My last three C25K runs and first three consolidation runs were ok, but after I got home I developed a headache that kept getting worse. A pulsing by my right temple.
I read an article on runners world about post exercise headaches and realised I was pushing myself each time, thinking about the time, and probably somewhat dehydrated.
So the two days before consolidation run 4 I drank plenty of water, and for the run itself set a steady pace and removed Strava speed/time notifications. I didn’t get a headache 👍
Today I used a steady pace again, although may have been slightly dehydrated, and the headache is back - although not as bad.
Is it just dehydration? Or could it be something else? I’m not close to running 5k in 30 min (today was 2.5 miles in 30 minutes, last run was 3 miles in 35 minutes)
Written by
IceFae
Graduate
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How much are you drinking the day before you run? Do you have a small drink before you set out?
It does sound like a dehydration headache. The other sign to look out for is dark pee and hard stools. When I started out on C25K I got very dehydrated and didn't understand what was happening.
I usually run in the morning. Drink one glass of water in bed than one or two in kitchen (glass takes about 350 ml) pre run, then another one or two as soon as I get home. On non run days I can be bad (getting my fluid mostly from mugs of tea) but am trying to drink more water on those days. I admit yesterday was mostly tea - and probably not enough of them 🤦♀️
Sound like dehydration/electrolyte issue to me If you think you are getting enough water then make sure you are also getting enough salts in - suddenly having a drink after you let yourself get dehydrated the day before can dilute the bodies electrolytes try taking a sports drink or gel to see if it makes a diffference.
And be careful if you are trying to lose weight / restricting diet in any way try to ensure you have enough nutitrion to power you through your runs.
Remind yourself too that consolidation runs are just that - consolidation - not the time to push performance but allow your bod to adjust to this regular 30 + min run now being regular part of you r life rather than a pinnacle achievement and to make it your new baseline.
Pushing to hard and creating headaches and exhaustion can spoil the fun - so keep it enjoyable and I reckon it will help l bed in the habit.
PS if the headaches persist for more than the next few runs despite you doing this then do contact your doctor for a telephone consultation. Just in case its something else entirely.
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1st Post Graduate Run...
Post-grad runs on the treadmill
Post-grad run 2 - running in company
1st run post graduation
Headaches after running
