• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Marathon Handbook

Running + Marathon Training Blog

  • Start Here!
    • How To Start Running
    • Running Form Explained
    • 10k Training Plans
    • 7 Day Motivation Challenge
  • Blog
    • Running Injuries
    • Running Gear
    • Recipes for Runners
  • Half Marathon
    • Half Marathon Training Guide
    • Half Marathon Pace Charts
    • Half Marathon Training Plans
    • FREE Half Marathon Bootcamp
    • Couch To Half Marathon
    • Half Marathon Masterclass
  • Marathon
    • Marathon Training Guide
    • Marathon Training Plans
    • Marathon Pace Charts
    • FREE Marathon Bootcamp
    • Marathon Shoes Guide
    • Marathon Training Masterclass
  • Ultramarathon
    • Ultramarathon Training Guide
    • Ultramarathon Training Plans
    • Multi-day Stage Races
    • FREE Ultramarathon Bootcamp
    • Ultra Runner’s Playbook
  • Books
    • Marathon In 3 Months
    • 4-Hour Marathon
    • The Stage Race Handbook
  • About
    • Meet Us!
    • Work With Us

Headache After Running? Here Are The 4 Main Causes of Headaches When Running

Published on February 17, 2021 By Thomas Watson

2shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Do you occasionally suffer from a headache after running? When you get done with a run, you should feel accomplished, not dealing with a nagging headache. These headaches are not uncommon, but they can be frustrating after a solid run. 

Avoiding these headaches after a run is important for all runners, whether it happens after a brief 2-mile run or a marathon training session. These headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, and while they’re usually pretty easy to combat sometimes it’s worth getting them checked out.

In this article, we’ll look at the different types of headaches when running:

  • Exertional headaches
  • Dehydration headaches
  • Low blood sugar headaches
  • Poor running form leading to headaches

If you find yourself asking “why do I get a headache after running?”, it’s likely that one of these are the culprit. We’ll walk you through the signs for each one, and what to do about it.

As always, if you’re in any doubt about the nature of your headache, the best bet is to seek professional medical advice – better to err on the side of caution.

Ready to take about headaches and running?

Let’s jump in!

headache after running

The 4 Main Types of Headache After Running

1. Exertional Headache

If you have ever experienced a throbbing headache after running, you are not alone. These headaches are known as “exertional headaches” and they tend to happen after a high intensity workout. 

According to Healthline, “Exertional headaches are headaches triggered by some type of physical activity” One of the most common types of physical activities that cause these headaches are running. 

headache when running

The pain from an exertional headache is different from your usual headache.

If you have an exertional headache, you will feel more like your head is throbbing, like a pulsing sensation on both sides of the head rather than targeted sharp pain. If you are experiencing this type of headache, you will know it. 

These types of headaches are specific to hard runs or workouts.

Exertional headaches come in two types:

  • Primary exertional headaches happen for unknown reasons, but are possibly caused by a narrowing of your blood vessels as you run.
  • Secondary exertional headaches are triggered by an underlying issue, which can range from a simple cold to a tumor.
why do I get a headache when running

How To Treat and Prevent An Exertional Headache After Running

In the short term, an anti-inflammatory pain relief can help clear the headache.

Usually, exertional headaches begin to stop happening on their own after a few weeks or months of training.

However, if you’re getting frequent headaches, it’s probably a good time to get them checked out.

headache after running

2. Dehydration headaches 

Being dehydrated is the main cause of a headache after running. As you are running, you are losing water while you sweat, and you may not be drinking fluids throughout your run. 

When your body is losing more water than it is taking in, the blood flow to your brain decreases, which in turn can lead to headaches. Making sure you are replenishing your electrolytes during a run is important in avoiding dehydration, and therefore a headache when running. 

headache after running

An electrolyte imbalance will cause your performance to drop off, as well as lead to a headache once you are finished with your run. Many people experience cramping in their legs or sides that go with headaches. 

Ensure you drink small amounts of fluid regularly, to the point of not experiencing thirst. According to Active.com “Most experts recommend three to six ounces of fluid every 30 minutes”. 

Before your run you should drink some fluid – drinking water or a sports drink are two ways to get your fluid levels ready. You can also test your urine to check how dehydrated you are. Anything darker than a light straw colour means you should take on some fluids.

urine hydration chart headache after running

Runners should also be drinking water during their run if it is longer than around 45 minutes.

Before, during and after exercise, you should be hydrating and ensure your body has the right levels of fluids and electrolytes, or your performance may suffer and you can get a workout headache. Proper hydration is one of the most important rules of running. 

Further Signs That Your Headache Is Due To Dehydration

Other symptoms of dehydration include:

  • lightheadedness
  • thirst
  • fatigue and lack of energy / enthusiasm
  • lack of need to use the bathroom
  • dry mouth
  • constipation

If you think you’re suffering from dehydration, drink more – and don’t forget your electrolytes!

A sports drink is the perfect replenishment after a run.

headache after running

3. Low Blood Sugar Headaches 

Proper hydration is not the only nutrition issue that can lead to a headache after running. Glucose is one of the main sources of energy for runners and is constantly being burned while you are running. When you have less sugar in your blood, you are giving your body less fuel to run your brain. 

Low blood sugar leads to hypoglycemia, which is essentially a lack of glucose.

Other symptoms of low blood sugar include:

  • Feeling very hungry
  • Shakiness
  • Sweating
  • Diziness
  • Feeling disorientated / changes in personality.

You should avoid eating foods with excess simple sugars or fat before a run. Eating a balanced snack before your run can ensure your body has the nutrition it needs to take you the entire distance. 

Feeling Fatigued After A Run? Read Our Guide On Lactate Threshold And How To Improve It

headache when running

4. Poor Running Form Leading To Headaches

As a runner, you know how much of your performance can be tied to how you run.

Well, if you are not running properly, not only can you not get the best out of your workout or hurt yourself, you can also be giving yourself a headache after a run. 

Improper form can lead to extra tension in your neck and shoulder area. The stress on these parts of the can lead to a headache after running. Next time you are running, take note of your head, neck, shoulders, and back. Notice if there is any excess strain in places like your neck, as some runners like to lift their head up when they are feeling fatigued. 

Related: Here’s Our Guide To Proper Running Form

If you notice that you are aching while running in those places, it may be best to look at how to improve your running form.

headache when running
Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson is an ultra-runner, UESCA-certified running coach, and the founder of MarathonHandbook.com. His work has been featured in Runner's World, Livestrong.com, MapMyRun, and many other running publications. He likes running interesting races and good beer. More at his bio.

Related

Take Your Running Further With Our Resources...

Half Marathon Resources

How To Train For a Half Marathon (Article)
Best Half Marathon Running Shoes
Half Marathon Training Plans
Free 5-day Half Marathon Bootcamp
The Half Marathon Masterclass

Marathon Training Resources

How To Train For a Marathon
Best Marathon Running Shoes
Marathon Training Plans
Free Marathon Meal Plans
Free 5-day Marathon Training Bootcamp
The Marathon Training Masterclass

Ultramarathon Training Resources

How To Train For an Ultramarathon
Best GPS Watches for Ultrarunners
Ultramarathon Training Plans
Free 5-day Ultra Runner’s Bootcamp
The Ultra Runner’s Playbook

 

Written by Thomas Watson · Categorized: Guides, Injury · Tagged: headache

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

THE MONDAY MORNING MAILER

Get my running newsletter every Monday Morning:

4-Hour Marathon
StageRaceHandbook
MarathonTrainingMealPlans

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Marathon Handbook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


Terms of Use / Privacy Policy     About         Contact

Copyright © 2021 · Marathon Handbook