Banging headache after first run... normal??

[Lifeonmars77]

Hi everyone

I joined a local running club on a 3 mile 'walk to run' session last night. I'm very unfit at the moment so I walked some and jogged some intermittently. It was tough to begin with but I made it and felt a bit sick and stiff afterwards but generally ok.

Anyway I woke in the night with a banging headache which was still there this morning and, although not as bad, still there now. I've drank plenty of water and taken painkillers but it's taking a while to shift. Is this normal? I haven't exercised properly for a long time (couple of years) and wonder whether maybe 3 miles was just a bit ambitious! I want to go again but don't want to suffer this much for it afterwards!

I used to get headaches after exercise , would usually come on after 2 to 3 hours. Tried all sorts - extra fluid, eating before working out, eating after exercise, electrolytes. I think mine was linked to my fitness levels - as I got fitter I got them less and when I did get them it was after something pretty intense. I now have a fitbit that monitors my heart rate (didn't back then) and though I don't get headaches very often now if I do it's when my heart rate had been 180+ for a sustained period of time. (Running tends to get my heart rate up pretty quick) So looking back, when my fitness levels were lower my heart rate would have been high during a lot of the classes that I did.
So, I would think, make sure you build up your exercise slowly and as you get fitter you should be able to do more without getting the dreaded headache.

Make sure you are well hydrated before and after and refuel afterwards too. It may be coincidence or may be something that will improve with fitness as nbee suggests.

Also make sure you don't nod your head as you run. Hope you find the answer soon.

Sounds normal. Take a look at www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20858030/how-to-avoid-headaches-after-your-run/

Look at running form too - when I started I looked at a few you tube vids as I was crossing my body with my arms and making my neck /shoulders hurt which led to a headache. It can also be salt imbalance, after longer runs I’ll have a pint of squash with half tsp of salt and half tsp of sugar in it to help hydration may help? It’s a cheap version of “rehydration” drinks

Thanks everyone. I went out again yesterday and, although I had the slight sick and dizzy feeling afterwards, I didn't have the headache this time. There are some good tips here so I'll take all those on board and see how it goes!