We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
Headaches after running

tambamis
Posts: 67 Member
Hi all,
I started training for a marathon. I'm in the very early stages, as I just reached 3.75 miles today, and I have a minor headache.
After my last run (4 days ago) I got a major headache (took me out for 2 days).
Any ideas on what might be causing this?
I ate waffles and an egg about an hour before today's run.
I drank 8-12 oz of water before the run, and at least 40oz. after the run (sips during the run).
I see a chiropractor about once a month, so I should be ok there.
Today's run was on the treadmill (damn snow) but Monday's was outside.
Thoughts?
I started training for a marathon. I'm in the very early stages, as I just reached 3.75 miles today, and I have a minor headache.
After my last run (4 days ago) I got a major headache (took me out for 2 days).
Any ideas on what might be causing this?
I ate waffles and an egg about an hour before today's run.
I drank 8-12 oz of water before the run, and at least 40oz. after the run (sips during the run).
I see a chiropractor about once a month, so I should be ok there.
Today's run was on the treadmill (damn snow) but Monday's was outside.
Thoughts?
0
Replies
-
Honestly...go and see a Dr.0
-
Go see a doctor! It could be anything from diet to high blood pressure to something else entirely.
This isn't a diagnosis, just something to ask about. I have TMJ and I tend to clench my jaw as I run/work out and it can give me nasty headaches if I'm not mindful.0 -
I get them too or at least used to and I found my issues was electrolytes being low. I would get a headache after every run and my husband thought it was tension in my traps. But once I started doing longer runs, I would drink a gatorade (I know not everyone is a fan, but I drink them anyway) and I haven't gotten a headache since. Of course, this is me and my experience. Obviously, I am not a doctor nor play one on TV so it probably is better to be safe than sorry and get checked out to be sure. I didn't because I recently had a physical and everything (BP and all bloodwork was fine) so I didn't pursue that angle0
-
I would suggest taking a trip to the doctor as well, just to be sure. On that note, I would bet it has something to do with hydration/electrolites as stated previously.0
-
How much water are you drinking? If I'm even remotely dehydrated I get MASSIVE headaches when I work out that can sideline me from any sort of strenuous activity for days. It took me a while to figure out that was the cause.
But still see a doctor0 -
Um, I don't think you need to run to the Doctor so fast....
Try eating a little more the hour before you train. Add in a fruit, a banana would be perfect for the potassium.
I suspect one egg and some waffles aren't really enough, especially for marathon training. The egg is good for nutrition, but the waffles... before a run... not so much.
Try this and IF the headaches persist then maybe see a Doc or decide that running isn't the best Cardio exercise for you.
Good luck!
Emmalee0 -
How's your breathing when you run? Is it controlled, or are you breathing shortened and fast when you run? It may be your breathing pattern. Just a thought.. Next run, concentrate on your breathing..and see what happens. If you still get headaches, go see doc.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394.6K Introduce Yourself
- 44K Getting Started
- 260.5K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.1K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.7K Fitness and Exercise
- 444 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 4.1K MyFitnessPal Information
- 16 News and Announcements
- 1.3K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.8K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions