Meet Oliver, just one of our amazing SFE members, who has achieved so much over the past 18 months.
By putting his head down and ticking all the boxes that he needed to, it has resulted in Oliver completing some major life goals that he was previously told wouldn’t be possible due to his injury.
It’s just another great example of how you can literally flip the struggles you are facing full circle by applying some logic, structure and accountability.
We’re so proud of Oliver and the whole team for what has been achieved.
WHERE WE STARTED
When Oliver initially came to us…
DIAGNOSIS
Knee Mensical Injury
Recurrent Calf strains
Initial trauma in 2010, Bike crash in 2021, Consultant review (MRI) end 2021
PROGNOSIS
Consultant suggested poor prognosis for Return to Run
Oliver was offered surgery with a low chance of success
What we identified
Through our screening & testing phases…
KEY STRENGTHS:
Isolated calf strength (bodyweight) was good 30/30
Good squat mobility
Posterior chain mobility/flexibility good
Good basic core strength 2m 57s plank
KEY WEAKNESSES:
Hamstring/posterior chain strength needed improvement
Single Leg Hamstring Bridge 19 Left / 22 Right
Reduced unilateral/eccentric lower limb control
Unstable Single Leg Squat 18 Left / 20 Right
Chin up strength: 0
Poor plyometric capacity and uncomfortable landing on left leg
Reduced run tolerance esp. downhill – very inconsistent due to calf strains/knee pain.
Other Contributing Factors
What else needed addressing…
General run/training load management needed improvement
Training errors: Too much intensity or fast addition of volume leading to stop/start patterns with injury
PLAN OF ACTION
Oliver’s Program:
Strong MDT approach
A structured program focusing on building global strength and working on identified weaknesses
Introduction of low level plyometrics
Education on recovery strategies and load management
Progressions to lower limb rehab as additional focus
Accountability with run volume and a structured return to run
When ready to return to proper training program – MDT call with Oliver’s run coach to make a plan
“It is 12 months since I first met up with you Kriss to discuss developing an S & C programme. The orthopaedic consultant had told me 5 days earlier he didn’t think they’d be able to get me back running ever again…
“...Following on from the brilliant work done by you both and Angela my running coach I tackled a 6 day challenge across Madeira successfully. And as you know I then decided to take on my first Ultra marathon. On Saturday in very windy conditions on the North Cornwall coastline 91 of us lined up to take on the 50Km Ultramarathon with 2555m ascent. 62 finished the course and I came in 10th in a time of 6h07m. Once again I find myself thanking you both for the incredible work you have put in supporting me on my running journey. My body is very tired and my knee has not come out perfectly from the ordeal (a bit swollen and achy). However, I know whatever challenge I take on next I have the best team possible supporting me. ”
Challenges along the way
The journey is never linear…
Training load management – wanting to do more running initially than had capacity for
Working through chronic injury patterns - initially there was an occasional flare up
“‘Hi Kriss and Sophie, I completed my second ultramarathon today - The Chiltern Ridge Ultra Trail 50K. A beautiful route but some very slippy conditions in places. However, I came out strong and with my team supporting me (you guys, Angela, and now Paul Booth) I felt confident to take on the challenge. A sub 5 hour time was a dream result as was finishing 16th out of 213 competitors. Thank you both again for all your ongoing help and support with my strength and conditioning that supports my running so well.’
”
THE RESULT
Where Oliver is today…
“‘I know I perhaps have gone over it a few times before, but I wanted to remind you of my story with you. In January 2022 I got the diagnosis that I had ruptured the medial meniscus in my left knee, and the consultant felt he was unlikely to ever get me running again. This devastating news had me convinced I would not be able to run again. 5 days later I met you. You pretty much know the rest! Within 9 months I was running across Madeira. I did my first Ultramarathon in January 2023, second one in May and today I completed my first ever 50 mile ultra. To even be considering such an undertaking would have seemed insane back in January 2022. To be toeing the line just simply mad. But with the help and support of brilliant people like you, my running coach Angela, and nutritionist Paul that’s where I was. And then I went and won it! Please don’t ever underestimate the impact you have on people’s lives - I am forever grateful. Thank you so much (gin is on its way!)”
