General Discussion Triathlon Talk » headaches after racing Rss Feed  
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2009-07-11 8:08 PM

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Fort Myers, Florida
Subject: headaches after racing
So I completed my 3rd sprint triathlon today, and everytime, I am pretty much useless the rest of the day!  I get a pretty bad headache and usually just crash out on the couch.  Just curious as to what causes this as it seems that I do a good job of eating and rehydrating post race(usually at least 2 bottles of fluids, a full meal and a large smoothie of some kind)  is this common or am I doing some kind of damage?


2009-07-11 8:19 PM
in reply to: #2278615

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Subject: RE: headaches after racing
Focus on hydrating 3 days prior to racing (really all the time). If you are not fully hydrated race morning you are already playing catch up at race start.
2009-07-12 7:18 AM
in reply to: #2278615

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Subject: RE: headaches after racing
I'd like to know more on this as well. I did a long (for me) brick yesterday of 25 mile bike followed by 8 mile run. Felt really good and took in water throughout the workout. I always sweat a lot and I really pushed on this workout so it was profuse. Had the worst headache of my life all day, through the night and it's still there but getting better. I took some pain killers I have for my kidney stones and they wouldn't touch this headache. Do I need to take salt pills? Drink something besides water during workout/race?
2009-07-12 10:17 AM
in reply to: #2278615

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Subject: RE: headaches after racing
After a race I usually have a slight headache and am HOT all day long. I've always attributed it to dehydration and overheating...
2009-07-20 12:42 PM
in reply to: #2278615

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Subject: RE: headaches after racing

I get headaches after long bikes/runs when I am dehydrated.  Try to pre-hydrate for 3-4 days before your race or big workout and during your workout.  Also, if you are not already using an electrolyte drink, try that also.

2009-07-21 7:49 PM
in reply to: #2278615

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Subject: RE: headaches after racing

For years I thought headaches were just apart of training/racing - I did the pre- hydrate/post- hydrate, advil on the long runs/races and more immediately afterward, but still always got them. This year I changed strategies and focused on hydrating/electrolytes  more DURING the long runs (actually all my runs now that it is hotter) and have not had any headaches following the w/o's.   I did my first HIM on July 11th and again really focused on drinking/nurtrition  - and it worked!!  Although I did take advil very early on during the run because I could feel it starting, I also drank even more and  I did not end up with the typical massive headache - actually had next to no head pain at all after.   You mention you are doing a good job of hydrating/eating POST race ... maybe taking more in during the event might work for you too?

 



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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » headaches after racing Rss Feed