My head gets very tight and I get tunnel vision and a headache while I'm running. WHY?

Answer 1

I don't know, but please go to a doctor and get it checked out immediately. I've been a runner for years and that's NOT a normal thing to have happen while running.

The headache sounds like it could maybe be dehydration, but the tunnel vision and the "tight" feeling in your head --I've never experienced anything like that. I really think you should get it checked out.

With all respect to the suggestion above, an entire liter before running and an entire liter after is a bit much. It is possible to over hydrate. I did that once during one of my early marathons -- I learned the hard way in the med tent that I had drunk too much water and not taken in enough salt. It was a bad scene. Yeah, you have to stay hydrated, but don't overdo it.

Answer 2

This is not normal. Did you also know that runners are in the top of the ranks for dying of heart attacks more then any other athlete ? I found this out after I had a heart attack 4 years ago & died twice. I learned when doing research on how to get healthier threw exercise, etc. It is very possible you have some blockage starting, so walk real fast to the doctor & get checked out.

Answer 3

You are not hydrated enough and not breathing enough. My suggestion a couple of hours before you go for a run try to drink a litre of water or so and then the same after a run. Remember to breathe through your nose and out your mouth. If you are running with someone talk to them because that will force you to run at a pace which your lungs are able to continually sustain adaquette breathing for long periods of time.

Answer 4

You may be suffering from a drop in your blood pressure, low blood sugar, or exhaustion. You should get a physical, then get some advice on working your way up to running distances without doing your body harm. Exercise is good for you if you don't kill yourself doing it.