Exertion headaches

[Slothgoesrunning]

This has happened on my last 2 runs. Horrible and quite frightening until I looked it up to find out what it was. Anyone else suffer from them? Will they go away as I get fitter/more used to the exertion?

[angie31964 Graduate]

That is horrible. Did you get them before? Maybe it is the heat? Did you drink plenty?

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate in reply to angie31964]

No never had them when exercising before. I thought I was hydrated and had eaten small breakfast beforehand etc. And did 10 min warm up instead of 5, So was feeling prepared but still. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hydrate well and try to relax. Sometimes there is a tendency to hold everything tensely when we begin.

Relax your shoulders and neck... loosen your shoulders and shake out your hands... and lightly and take it very gently

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the advice oldfloss - I will drink more and try hard not to tense at the thought of the next run interval.

[Muddypaws Graduate]

Gosh how awful. Do you think you're pushing too hard... I've felt nauseous and dizzy in the past with a thumping head when I've pushed too hard (cycling uphill) and that has gone away with repeated exercise. Maybe when you're back on track you could see if slowing down some more helps? Or I've often read people repeat weeks? Hope it settles down for you. Hang in there!

[Yeti5 Graduate]

Hi Slothgoesrunning. I was very interested to read your post because, yes, I too suffered from excruciating headaches when I began my C25K experience. For the first 5mins I would get a severe headache which made me feel sick and slightly dizzy. I was so flipping determined to complete each run that I kept going and it just went.

About half way through the 9weeks I realised it wasn't happening any more and hasn't reoccurred since.

Slow down if you can and keep going if you feel safe to do so. Fingers crossed it will disappear.

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate in reply to Yeti5]

Thanks so much for this Yeti5 - it feels like another hurdle to deal with but I will keep going. The banging headaches stop as soon as I go back to walking but the dull headache/after effects last for 24 hours

[Yeti5 Graduate in reply to Slothgoesrunning]

That is VERY tough to deal with. Let us know how you are getting on.

[Frizzmog Graduate]

I have chronic migraine and so get migraine symptoms every day but I have found I get a really bad 3 day-er if I get too hot, which is one of the reasons I struggle to shuffle on a treadmill at the gym. I started C25K in January and the cold air was bliss. Making sure you’re really well hydrated in the days prior to a run and as relaxed as possible all help as well and are recommended by various information sites. I still struggle to run for more than 20 minutes at the gym but can now easily do 30 minutes outside. I’m hoping that I’ve built up the stamina to cope when the weather gets hot and humid, I’m away at the moment but understand it’s a bit like that at home at the mo. I wish you lots of luck and hope your head learns to cope because the longer term benefits of running really are great. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[Slothgoesrunning Graduate in reply to Frizzmog]

Hi Frizzmog - this is very helpful -thank you so much for sharing. Heat is a problem in the gym but I have yet to pluck up courage to run outside. Maybe this weekend..

[Frizzmog Graduate]

I really hope you find a way to avoid the headaches, they really spoil the sense of achievement and feeling of wellbeing. Maybe try taking water with you? I was worried about running outside the first time but very quickly realised I became invisible; even when running past a secondary school at kicking our time 🤣🤣