Headaches while swimming

Question
Hi Jessica,

I am an aspiring triathlete who does not come from a swimming background. For the past year while training in the water, I have found that I get nasty headaches after a couple minutes.

I have read a lot of theories on the web as to why swimmers get headaches (goggles too tight, neck position, and lack of oxygen). My guess is that is lack of oxygen since the headaches come more often when I'm in a race, but I wanted to get your opinion on this.

Thanks,
Carly

Answer
hey Carly,
Well first off my experiences with swimmers headaches were both lack of breathing technique and the impact from a surface dive off a starting block. For some reason that impact on my head would give me a nasty headache soon after... but breathing technique is a big one. If you do not keep that oxygen in your lungs long enough for it to get to your muscles then your body will warn you that is lacking an essential tool...i.e. the headaches are the warming. If you are not breathing every third stroke then try that and if you are then be sure your stroke technique is quickly but efficiently letting you take in enough air. Oh and take a few aspirin before enough jumping in the water should help... I always kept a small bottle in my bag.