Training Check-in/Encouragement Thread

[badkitty]

Hey BrerGnat,

Hang in there. Your body will tell you what it wants to do. I don't know your situation but I used to get headaches and I learned for me it was from dehydration. I have increased my water intake by a few glasses the day before a run (I only run every other day) and take in about 4 oz every 20 minutes of running.

[PirateLover]

Hey BrerGnat,
Hang in there. Your body will tell you what it wants to do. I don't know your situation but I used to get headaches and I learned for me it was from dehydration. I have increased my water intake by a few glasses the day before a run (I only run every other day) and take in about 4 oz every 20 minutes of running.

Nat, from reading this thread it seems like you really know a lot about the ins and outs of running so I'm sure you know all about hydration, but I know that for me, once I started really paying close attention to how much water I was taking in, it made a huge difference in how I felt after the run. If you don't think the headache is a hydration issue, maybe it is a stress issue or even a food trigger? Allergies? If you are running outside on a sunny day, even squinting can lead to headaches. Lots of things can cause headaches and sadly sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error to figure it out. Good luck.

[BrerGnat]

No, it's nothing to do with hydration, food, or environment. It's called "exertion headache" and it's common in people who have migraine. I've had migraine my entire life and get lots of headaches for various reasons. Exercise induces headaches when I go at it too hard or for too long. I can't do really intense workouts like P90X, for example. I CAN do the exercise, but I get a crippling headache from that kind of thing. I also can't do stuff like sprints or jumping jacks. Anything that causes my heart rate to go way up or is really high impact is out.

Yesterday was a slow run on the treadmill. I drank tons of water before and during, and even had to stop to use the bathroom midway. I ate a good balanced breakfast right before. Had a banana and a Greek yogurt with more water immediately after. Still got the darn headache.

I still have the headache today. Stinks.

I'll stick with my 3 mile runs. I can rock those like no one's business.

[NewDVCowner]

Last weekend I broke the five mile mark and felt really good about it. Well, I felt like I was pushing myself in the end and was glad to stop after an hour, but after I got my breath back I felt really good about it. Following the 5k to 10k program I should be ready for a 10k in about two weeks. I registered for one in May up in Napa. I just wanted to get a long run in prior to doing the Disneyland Half in September.

[PirateLover]

Nat, I hear you. I suffered with migraines for almost a decade. I can't tell you why I stopped getting them, but I don't anymore(at least not at the frequency and intensity as I used to). I know how awful they can be. Stress is a big trigger. The body is a funny thing. Because you're now used to/expecting to get these headaches, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Maybe you could do something really relaxing as soon as you get back from a big run? (Nice bath after a quick shower, aroma therapy, mindfulness meditation etc). If you notice you get the headaches during higher impact, maybe wear a heart rate monitor and walk more or jog at slower speeds and monitor your rate, and pay close attention to your breathing. Most of all stay positive. Just throwing ideas out there, I know it really stinks when you want to achieve something and your body isn't letting you.

Last weekend I broke the five mile mark and felt really good about it. Well, I felt like I was pushing myself in the end and was glad to stop after an hour, but after I got my breath back I felt really good about it. Following the 5k to 10k program I should be ready for a 10k in about two weeks. I registered for one in May up in Napa. I just wanted to get a long run in prior to doing the Disneyland Half in September.

Whoo hoo!!! Great job! 10K in Napa sounds nice! Keep it up

[BriarRose0708]

Bah, I had a great run on Sunday (just under 6 miles!) but I haven't done anything since except 30 minutes on the elliptical Monday. I'm getting ready to travel to DC for Easter and making time to run this week was hard. Plus we've had events on campus at my job that includes brownies, cupcakes and carbs. So my eating has also been poor this week and it's not likely to get better with all those Reese's eggs waiting for me Sunday. I hope everyone else celebrating holidays right now enjoys them!

[BrerGnat]

Nat, I hear you. I suffered with migraines for almost a decade.

Only a decade? Lucky!

I started having headaches at the age of 3, according to my mom. I'm almost 35 now. Seems like there is no end in sight for me.

I have lots of triggers, which makes it so frustrating. Stress, heat, lack of sleep, waiting too long between meals, weather changes, hormonal changes, etc.

I've dealt with it my whole life. It's just annoying when there is something I really want to do, and I just can't.

I am hopeful that my headaches will stop after menopause. That happened to my MIL, so I can only hope!

[PirateLover]

Nikki, way to go on the run. Don't worry too much about the diet during the holiday. Just get right back on track when it's over

Only a decade? Lucky!

Yes I know! It was a tough decade and I'm very relieved to have one less medical issue to worry about. Hopefully they are gone for good, and hopefully one day soon you can say the same. You've definitely earned it. Many people don't realize how crippling migraines can be. It's so much more than a "bad headache."