Hey All,
Though I’ve been reading many topics on this forum and have found them very useful and entertaining through the months, this is my first post. So “HELLO” to all…
Anyway, here’s my problem…
For the last couple of weeks, I’ve noticed that I’ve been having a hard time getting into my running rhythm and feel lightheaded within the first 2 to 3 miles.
When I stop to rest for a minute or two and then resume the run, I can pretty much go on auto pilot for the next 6 to 15 miles (depending on the day’s agenda).
I wouldn’t worry. I had a weird experience a couple of times in the summer, I had cause to stop and stretch and found as I glanced down at my leg or a fallen tree that they would be slowly contracting! Very strange experience but not due to dehyration or cause my to fall over or unwell. No idea why but there you go.
I would say it’s probably a case of going out too quickly initially.
Well…I have been moving my runs to noon time instead of the morning, so I have been taking something sweet about one hour prior + breakfast about 3-4 hours earlier.
I’ve done this before but have never felt lightheaded. Maybe my system is changing a bit(?).
Lightheadedness in the first couple of miles that gets better after a moment’s rest is frequently caused by an insulin spike. The increased epinephrine production that gets going after the first couple of miles offsets it and that’s why you can stop for a minute and then be OK. It feels like a bonk initially but of course you know it can’t be because you haven’t been out long enough. Precipitating factors often are simple carbs within an hour of getting started, but also big changes in your diet (particularly manipulating the fat content), large or sudden changes in body weight, increase in training volume or intensity (and consequent insufficient recovery from previous workout), anything that changes the hormonal milieu that affects your blood sugar. Changing time of day and therefore distance from last meal might be a factor. Being better trained at distance tends to reduce your need for fueling immediately proximal to a workout. You might try skipping the snack pre-run. If you eat a decent breakfast 3-4 hrs prior you should be good. If you need to fuel during your workout, wait until after the first couple of miles to hit your gel or sports drink.
You could also be showing some early signs of diabetes, but that seems less likely since you get better quickly.
My former girlfriend could not eat pancakes with syrup before a ride. She would have to get off the bike and lie down by the side of the road after 15 or 20 minutes.
I’ve had exactly the same issue. I read someplace that the timing of your carb intake is the issue. Something about having meal between 60 and 90 minutes prior to a run seems to mess up the insulin level. I found that If I start the run by sipping a sports drink and continue for the first few miles I don’t have any problems. When you start running your body processes the blood sugar differently… Don’t know any of the technical terms or the reasons but just starting my sports drink a little earlier has worked wonders.