaches persist then maybe get it checked out?

Hope it sorts for you ...

[Slowburner in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you- I’ll give the biscuits a try. If all else fails, I might try the dr (who did say I had low blood pressure last time I was there, but couldn’t have been overly concerned as she hasn’t given me anything).

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Slowburner]

I have what the GP refers to as normal low BP.. it may well be that..I do sometimes experience sensations ...like the floor had turned to jelly..(not when running ) usually just before cup of tea time in the afternoon..I think my BP drops lower then...!

[Marcella03 Graduate]

Could it be dehydration? Try having a glass of water before you go and see if that helps. Don't drink too much though or it could sit heavy.

[Triolette Graduate]

I run in the morning and always have at least one glass of water and a banana before my run. I also rehydrate after running. Try that and see how you get on.

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I hate morning runs. I feel empty and weak! I did a Park run today and had to get up early to eat and I don't like eating before 9! It's really hard!

[Slowburner in reply to Ang33333]

I’m not a fan of mornings in general- perhaps that’s part of the problem! Looking forwards to being able to do park runs.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I do a mug of tea, ( that’s a morning essential for me) some dilute fruit juice & half a banana. - I think the dilute juice & banana was an idea from iannodatruffe - works well for me. Then “proper” breakfast when I get home. 😄

[Marcia-H Graduate]

I’m the opposite and actually love to run in the morning! I prefer feeling a bit ‘empty’ however I do eat half a banana and gulp some water before heading out, for some energy and hydration. When I’m back I guzzle water and have a proper breakfast - usually always eggs!

[ArthurJG Graduate]

I’m not an early morning person but I enjoyed a couple of early runs on holiday when it would have been too hot at any other time. And I love parkrun on Saturday morning. However when I try to run in the morning on a working day I don’t like it at all. For me I think it’s a mental thing as no sooner have I left the house than I’m worrying whether I’m making myself late for work or too tired for work - even though realistically there’s no danger of either. Not sure if that might be a factor for you - everybody’s different. As for the headaches - again everybody’s different and I don’t get headaches much but when I do it’s usually because I’m not drinking enough.