Managed it 🥵 but... had sore feet and struggl... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,192 members159,537 posts

Managed it 🥵 but... had sore feet and struggled to find a steady pace

rejstone profile image
rejstoneGraduate
12 Replies

Hi everyone! Thanks to everyone for the encouraging words on my last post - I managed my W6R3 and felt a bit emotional seeing the words ‘you can now call yourself a runner’ when i’d completed it 😂 just wondering if anyone had any tips for trying to get that steady pace? I feel like I do it 15 mins in but for the first part I feel like I’m at war with myself trying to run at the same slow speed consistently ??? I’m also finding that my feet are really hurting for the first half of the run despite getting some proper running shoes and Gait analysis done. Not sure what I’m doing wrong 🤦‍♀️

Written by
rejstone profile image
rejstone
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
12 Replies
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

👏👍Well done for getting out there and completing it & it is emotional to realise the progress one has made! 🎈Next week is all about consolidating this run. 3 runs exactly the same. No changes just upping your stamina & fitness. 😀

Many people battle for the first 10 mins of a run & then settle in to it. If it really feels uncomfortable, you are usually going too fast even though you think you are not. Make sure your body, arms, shoulders are relaxed too. Are you wearing runners socks (left & right socks)?? Makes a big difference to foot comfort! Check laces not too tight as well.

rejstone profile image
rejstoneGraduate in reply toAnnieapple

Thanks Annie! 😊💪 I’m definitely thinking about running socks as I’ve just had a look through other posts and seen other people say they really help too so I’ll have a look around. Do you know anywhere to get them cheaply as after my running shoes purchase I’m thinking I need to watch my budget haha!

Hmmm yes good point! My target for next time will be to relax my arms and shoulders as I’m going and then hopefully I won’t be all tense and too speedy (which is still not very speedy 😂) Also I’ve just thought maybe my music could be making me run faster than I think I am? I might try without it for the first 10 mins and really try to get into the rhythm as you say and not battle myself if I can! All these little things are helping so thank you 😊

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply torejstone

Sports Direct have excellent deals on Ladies left & right socks..love mine!

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate

This might sound crazy, but you could start even slower?! Have you seen this - the Japanese slow jogging technique film? It’s a low impact style of running (designed to avoid injury) but is great for running consistently. I first saw this in w6 and have been running this way ever since - because I love it!

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...

This gentle pace has helped me add time to my run durations & makes the running pleasurable while doing it.

There’s more to it than just slow - it’s the short stride and light landing that’s the key. Might help with your pace and a lighter landing ease the pressure on your feet. Practice the jumping but with the film playing if you’re having trouble getting it. Hope it helps!

MelwynD profile image
MelwynDGraduate in reply toDiscoRunner

Curious how you embed a video inside your reply. There doesn't seem to be an option to even upload a pic.

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply toMelwynD

I just copy the link and paste it in

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate in reply toDiscoRunner

Oh I’m using the website on my phone as I found the Healthunlocked app too buggy - so cut and past the link into the post

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

The right music can help you settle into a nice steady rhythm.

What part of your feet hurt?

rejstone profile image
rejstoneGraduate in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Just the soles and my feet and my calves! It’s not happened to me before week 6 so I don’t know what I’m doing differently you see 🤦‍♀️ However having read about the slow jogging I’m thinking it could be how I’m landing on my feet?

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate in reply torejstone

Try doing heel drops and raises on a step. It could be the fascia which goes along the bottom of your foot and up the back of your heel and attaches to the calf muscle.

It's just still new for your body, it needs time to adjust. Lots of stretching helps a lot 👍🏻

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

The first 10-15 minutes of a run can seem hard it's just your body trying to catch up. I see someone mentioned running socks to you I got a few pairs from Decathlon and they were reasonably priced. Well done runner😊😊

rejstone profile image
rejstoneGraduate in reply toBuddy34

Thanks Buddy, it’s reassuring to know that it’s not just me! I need to try and make my first 10-15 minutes not as hard somehow and then hopefully my body won’t hve to work so hard to catch up if I can 🤦‍♀️ I will also have a look on decathlon 😊 thanks fellow runner 😊😊

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

W4r1 - struggled but keeping at it

Hi all, This is my first post - I'm a complete newbie to running but I love the way the couch to 5k...
Lriddell profile image
Graduate

Run 2 Week 9 - knees still a bit sore but HAD to do it...... & I did! ONE TO GO!!!!

My hips felt better today.... Thank you for all your stretching tips xxx Knees still a bit sore but...
JustLisa profile image
Graduate

W3R2-didn't feel up to it, but did it anyway

After a couple of interrupted nights sleep, one because of hunger pangs (cured with two bowls of...
Bogshuffler profile image
Graduate

W7R2 MJ and I had a bust up, but we’re all ok now!

Well Runners, what a run that was. Is there such a thing as the toxic 20? I was so tired this...
Fabulous450 profile image
Graduate

Sticking to a pace

After graduation I have been continuing with three runs a week. One as pace run. The other two...
Paul- profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.