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2009-01-11 3:27 PM

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Subject: headaches after long run?

Without fail, I get a horrible headache after each run over 12 mi.

I can't get rid of it -- I've tried caffine, excederin, etc.

I drink accelerade after my long run so I think I'm replacing my electrolytes.

Anyone else experience this?  Ideas on how to cure the headaches?

thanks!



2009-01-11 3:29 PM
in reply to: #1900911

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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?

How much did you drink? Have you done a sweat test?

Typically headache after long training session or race, means you are dehydrated. I used to get them after my races. I've worked hard to learn to drink more while training and racing.

2009-01-11 3:33 PM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?
thanks Kathy.  I didn't drink a lot during my 17 mile long run today because it was cold and I was cold.  I'll continue to drink water today to rehydrate.
2009-01-11 4:55 PM
in reply to: #1900911

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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?
For me it seems to be either not being hydrated enough or not getting enough electrolytes. I started using NUUN or the Elixir tablets, especially in summer. Eating a good meal right after a long run seems to really help as well.
2009-01-11 5:01 PM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?

This might be an "exersional headache".  Occasionally, when I do something with a really high level of exersion, I'll get a bad headache that feels much like a hangover.  The pain patterns run on the side of my head, at temple level, and run front to back.  Rest is the best thing for it to go away.  I can be more susceptible to this pain pattern from any physical activity for several weeks.

Maybe do a google search on exersional headache.  See if that might be what you are experiencing.

2009-01-11 5:16 PM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?

trishie - 2009-01-11 3:33 PM thanks Kathy.  I didn't drink a lot during my 17 mile long run today because it was cold and I was cold.  I'll continue to drink water today to rehydrate.

I used to get headaches a lot in the winter as well when I did long runs.  I was doing the same thing and not drinking much thinking that sense it was cold I wouldn't get dehydrated.  Once I started carrying water with me and drinking it on a regular basis while running, my headaches have gone away.  Try and bring water in a fuel belt or a handheld water bottle on your next run and drink it regularly. 



2009-01-11 6:02 PM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?
I was going to say dehydration, but I see a lot of people already got to that. I also used to have the same issue with being cold and not wanting to drink, especially if my fluids were cold also. I've even run when it's so cold that by the time I was 45 minutes into my run the fluids in my bottle were freezing over.

Something I did to help with that is fill my bottle with warm, even hot, liquids. It's just easier for me to swallow. If I'm doing an out and back I also figured out where the hospitals, rec centers, grocery stores, etc were to refill when needed.

Good luck!
2009-01-12 4:58 AM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?
For me, I get headaches after a long run because my neck has been jarred too long, it's more a muscle tension headache in the back. Ice packs and ibuprofen help it out, as well as laying down and giving my neck a rest from holding up my fat head.

(I do have osteopenia in there, so that doesn't help matters)
2009-01-12 9:36 AM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?

I get bad headache/nausea/fatigue spells after long workouts if I don't take in enough electrolytes. About 20 or 30 minutes after the workout, I was usually shot for the rest of day. The only thing that would make them go away was sleeping.

I'd tried dealing with it by adjusting fluid intake, but no amount of hydration helped (and extra water made it seem worse). I was seriously thinking I'd have to put a time/sweat limit on my workouts.

Finally, after noticing that I didn't feel quite as cruddy after using Gatorade Endurance, I got some Salt Sticks and it was like flipping a light switch. I could go on a 3 or 4 hour ride in hot weather and other than being tired from the exercise, all the other effects just went away.

You'll see a lot of people say that suppliments aren't necessary and I agree that is probably the case for most people. However, if I've forgotten the Salt Sticks a couple of times since I started using them and sure enough, on came the headaches (taking them after the headache helps a bit, but not nearly as much as taking them proactively).

2009-01-12 10:17 AM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?

If it's every time, I am hesitant to say that it's dehydration, unless you are chronically not drinking enough.  But then there would probably be other issues, too.

Could be tension in your neck/shoulders, especially if it happens in colder weather.  Some people tend to scrunch up more when it's cold and windy out, and running all tight like that can cause headaches.

2009-01-12 12:31 PM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?
As posted above (multiple times) first thought is dehydration..so I would start there. Remember, you can be almost more prone to dehydration during cold runs, as you dont really think that you are losing that much water. In fact you are losing a ton because the air tends to be so dry! So I try to really remind myself to be properly hydrated in winter months, as in the summer months I almost do it naturally.


2009-01-12 1:01 PM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?

Why is the first thought dehydration?

Could be she takes in less caffeine than normal on long run days.  Could be muscular tension.  Could be weather-related.  Could be brought on by exertion.

Dehydration takes a long time to occur.  If you mean an electrolyte imbalance, that's different than dehydration.  She could be hyponatremic, as well, which is the exact opposite.

2009-01-13 8:36 AM
in reply to: #1900911

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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?
Why first thought? just has been my experience that long dull headaches after extended periods of exercise (especially running) are typically fixed by hydration/electroyte replacement. Its also the "easiest" to try to isolate as the cause.

I am including both hydration and electrolyte in the same vein. If I were the orig poster, I would make sure I was hydrated before next run (pale yellow urine well before exercise..etc.) and drink a good recovery drink immediately following. If the headaches still come on, its something else.
2009-01-13 1:46 PM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?
I have so been there. I posted the same question last year and the responses really helped me. I will grab a chocolate milk after I run 10+ it seems to help. I also make sure that I drink a ton of water throughout the day before and the day after.

 

2009-01-14 9:13 PM
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Subject: RE: headaches after long run?
Another vote for the dehydration - same thing happened when I went out unprepared for a 100km ride last sunday....
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