You know those days when you feel like that run on the treadmill or elliptical could go on forever and you would be fine with it? Maybe you are running off stress or maybe you're just filled with a ton of energy. You feel great; not
at all dizzy, or overheated, or hungry, or feeling any pain and then an hour or more later, a dull headache
moves in.
If this
sounds familiar, you're not alone. Headaches can be caused from a couple reasons. One of them being that you are not consuming enough water throughout
the day. Maybe not just drinking water, but incorporating water-filled fruits
& vegetables like bananas or sweet potatoes.
Once the
actual run starts, if it's under an hour or when it's cool out, hydrating
during your workout isn't necessary. If you're running longer than an hour,
it's hot, or you're sweating buckets, mix an electrolyte package with your
water.
Something
you may not realize is the time of day that you are running also matters. When you run early
in the morning, stay hydrated the night before and sip 8 ounces of water 15
minutes before heading out. Later in the day, you should have a water bottle on
you all day and drink from it frequently.
Low blood
sugar levels can also cause headaches. One to two hours before your workout,
have something quick such as a fruit and nut bar, whole-wheat toast with nut
butter, or a small bowl of cereal. After your run, you’re going to want a mix
of carbohydrates and protein.
A tightness
in the neck or shoulders can also contribute to causing the headache. Take time
after your run to stretch out the neck, shoulders, and upper back then reward
yourself by relaxing in a hot shower and give yourself a little well-deserved
upper-body self-massage.
If none of
these tips seem to be working for you, it's best to see a doctor to make sure
there isn't a more serious underlying issue.
