Mark came to Momentum with what he thought was ‘just a niggle’ however, our Sports Rehabilitator Kate, diagnosed a stress fracture which is not what he wanted to hear!
We recently caught up with Mark to recap on his recovery and return to run programme.
What made me come to Momentum?
“I first came to Momentum in April 2024 due to a niggle while training for a marathon which was causing increasing pain and discomfort. It turned out that the niggle was a stress fracture in my lower leg”.
Who have you been working with since your injury?
“Initially, I used the sports rehabilitation services and worked with Kate Disley, who developed a program of exercises to help with core strength and aid recovery. I then signed up to full silver gym package so that I could benefit from the facilities on offer and expertise of the coaching staff.
Recognising that I wouldn’t be running again for some time, I needed a new focus for my time and energy, and wanted to try and maintain as much fitness as possible until I could start running again. Having never been a member of a gym, I was also curious about all the fancy equipment and was keen to learn how to use it and learn what it was called.
Once my leg had recovered, I started working with Jordan Watson, who developed a new program based on strength and conditioning with a focus on running”.
How has your injury progressed?
“By late July 2024, the injury was finally healed, and I was able to resume with running training. Since resuming running, I have achieved new personal bests at half marathon and ten-mile distance, and I managed to get my 5k times back under 20 mins by the Autumn”.
What goals are you working towards currently?
“At the gym, I am continuing to work on my core strength, to progress with my program and improve on my technique and load when carrying out the exercises. I see this not only as an investment in my own health and wellbeing, but as a way of continuing to improve my strength and consistency as a runner, reduce my risk of injury. Hopefully achieve more personal bests, and enable me to continue with the sheer enjoyment of running”.
A word from the coach…
Mark was referred to me from my colleague Kate following 4 months of rehab for a stress fracture in his fibula. As collective team we all sit down every 2 weeks to discuss clients that will be moving between the team (i.e. rehab to S&C). This collaborative approach means that everyone is on the same page and know exactly what is needed for each client.
From an S&C perspective we needed to continue some of the rehab exercises as well as getting Mark strong to deal with the demands of his running schedule. Mark had never really trained in a gym before but was a very quick learner and his work with Kate put him in good stead. Since his time working with me Mark has perfected his lifting technique while increasing the loads lifted. I’m excited to see him smash more personal bests in the futre and stay injury free.
