Numb toes/feet?

Hi there!

Has anyone experienced numbness in their toes and feet while running?  I am on week 3 of Couch to 5K, training to run a 5K in September.  I am incorporating a few hills into my route, and noticed that after about 3 minutes of running on an incline (this isn't a steep hill, it's a gradual incline) my right foot went numb.  It stayed that way following the active rest period, and eventually went away about 30 seconds into the 90 second running interval that followed (figured running again made the blood flow back into my leg/toes).  Is there something I am doing wrong?  Am I running the hill incorrectly and it is cutting off circulation to my legs?  Am I pushing myself too hard, or not maintaining proper form?  Or is this common?  I was well hydrated and it wasn't too hot outside, nice breeze, overcast.

Thanks for any help!

Yes!  That happened to me a lot when I was in my running class.  I would be about a quarter-half mile from the finish and my left foot would go numb and stay that way for quite sometime.  It was very bothersome.  Unfortunately I dont have any answers for you, but I would suspect that it has something to do with how hard we are hitting the pavement and the effects it has on our nerves.  But Im not really sure!

This used to happen to me all the time. Didn't even have to be on pavement. Just when I would run, my toes would get numb. Turned out to be poorly fitting shoes. I was wearing a full size too small and I was lacing them too tight. When my feet got hot and swelled a bit, it was cutting off blood flow in the top of my foot partially and making my toes go numb. I also hit the ground pretty hard with my foot which contributed. Since I have started being conscious of correct form and got better, well-fitted shoes making sure to lace them a bit looser I haven't had it happen even once.

Definitely take the time to go to a running store and get fitted. I was floored to find out that the shoes I thought fit pretty well were way too small and not right for my foot. Having someone evaluate your stride and get the right kind and size of shoe for you makes a HUGE difference. Even if you decide to order the shoes online or whatever, go to the store and get some advice. I was SO glad I did.

Hope this helps!!! :)

Thank you!  I suspect it was tying my shoes too tight (which I tend to do!)  The shoes I am using are new (bought them for starting C25K) and I purchased them after being fitted at my local running store.  So I would hope they are right for me!  I'll be running tomorrow and will remember to make sure not to tie my laces too tight!!

Thank you for the advice!!

Hi, sounds like small shoes to me too. I've been told to leave a bit of room in front for toe wiggle (I'm wearing 11 1/2 instead of my usual 11 for long runs)

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Well, guess in my case it was the shoelaces!  Just came back from my run, and I made sure I didn't tighten them as much as I normally do and had no problems!  As I said, these shoes were purchased 3 weeks ago, after having a fitting at a specialty running store, so I'm pretty sure they're right for me...just have to make sure I don't tie them too tight! 

Glad it helped, cc!! I was always under the impression that I wanted them nice and tight so they weren't going anywhere. :) Turns out some wiggle room is a good thing!