Migraines and running

wazza99

Folks looking for suggestions.

Problem, after long runs 10 miles +, i always get a migraine, licks in within 30 minutes to an hour, i eat and rink after the run. I also have breakfast, porridge and fruit prior to start (1-2 hours)

Thought it was down to poor hydration/salts/carbs as tbh i normally run half marathons with no water.

Been training now, long last week 18 miles, took in 1500 mls of Isotonic drinks over 3 hours, plus a carb gel every 30 mins alternate cliff block with sodium, still got headache.

This week ie yesterday, 20 miles, took in 2250 mls of drinks, plus as above, thought perhaps more fluid....alas no still headache.

I dont suffer in any other way, no stomach issues etc etc

Any other things i can try ?? poor posture perhaps ?

Any suggestions welcome, as it is its ruining my attempts at long distance

Red-Squirrel_2

Headache or migraine?

I suggest going to a GP either way, and don't do any long runs until you've seen them and got the ok to carry on/been advised not to.

wazza99

I should say, I already am diagnosed with migraine via GP and have triptans to stave off the worse. So not unusual for me to get them occasionally but why after a long run ? Short runs up to 10 are fine, even day after day. Yet 100% after big runs boom !

Red-Squirrel_2

wazza99 wrote: »

I should say, I already am diagnosed with migraine via GP and have triptans to stave off the worse. So not unusual for me to get them occasionally but why after a long run ? Short runs up to 10 are fine, even day after day. Yet 100% after big runs boom !

You really need to speak to your GP about this, your body is telling you quite clearly not to run more than 10 miles at the moment.

heartbreak_star

Agree with RS. This is technically medical advice you're asking for, and we're not doctors.

Go to your GP and ask

HBS x

lindens

try taking your isotonic drinks much earlier before you run to build up a reserve as it were and then continue during and after. it worked for my friend on the advice of a doctor - i'm not saying it will work for you and proceed with caution

DigForVictory

If nothing else, find a sports college & offer them a riveting research opportunity?

Unless you have something intriguing & medical which the research records should be useful towards, then you have something other runners will recognise & have not yet got formally documented or even sorted.

My limited experience of migraines says get to a full medic at all reasonable speed & if possible arrange to return for further tests whilst in the full grip.

Nebulous2

My understanding is migraine is very individual and you really need your own specific medical advice rather than suggestions from us.

Nevertheless - what weather conditions are you running in? If its bright outside are you wearing sunglasses? Light can be a trigger.

https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/354165

Harvic

I used to struggle previously with headaches running. Found it really helped to make sure you're really well hydrated before you go out. It's much harder to 'catch up' once you start running. In crude terms get your pee running clear before you go out! It sounds like your fueling is spot on otherwise for this time of year.

Other training aspects (I fully suspect you know this) to look at is the total effort on your long runs; the pace should be easy (1-1.5min/km slower than tempo pace) and you should be able to talk in complete sentences. It's the time on feet that is hard with these runs, not the 'effort.' Most runners will have a headache after a race at their max, you shouldn't be doing that in training though. Similarly, long runs should make up about 30-40% of your total weekly distance.


If these things don't help then see your GP as above, exercise is a trigger for some migraines.

wazza99

Thanks for all the comments. To be clear i have been to my GP previously and ofc he has ruled out anything sinister, i'm just prone to migraines (and headaches) and i have @pills@ to combat them.

I just know if i go and say when i run over 10 miles i get a migraine...he'll say well run 9 then !!

I do know i do have triggers, Chocolate, strong smells (ie perfumes/softners) and i do read exercise can be another, i just pray running itself isnt a trigger because i use it for weight loss and tbh just love running. I'd hate to have to accept, short runs are my lot !

Im just trying not to accept my body saying 10 miles is your limit...physically i can do 18/20 without much fuss, other than post headaches.

I can run 5 days a weeks.....6/7 miles no issues at all.....but slap in one 10+ mile and i get headache.

Logically i try to assume its either hydration or fuel (perhaps technique...neck stress etc), these are the things im ruling out.

FYI my training pace is 10min per mile, my race pace is 7.45 per mile.

Oh well, thanks again...i'll keep looking for answers !!

Ps, Havic, pre hydration...yes i will look at that as up to now its all been during and post.

sazaccount

Do you wear any eye protection when you run? I'm assuming your running outside.

One of my main migraine triggers is light sensitivity mainly from the sun even in winter.