migraines post run

[-Alchemist-]

here’s a weird one. The last two runs have given me vision migraines about an hour after the run.

I am on week 4 and have completed the runs (the second 5 minutes has been hard but I persevered).

Wondered if anyone else has had this issue and if so any tips on how to avoid.

[Liono Graduate]

I've definitely had headaches after runs before, but I wouldn't call them migraines. It tended to be during the hotter weather, even though I was well-hydrated and ran first or last thing.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

How is your hydration?

As as runner you need to intake 2.5-3 lts per day as explained in this FAQ Post about hydration healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

That is certainly a likely cause.

[-Alchemist- in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks. I’ll certainly make sure I intake more fluid pre run. Do you recommend taking a bottle out and drinking mid run as well?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to -Alchemist-]

Personally I have never run carrying water for any run under an hour duration.

As stated in that post, if you hydrate adequately before a run then anything that you intake during the run is going to have little or no effect on your general hydration.

[linda9389 Graduate]

Sadly yes! I do suffer with migraines, but these days they are.almlst all exercise induced - runs and rides can being them on for me. Often after, but ocasionally during. Sometimes I think the trigger is actually stress (nerves about the distance or the event/race), sometimes it's bright but I forgot sunglasses (light being one of my triggers, esp when the sun is low) and often I think it is poor hydration (as Ianodatruffe mentions).When I googled exercise induced migraines a few years ago it seems itsa bit of a mystery, but that hydration is a likely culprit.

I don't get them on every run by any means - they're the exception rather than the rule. Hopefully yours will reduce if you manage to relax into your runs and to hydrate well beforehand. Good luck.

[-Alchemist- in reply to linda9389]

Thanks - it’s strange isn’t it? It seems to be later on not straight after but it’s definitely connected.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to -Alchemist-]

Hopefully you will be able to reduce the frequency with a little experimentation. They are a pain - especially if I've driven to a pretty route for a long run - I end up sat in the car for an hour before I can drive home!!!

[-Alchemist- in reply to linda9389]

Yes it’s horrible. Half my vision disappears and feel horribly nauseous

[Sarararara Graduate]

Yes, I went through a phase of getting them after each run, which seemed totally unfair.

In addition to general hydration, I started taking half a High5 Zero electrolyte tablet after every run, however short.

I also stopped pushing my pace and started watching my heart rate stats instead- slower and lower seemed to work and I rarely get migraines now. I now only take a High5 after a strenuous run.

[-Alchemist- in reply to Sarararara]

Thanks I’ll give that a try

[taichi1 Graduate]

healthline.com/health/migra...

This article looks quite helpful if you haven't read it. Also I have read that heat and humidity add greatly to the probability of a migraine, and apparently up to 38% have suffered headaches or migraine after severe exercise...including running. So you are not alone...I would aim for cool early mornings or cool evenings for your run. Anyway that's what I found out...Take care

[-Alchemist- in reply to taichi1]

Thanks. Overheating does seem to be a common theme.