Running and headaches

Question
Hi John:  Last year I began running 3 -4 miles on a treadmill, 4 days a week.  After 6 months, I entered a 3.5mile company race and after mile 1, I got a severe headache.  I thought it was lack of pre-race nutrition.  Since that race I continued to run the same treadmill miles (3-4) at a 8:30/mile pace.  Last night I ran my second 3 mile race and made sure I drank liquids and ate.  Again, though, after mile 1 I got a severe headache.  The headache did not go away until this morning.  I ran mile 1 in a 8:20 pace so I did not push it vs. what I do on the treadmill.  I read up on pre-race nutrition and followed what looked like a consensus approach to eating and drinking.  Is it nutrition or maybe the pounding on the road?  What's going on? Thank you for any help.  

Answer
Hi Larry
First don't eat anything before the race and make sure your well hydrated long before you start the race.What you have more than likely is an effort headache which can be quite normal for some individuals in the early stages of start up such as your self.I'm quite sure it is not something more serious.To get your self educated on this just Google (effort headaches from running}This would be easier than me giving you an explanation.Any other questions just get in touch Larry.

All the best

John