Couch to 5K Running Program (C25K)

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Headache and dizziness.....am I the only one?

MsSawyer77
MsSawyer77 Posts: 77 Member
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
Just completed W4D1. So proud of myself for getting through those 5 minute stretches!

The only thing is about 1/2 way through I started to get a headache. Pushed on through and completed the run. However, when I got home not only did I have a headache, but when I sat down to drink my post-run water I started to feel dizzy as well. AT the moment I'm thinking dehydration may be the culprit...........has anyone else experienced this?

Replies

  • Im_NotPerfect
    Im_NotPerfect Posts: 2,181 Member
    Great job completing W4D1!!!

    Sounds like it could definately be dehydration. What about low blood sugar as well? Had you eaten anythign before your run?
  • MsSawyer77
    MsSawyer77 Posts: 77 Member
    Great job completing W4D1!!!

    Sounds like it could definately be dehydration. What about low blood sugar as well? Had you eaten anythign before your run?

    Thanks! And, no, I go out first thing in the morning so I don't eat anything, only drink a small glass of water. I think I'll perhaps eat a small banana before I go next time.........maybe that will help.
  • jsidel126
    jsidel126 Posts: 694 Member
    No headaches, but I get dizzy once in a great while. I find it is typically (very) hot when this occurs. I feel I need food or drink. Once i get something in me and am out of the sun, everything resolves itself shortly.

    Another thread yesterday, someone was asking about getting dizzy while running. The repeated thought was that the person possibly had low blood pressure and should see a doctor.
  • jporte
    jporte Posts: 164 Member
    Are you running outside? It could be allergies too. I have allergies and will get a headache and a runny nose (sorry tmi) when I run.
  • buckeyegirl0103
    buckeyegirl0103 Posts: 194 Member
    try drinking more than a small glass- I usually drink at least 8-16 oz from the minute I wake up till I leave. Then I drink immediately after and some more on the way home. I also drink about 4 oz of skim milk afterwards too.
  • keithgi
    keithgi Posts: 96 Member
    We're at the exact same place, W4D1. Not sure what your geolocation is but it was 70 degrees with 97% humidity here this morning. I sweat like crazy. (I know, 70 isn't really hot.), I'm guessing you had a little dehydration and maybe a little over exertion, I admit those 5 min stretches were challenging and there wasn't much of a break in between. I'm trying to hydrate well the night before and so far it's worked.
  • Amberh82
    Amberh82 Posts: 465 Member
    If you run outside, you could be overheating a little bit. If this starts happening, slow down. there is no shame in that. I had to do it over the weekend because I got dizzy and really didn't think I was going to make it.

    Also, I read in an article that when it is really hot and you are exercising outside it is ok to drink a sports drink then. I did that on Saturday after I finished my run and I felt a lot better. I got the Gatorade G2 so it wasn't a ton of calories.
  • MsSawyer77
    MsSawyer77 Posts: 77 Member
    Thanks for the replies everyone! Where I live, it finally cooled off Sat. evening........and has stayed relatively cool (compared to the 4-5 days of 100+ temps!). When I went out this morning it was 64 degrees, not sure of the humidity but it wasn't high. I'm thinking that I just need to hydrate more in the morning before I go out and run. I will also try eating a small piece of fruit or low-cal granola bar before-hand, drinking water on an empty stomach tends to make me nauseous.
  • MsSawyer77
    MsSawyer77 Posts: 77 Member
    I admit those 5 min stretches were challenging and there wasn't much of a break in between.

    No, they weren't! Hopefully they will be a little bit easier for day 2 on Wednesday!
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    That does sound a lot like dehydration. If you drink right before your run, that water is sitting in your stomach. Hydration is when water is distributed to your cells - It takes more time. To properly hydrate yourself, the 24-48 hours before a run are much more important than what you drank in the last hour.
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