Headaches - Advice wanted

[Heldy10]

Started the programme 2 days ago as an unfit 50 year old. First session I was pleasantly surprised, finished it and felt quite good but today was very different. Got a sudden headache as I started the second run. I finished the session but haven’t been able to shift the headache all day. Anyone else had any similar issues? I thought it was dehydration but I’ve made an effort with the water since the run and still suffering. Any advice would be gratefully received, I’ve never been interested in running, Zumba my only idea of exercise.

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

I suffered headaches when I was running too fast too soon. Could that be it?

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Make sure you're hydrated even on your rest days. The only other things I can think of are 1) are you running with relaxed shoulders? Image you are being pulled up by your ears and look ahead, not down and 2) have you had your blood pressure checked? I'm sure it's fine, it was just a thought.

Good luck

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Hydration would be my guess and there is a section in the guide about it.

Enjoy your journey.

[davelinks Graduate]

Hydration.. drink adequate amounts of water throughout the day and everyday, not just right before running..

Also holding shoulders up and tensing them all the time can cause a headache, hang loose..

[Heldy10]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I think you were all partly right. Still got the headache 24 hours later but blood pressure is fine and masseur couldn’t find any particularly painful bits so think I just managed to strain something in my neck. Hopefully it will clear up soon and I can continue but do some neck and shoulder stretches first. Thanks again for all the pointers.

[CustardTart71]

I used to suffer headaches when I tried out something new, but haven't with this plan ... so I think for me it was a combo of overdoing it and not being hydrated enough. I find these days if I start with a mild headache running actually doesn't make it worse, so it probably was not the exercise itself causing the ache in the first place. I have found that sitting at a laptop causes a build up of tension in my neck, but I now put a cushion on my lap which means I am not looking down so much and ... problem solved. So watch your posture even when you are not running. Keep going, don't be afraid to take the runs a bit easier, you will make amazing progress by just keeping going rather than pegging it