Finished week 3 pins and needles in feet

[Egoldie]

So week one and two were fine and I felt quite pleased with myself. I’d completed them without stopping, gone faster on the treadmill, my heart rate had lowered and I was feeling fab (apart from aching Achilles)

Then I started week 3. It felt a little harder, but as the week has gone on it got harder. I’m not sure if that’s because I’m tired and worn out from work? But I felt totally unfit again. In addition during the cool down walk I got pins and needles in my feet and they went numb. Then my calves were killing me.

I really want to do this however at the minute I’m reaching about 2.7km in the 25 minutes and with my feet going numb and my Achilles hurting it’s hard to envisage getting to 5km and running it all!

Any help? Tips? Most appreciated

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Firstly take a few rest days to try and help any pain. You feet going numb would suggest your laces are too tight.

After a few days rest try again and slow down. Hope this helps. Good luck 😊

[Egoldie in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Rest up.. plenty of stretches and then slow down... Laces could be too tight too.

Don't forget those essential post run stretches either, linked in the FAQ post...

Well done you!

[Egoldie in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you!

[Fatboy0]

This might sound a bit strange, but I was also getting pins and needles and numbness in my feet, also pain under the ball of my feet, despite buying extra width shoes. This happened after about 30 minutes into a parkrun.

Tried different lacing patterns, etc, with no luck, but then realised it was the socks I was wearing. They were elasticated in the ankle and across the ball area, and over the course of the 5k run causing restriction in blood flow, and also compressing the bones in my feet. Hope this helps.

[Egoldie in reply to Fatboy0]

Oh tbh i am in new socks, that could be potentially the issue! Wouldn’t have thought of that. Thank you!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on pacing and stretching after every run.

Pins and needles and numbness is very likely a sign of restricted blood flow. Most people's feet spread when they run, which is why many have running shoes up to two sizes larger than their usual size. Try larger shoes or just lace a bit looser.

Enjoy your journey.

[Egoldie in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for your advice I’ll have a nosy on the link!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

Agree with Buddy! Also sounds like you need to slow down your pace.