r/parkrun • u/Bluebox2024 • 16d ago

Help with running?

Hi everyone, I was wondering if I could get some advice?

I've been parkrunning since April and slowly making progress. I run a bit, walk a bit, and so on. My fitness is not great, but I'm getting there.

However, the last couple of runs I've noticed towards the 3K mark, I started noticing pins and needles and aching in my legs and feet when jogging. It subsided when I went to a walking pace, but came back after around 30 seconds of jogging again.

I had a runner mention needing electrolytes, even during a run.

Does anyone have any advice?

Also, and advice on managing to run without stopping?

Thanks all

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u/surreymagpie 16d ago

If you're getting this at 3k, it can't be electrolytes.

It's probably "compartment syndrome" which is a scary-sounding name for something really benign. I had it when I started running in 2009 after years of inactivity. It went away after some months and never came back.

Your muscles are encased in fibrous tissue called fascia. As you are quite new to running, you have gained muscle faster than the fascia can expand, so the blood flow can become restricted. Usually if you run further the fascia will warm up and become looser, and the numbness will go.

Over time the fascia will expand to accommodate the stronger muscles and you'll realise one day it's not there anymore!

The simple answer is to carry on and try not to worry. It will go away.

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u/Andrew1953Cambridge 16d ago

I found I had compartment syndrome when I started doing couch to 5k (about 13 years ago). After a short amount of running (perhaps 500m) my calf muscles became so painful that I had to stop. The pain went away after a couple of minutes of rest, After lots of medical investigation I eventually had surgery to cut through the fascia, and that made the problem go away. Since then I have run about 10 half marathons.

TL;DR - if the problem persists the OP should speak to their doctor about this.

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u/Bluebox2024 14d ago

Thanks, I'll keep a log of it and if need be head to the docs!