Post Run Headache

[ShoppinShannon]

Does anyone know why I always get a long distance post run headache, that lasts for the remainder of the day.
It happens on every single long distance race I've done.  Usually right after I'm done.
Has this happened to anyone else? 
Am I lacking something?

[chattyfeet]

I have never experienced a post run headache.  However I do experience, on occasion, post run sneezing fits.  And when I went looking for help of course NOT ONE RUNNER had ever experienced such a thing or even heard of it!!  I hope you have way better luck with a solution than I did!!

[MITCH]

Hi,
Just saw your question, and as a nurse I may suggest that it is fluid related and likely due to the fact that you are dehydrated to some extent.  We loose a lot of body fluid and electrolytes on long runs.  Gels will provide energy and sometimes electrolytes but you still need fluids.  Dehydration can cause headaches!  Try drinking more on your next long run and see if it makes a difference.

[Sandy]

Mitch took my answer.  I agree wholeheartedly!

[ShoppinShannon]

I too thought it was along that line.

It seems like no matter how much I drink.  It's never enough.  I use cytomax, and I run with the large bottles, and they are always empty.  I always drink the electrolyte drinks at every water station (I take two full cups), and take salt tabs.  More than once on a long run.

When I'm done, I'm always covered in salt.  Then I drink more electrolyte drinks.

I drink 3 liters a day on a regular basis and before I race, I drink more to the point where my pee is clear.

What am I doing wrong?  Do I have a definicientcy?

I still have a headache, that never went away all night.

[Sandy]

Is your face red when you are done running?  How long after your race was it before you had to pee?

[ShoppinShannon]

Yes, always red. 
Probably an hour but less than 2hr when I went.

[Neil]

When you go on long runs, especially in the AM, do you skip a usual caffeine intake?  If I do, running or not,  I'll get a headache late morning which is hard to shake all day.

[Sandy]

If your face is red you are dehydrated.  The level of redness indicates the level of dehydration.  Take note the next long run.  It is possible that if you are NOT red and you are peeing a lot that you are OVER hydrated which has the same symptoms.  Your level of redness and how frequently you have to pee during and after are good indicators.

[Kate]

Regarding hydration.
Is there a recommended level of water intake or is it specific to the individual.
I am usually always red in the face after a run (to the extent that people out and about as I pass by sometimes comment) and distance doesn't seem to be a factor.  Temperature does seem to make a difference. 
But it doesn't seem to change whether I have lots of water to drink that day or not so much.  And I usually try and drink at least the 8 cup a day recommended and always drink at least 32oz after a run.  If I don't drink lots of water after, I get a headache.
Also, I get a headache if I don't eat ... even something light ... within an hour or so.

[The Moose1]

I've noticed an amazing array of post long run symptoms depending on post run intake.  I've had the best recovery after consuming a Slim-Fast immediately after, then eating everything I can get my hands on (starting with pasta) and drinking lots (usually Gatorade).
Not getting enough, or taking too long to start the intake leads me to symptoms including headache, gastro-intestinal issues, depression, and muscle soreness (with long recovery times).

Chocolate milk is supposed to have a very similar nutritional value as the Slim Fast.  (Seriously, I even asked a nutritionist....)

Good luck, I hope you find your answer quickly.

Mike

[Sandy]

Some speacilists say drink half your body weight in ounces on a daily basis.  The best determinant on an individual basis is your urine is darkest in the morning getting lighter throughout the day until it is a very pale lemonade colour.

The starting point for during run hydration is one liter per hour.  You can also weigh yourself pre run then post run and weight loss is an indicator of how much you need to drink.

I always look at facial coulour because I don't care how much you drink or think you drink during the day, if you finish a workout red faced, you are dehydrated and if you finish red faced and NOT sweating, even worse.  Hydration is a gimme when running which means it doesn't require lots of training hours, special equipment or a great VO2max, just tip your hand to your mouth and your performance will improve. It's a simple, cheap solution to an annoying problem.

Mikes post workout consumption is right on and yes chocolate milk has been proven to be the best recovery food.  Carbs, protein, electolytes and liquid is assimilated by the cells the quickest.

[ShoppinShannon]

Thanks everyone for your input.  I will weigh myself next long run to see what the difference is.  I will definitely drink more.  Wonder if people will look at me funny with two fuel belts on me on my next long run!!!!   lol

Perhaps bring a little pocket mirror too (wonder what people will think....she's so vain?)   
I'm very curious and want to test these theories.

I know what you mean about missing out on the coffee and yes, I do get that occasionally, but its only a slight headache and goes away quickly. 
What I get after any run that exceeds 1hr 30min or more, is an all out migrane that lasts roughly two days.

I should of had the chocolate milk afterwards, I didn't have any sort of recovery type drink available for me.  I'll try that one next race and see.
I'll monitor the amounts going in and let you all know next time around. Thanks again!