Feeling ill post-run

[earl-grey-sian]

I've just restarted week 1 after a false start back in September, delayed due to an injured calf muscle. Although I feel good when I finish exercise, after about 30 minutes I begin to feel quite ill; nauseous, light-headed etc. I've experienced similar feelings before, after cycling. What causes it, and will it improve with increased fitness?

[Deryn61 Graduate]

That's strange, especially at this stage of the programme.

Might just be a question of needing an energy boost before hand? Suggest you try having a light snack an hour before (some suggestions that work for me include abanana or other fruit, or half a bagel and peanut butter or honey, or a small handful of almonds and dried fruit - apricots are my favourite at the moment!) and a square of dark chocolate? Could you face eating something straight after you finish? My marathon running big sis has to have something stodgy and savoury straight after finishing a hard run or she feels ill very soon.

Otherwise check this out with your gp.

[earl-grey-sian Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

Thanks for your reply.

I'd eaten a sandwich nearly 4 hours before hand, so it could well be that my fuel tank was emptying. Maybe I should stock up on bananas

It's difficult to know what to do, so many people advise different things. I hoping that it'll just improve with improved fitness.

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to earl-grey-sian]

As you go on you I'll find what works for you. As you say we re all different

Good luck!!!

[Vivwestie Graduate]

Drink plenty of water when you finish and eat within half an hour. Keep going - it's great that you've tried again.

[Ribena]

I have issues with blood sugar so I've learnt that this is really important for me. I find I need a huge drink and a couple of squares of chocolate when I get in from my run (downed a pint of water in about ten seconds this morning) and then after my shower I have a nice big breakfast. I also find that drinking loads of water the day before helps - so I've banned myself from Pepsi etc on the days /before/ runs, so that I drink lots of water and I'm well hydrated for the run itself.

[Jadis Graduate]

I would concur, sounds like low blood sugar to me. Eat something immediately after the run – not too much and not too high in sugar which would spike you and just delay the problem. The banana option is ideal. I feel nauseous & dizzy a little after a run too at times, although I try to have a snack like a yoghurt or piece of fruit about an hour before a run and that helps prevent it, though when it happens a sensible smackeral is what helps me.

[earl-grey-sian Graduate]

Thank you everyone. I bought a load of bananas today. I'll have one for breakfast tomorrow and plan to run (I use the word run very loosely!) mid-morning. I'll take your advice and eat another when I get back. Good luck all

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to earl-grey-sian]

I always have a banana and a cup of tea + 1/2 glass water 30 minutes before a run, then I have a good drink of water and light breakfast after my shower. Good luck hope these suggestions help you, you may need to play about with your routine though as everyone is different.

[earl-grey-sian Graduate]

Well yesterday I went in the morning. I had a banana and a cup of tea about an hour before going and had another banana when I got home (after a shower). I was fine. But, I wasn't out for as long as I could feel the muscle in my calf (that I thought had healed after a bad strain in early September) starting to 'go' again, so I cut the session short. On the plus side, each time I strain that muscle, it seems to take less time to heal. I'm determined to do this, even if it kills me!!