Athlete's Foot by Footnote

Well it looks as though my attempt at a joke actually got to a former champion runner. Earlier this week I joked Steve Ovett should make a comeback in time to challenge the marathon world record at age 60. Well it looks as though this blog has prompted former rival Steve Cram to take the initiative and get into training before him.

I never knew I would have this sort of an impact on former athletes… Have a think and tell me who else we should get out of retirement?

I often moan my training is a pain in the neck but, this letter from Jessica makes me think how lucky I am!

Dear Footnote,

I get what I think is an 'exertion' migraine after I've trained harder than usual (not too hard but just a bit faster and not allowed myself to stop to walk). Last year I got up to 10 miles before having to pull out of the Marathon, and during the training up to that distance it was 50/50 whether I'd get a migraine or not. The ones I had this time round seem to be increasing in intensity (but definitely linked to the running). I know I'm going to get a full blown migraine as soon as I get a slight headache whilst training - no rehydration or refueling after the run seems to alleviate the symptoms developing. I have read to take some anti inflammatory before a run - I haven't tried this yet and was wondering if you had any other tips. I'm feeling quite despondent about the whole thing at the moment.....

Many thanks,  Jessica

Hi Jessica,

Despite this being a very uncommon problem I have actually come across this before with a beginner runner I used to coach. I remember thinking at first that this was just an excuse to get out of a long run but then felt guilty after I did some research on the web. I really feel for you Jessica, there can't be anything worse than getting a migraine as a reward for running your body into the ground.

You will need to go to see your doctor about this issue as it could be something more serious than just a migraine. I have read that some doctors and "migraine experts" suggest taking anti- inflammatory medication (i.e. ibuprofen) before a run. I was not really happy to hear this advice on some websites and condone the use of medicine to mask pain and prevent it in the first place.

Taking an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen will block blood flow to the kidney and therefore increase your risk for hyponatremia. The longer you are running for the more of a risk you will be taking (aka. Not good for marathon training!). Despite owning a white coat and stethoscopes (something for the weekend’s…) I am not a doctor and so please take time to go and see one before you take any anti-inflammatory before a run.

On a more positive note there is a lot of evidence out there stating that exercising actually helps reduce migraines in the long run so please don’t back away from exercise completely. It could be that running might not be the ideal type of exercise for you (do you get the same migraines when you cycle for a same period of time?). Consulting with your doctor will hopefully help find a solution or at least allow you start monitoring what exercise you can do before a migraine hits.

Sorry I have not got the perfect answer for you but, please seek professional advice before trying something you have read on the web. This blog is a perfect example for the type of bad advice you could receive. I mean remember you are asking a question to a talking FOOT!

Please let me know how you get on (not just in the marathon but finding a solution for the migraines).