Solid workout = headache?

Jayne19099
Jayne19099 Posts: 149 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I did a 10k run today, which is a solid effort for me, typically I would do a 5-7k run on the weekend and a few shorter runs during the week. Since the 10k run I have felt rather tired and have a headache. I've been drinking water, about 3 liters since getting back from the run during the day today. I ate a beef sandwich and some fruit after the run, no protein shake or smoothie.

I'm wondering if this is normal, and is there anything I can do to stop the fatigue/headache from happening?

Thank you!

Replies

  • mariah_papaya
    mariah_papaya Posts: 39 Member
    I used to get mad headaches because I'd workout in the morning before eating anything - when I switched it up and started having at least a smoothie or a banana or yogurt or something (and coffee, of course!) they went away. Pre-fuelling :)
    Nice work on the 10k by the way!
  • Athena98501
    Athena98501 Posts: 716 Member
    As the other poster indicated, it can happen due to low blood sugar. However, it can also happen due to high blood pressure. I experienced that phenomenon before I was put on blood pressure medication. Even in someone who's blood pressure is on the high end of normal, it will be higher during exertion.
  • blwenz
    blwenz Posts: 16
    I used to get mad headaches because I'd workout in the morning before eating anything - when I switched it up and started having at least a smoothie or a banana or yogurt or something (and coffee, of course!) they went away. Pre-fuelling :)
    Nice work on the 10k by the way!

    Totally agree here. You should be "Pre-Fuelling" healthy food and make sure you start hydrating a few hours before the run. Water Post run is like putting on sunblock after you go to the beach :-)
    Watch out for the cramps though, don't try drinking a crazy amount of water or food just before you start...
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    lack of sugar, dehydration, and sometimes low sodium can all be causes. Usually I only get bad headaches when I've been running a long time in the heat and my electrolyte balance is out of whack.
  • ecw3780
    ecw3780 Posts: 608 Member
    this happens to me sometimes when I work out...especially during Pilates. Usually drinking a good amount of water right when it starts helps me.
  • zephtalah
    zephtalah Posts: 327 Member
    lack of sugar, dehydration, and sometimes low sodium can all be causes. Usually I only get bad headaches when I've been running a long time in the heat and my electrolyte balance is out of whack.

    ^^^This. Dehydratioin/Electrolyte issues can cause headaches.
  • Jayne19099
    Jayne19099 Posts: 149 Member
    Thank you everyone!!

    I really appreciate all the great advice!!! :)

    I did eat some fruit before my run but I am now thinking it was not enough fuel, I'll try something like almond butter and a banana next time for more calories.

    I'll also eat something salty earlier in the day, like a tomato + salt to make sure my electrolytes are not going to crash on me.

    I typically have blood pressure on the low end of the scale and so am not too concerned about that.

    Hydration is probably something I was lax on, I like the "sunburn" analogy :)

    Best!

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