Migraine after running 😖: I did W7R2 last night... - Couch to 5K

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Migraine after running 😖

SuzieMac profile image
19 Replies

I did W7R2 last night. Got in, drank some water and had some food. As soon as I sat down afterwards I started with a lousy migraine that just got worse and worse. Went to bed and slept until 3.30 but then it woke me up again and I didn’t get back to sleep. Day off work for me today. Could possibly be because I wasn’t hydrated enough I guess? I was really tired when I started the run but you just have to get out there, tired or not on some days. Anyway I will make very sure I drink plenty of water for the whole day before I run 🏃🏻‍♀️

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SuzieMac profile image
SuzieMac
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19 Replies
Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Great you got out to run . But as you say you might not being drinking enough. Try to drink 2-3 litres of water per day and not just on run days. Good luck 😊

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Definitely sounds like a hydration issue. It's so important to hydrate well every day. Aim for 2 litres as a minimum including hot drinks.

Migraines can be triggered by stress, foods, or muscle tension too so try and cover all bases 👍🏻

RunningMigster profile image
RunningMigsterGraduate

Well done for getting out there.

So sorry to hear about your migraine though. I got those as a kid. Horrible things.

Hope your feeling better.

You're doing to well with the program, especially with the job you do. Cant be easy at all

Leosmit profile image
LeosmitGraduate

Well done on completing the run. Hope you are feeling a little better.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate

Much sympathy! I started one just before the end of my run yesterday. I also had one the day before which wasn'trun related! Here's hoping today is clear 🤞. Mine had stopped after I reached a certain age, but restarted a couple of years ago. Almost all of these latter ones have been during or after a run, so sadly I do think there is a link.

SuzieMac profile image
SuzieMac in reply tolinda9389

Oh I hope I don’t get them regularly again.! I haven’t had one for ages. I will stay cool and hydrated and see what happens. Hope you don’t suffer much over the future months 🤨

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate in reply toSuzieMac

I haven't had too many, and maybe they would've restarted without the running anyway, who knows! Maybe yours is a one off and proper hydration is all you need. Good luck!

Astra5 profile image
Astra5Graduate

Have to agree with everyone about the hydration, I started getting headaches again when I had to have a break from running. Sussed out it was because I was not drinking enough, not following my running routine of regular drinking. Hope that sorts out your migraines.

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate

Could be a hydration issue or could be that the tiredness you felt was actually an indication of being unwell. I am fortunate in that I don’t suffer from migraines but my running buddy does and in summary, it seems that running when you’re well is fine but you need to be more careful than most about running when below par. That said, my friend has had migraines after running only twice and on both occasions she’d forgotten to drink immediately afterwards. Remember hydration the day BEFORE a run is particularly important.

SuzieMac profile image
SuzieMac in reply toArthurJG

Thanks ArthurJG

It’s taught me a lesson. I’m going to be much more careful in the future. Listening to my body is something I’m usually good at but i think on this occasion I didn’t listen!!

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate in reply toSuzieMac

Ach I’m sure you were listening. Bodies just aren’t always clear enough with their communication 🙂

Frizzmog profile image
FrizzmogGraduate

I have chronic migraine so symptoms most days, but find running can help with prevention as long as I’m well hydrated as others have said, and not too tired. The other big trigger for me with running is getting too hot, I have to be really careful with not over layering clothes in the cooler weather, or running in sunshine; and can’t run indoors on a treadmill because I get too hot. I’ve had a virus for the last ten days and daren’t even try running whilst my system is still coping with that, even with my preventative meds I’m 99% sure I’d end up with a four day migraine. Look after yourself, these migraines are grotty and so much more complicated than a headache. Hope you feel better soon.

SuzieMac profile image
SuzieMac in reply toFrizzmog

Thanks Frizzmog. They are vile aren’t they? I feel much better today thank goodness. I will be more careful about hydration the day before and on the day I actually run. Also, what I eat beforehand will matter, as skipping meals doesn’t do me any favours either. I hope you feel better soon x

Frizzmog profile image
FrizzmogGraduate in reply toSuzieMac

Thank you, look after yourself x

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate

This is interesting- I keep getting migraines about 3 hours after a run. I’ll try (even more) water during the day.

SuzieMac profile image
SuzieMac in reply toSarararara

Yes! Do that! We’ll all do this and see what happens. In the meantime I hope you don’t get any more x

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

Yes drink plenty but also get checked out. I did C25k with a group of my work colleagues. One of them had this and she got checked out and turns out her BP was high.. I am not suggesting yours is but it is your bodies way of saying something isnt quite right, so please see your GP just to make sure.....

SuzieMac profile image
SuzieMac in reply toju-ju-

Thansk ju-ju. That is a consideration but my blood pressure is spot on. However I will bear this in mind should it carry on 🤔

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Same here , I can certainly tell the difference when I haven’t had enough water . Used to get the headaches from hell . Also , do you think you may be in subconsciously tensing your shoulders and neck ? I have to tell myself “Relax , Relax “

Good Luck hope you get to the bottom of it xxx

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