Dear Fit,
I have been running for two years, consistently 30-minute runs, three mornings a week. A friend of mine who's training for a half marathon convinced me to sign up too, and I'm really excited about my first race. It's in the Fall, but I've already started training, and have been increasing my runs to an hour. I feel great while running, but a few hours afterward, I get this pounding headache that lasts at least an hour. Any ideas as to what could be causing this or how to prevent it? I want to cure these headaches before making my runs even longer.
— Pounding Pavement and Pounding Headache
First of all, congrats on signing up for your first half marathon. It's an amazing goal to have, and since you're so excited about it, I can understand your frustration about having headaches. I have a few ideas as to why you're getting these headaches, so read more.
Dehydration can be one cause of headaches. You need to hydrate not only right before you work out, but also a few days before. You'll know your body is well-hydrated when you urinate pale yellow or clear urine at least six times a day. An hour before you head out for your run, drink 16 to 24 ounces of water. You also need food for fuel, so don't run on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Eat something small that's low in fat, easily digestible, and contains 40 to 100 grams of carbs about 30 minutes before heading out. Yogurt and a banana is a great choice.
Since you're running longer than 30 minutes, you also need to hydrate during your run. A general rule is to take in six to eight ounces every 20 minutes. You also want to fill up on electrolytes. Drinking Smartwater or Gatorade or eating Luna Sport Moons will keep up your performance levels when you're sweating a lot or exercising for long periods.
After your run, drink 20 to 24 ounces of water or a sports drink for every pound of water you've lost. Continue sipping your beverage until your urine is light yellow or clear. Also be sure to eat something that contains 100 to 200 grams of carbs and some protein within 45 minutes of working out.
If you're drinking and eating enough, your headache might be caused by poor running posture. Make sure your shoulders and hands are relaxed and your torso is in line with your hips. Wearing lightweight sunglasses and a hat can keep sun out of your eyes, since squinting can also cause headaches. Or if you have allergies and sinus congestion is causing your headache, allergy medication could prevent your post-run headaches. If none of this helps, I'd see a doctor to make sure it's not a more serious problem.
Goldmajor
Armani Jeans
Tommy Hilfiger
I've had the same problem occasionally, and I agree with Fit that it's usually related to dehydration. Also, one thing I've noticed is that my neck and shoulders get sore during long runs, so I make it a point to shrug my shoulders and turn my head every so often, so as to prevent my muscles from getting too tense.
1this might be a silly solution too but maybe the volume is too loud on your ipod? I notice that at the end of my run, when my heart is beating the hardest, I need to lower the volume I assume because the blood is flowing faster in my head and I'm more sensitive to sound.
2I wish I could eat before I run in the mornings, because I always read that you're supposed to. I've tried it, but halfway through my run I end up with a gut-ache. :0\ Is it something that your body just needs to gradually get used to, or is it something that not everyone can handle?
3I eat a tiny thingie of yogurt (diabetic friendly so it's low-sugar)--it just puts a wee amount of food in my stomach but not enough to slosh around.
4I had this as well when training for a half marathon.
5Could it be you are not breathing properly when you run?
I think for me it was a combo of not enough water as well as too shallow breathing.
I tend to clench my jaw when I run, so I end up with splitting headaches. I try to relax my face, or use a mouthguard- like the kind used if you grind your teeth at night.
6Check your posture! Running with your chin jutting forward and/or lifted can definitely give you a headache. Tuck your chin and keep your head over your shoulders.
7I had this problem when training for a half marathon too and always found it was related to hydration. I would experiment with how much I had to drink after a long run and found that it usually took almost 2 litres within the two hours after the run. Lots of water but at least no headache! Good luck with your race.
8Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.