“Achilles Tendonitis…

I had been struggling with pain in my achilles which had prevented me from running for about eight months. As anyone knows who has suffered with tendonitis in this area of the body it is very difficult to get it to settle. I would think it was feeling better, try to run, then find myself struggling to walk the following day. Mornings would be the worst as it stiffened up overnight and I would hobble like an old woman to get downstairs. It was so bad I had convinced myself that seeing a consultant and possible surgery was the answer.

My physio suggested before I go down this route to focus on exercises which would build strength in my calves and glutes and recommended trying a session with Kriss. I booked my first session with Kris back in April 2018 having only run on a handful of occasions since the start of September. We got to work straightway using weights, bands and mobility exercises to work on my lower legs, hips, glutes and core. My strength in these areas improved rapidly and I was able to start some easy running pain free and also complete short track training sessions. Kris increased the challenge of the sessions with him and my strength improved further.

I decided to enter some age group track races over 400m, 800m and 1500m culminating in two bronze medals at the British Masters Track Championships at the end of August. As well as designing sessions that have specifically addressed my injuries, Kris is a great motivator and listener. He really understands the circumstances that impact on my training and my personal juggling act (I am 45, teach full time, have two teenage daughters and a husband who often works away from home during the week). This means he will adapt each session depending on what sort of state I am in when I arrive on a Saturday morning and discuss with me what training is realistic for me to try to fit in during the week. My confidence both mentally and physically has improved hugely since that first session in April. I have now started to increase the distances I run and my body is so much stronger. I have now run up to half marathon distance again and am hoping to race the Bath Half in March. I would love to get back to running sub 90 and I now believe this is possible. Quite a turn around for someone who thought she might not run again at the start of 2018.”

“Shin Splints…

When I first went to Kriss, I had been competing in triathlons for a few years but had never been able to run consistently. I had always struggled with shin splints which were hindering my performance during races. Kriss took me through a gym session and pointed out areas of importance I needed to work on. He also stressed the importance of having a strong body overall, as well as the importance of functional movement for triathlon.

Whilst doing Kriss' strength programme on a regular basis and training smart in the lead up to my second Ironman, I was able to increase my run load to distances I previously thought were ridiculous and without having any shin splint pain. This in turn helped tremendously in my first Ironman Age Group win and first Kona qualification. Over the time I have been with Kriss I've not only noticed an amazing improvement in my body's ability to perform during the three disciplines of triathlon, but also in my functioning in day to day life.

“ Double Knee Op…

I wanted to thank you for everything that you have done since I joined Strength for Endurance. The classes and 1-1 sessions have made such a difference in getting me over the 2 operations and keeping my strength going for a hopeful return to sport. I really enjoyed doing the online sessions over lockdown too”

“Back Injury…

It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to approach you to help me with my strength training - the fear of failing, the fear of being broken again, my back buckling and the nerve pain reappearing concerned me but after our first chat your positivity and excitement with how you could help me was a game changer. I have learnt this last 6months to have belief in myself and my body's ability to adapt and strengthening with the correct programming and process. Your daily knowledge and wisdom shared on instagram constantly reminds us why it is so important to strengthen our bodies for longevity. I do feel I am on the way to being a stronger version of me and I am very thankful to you”

“Hip Injury…

I suffered inflammation in the muscles surrounding bones in my right hip and a series of micro-fractures due to stress on the joint causes by overuse/overtraining. This was done in the build up to the 2019 London Marathon. After a period of rest and conjunction with non-impact exercise, I could begin incorporate strength training once again. The majority of the strength work was on my posterior chain and with two classes a week I wanted to regain and improve the strength I had so that I could avoid the same injury going forward. With the help and guidance of everyone at Strength For Endurance, I became focused on not just in building up strength but my resistance to injury. It was hard work at first but with the end goal of returning to running once again I was able to focus and the twice weekly strength classes significantly helped with my recovery and allowed me to return to light training and eventually back to running sooner than expected. The classes and instructors at Strength For Endurance have really helped in my recovery and getting back to running.”

“Serious Knee Injury…

I am extremely grateful to the team at Strength For Endurance for all their help and guidance in helping me fully recover from a serious knee injury. The positive and welcoming atmosphere they create in their sessions, enabled me to quickly regain the confidence I had lost as a result of my injury. I was actually excited to attend their diverse rehabilitation and strength sessions and looked forward to learning and being challenged and motivated by the coaches. The expert advice and guidance I received as a result of attending their sessions has been so valuable and informative. I owe a lot to the team who have helped me strengthen my knee, in a shorter period of time than I had imagined, without the need for surgery. However, I am most grateful to them all for their continuous support in bolstering my confidence and passion for not just my sport Football, but for strength and conditioning and fitness as a whole. I would recommend Strength For Endurance in a heartbeat and once again thank you guys for all you have done for me!”

“Knee Reconstruction…

Ten years after I had a knee reconstruction, and after battling years of injuries associated with hypermobility, I didn't think it was possible for me to run 13.1 miles. But following a structured strength program at Strength for Endurance gave me the confidence, stability, and strength to complete this year's Bath Half Marathon, and run to a big PB! Thank you Kriss.”

“Hip Replacement…

Kriss has been an immense help to me during my rehabilitation journey following resurfacing hip joint replacement surgery to manage my arthritic left hip joint (probably a consequence of far too much football in my younger years!). Under Kriss’ guidance, and a bit of hard but fun work, I have regained much of my balance, co-ordination and strength such that I can now maintain a very active sporting life including my lifelong passion for endurance running. A big thank you to Kriss and the rest of the Team for all your help. “

“Injury Frustration…

As a runner there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to run. After having sustained an injury during a touch football game I was facing numerous set backs on my running. With a physical challenge there came a mental one. Strength For Endurance allowed me to focus on setting new goals. With the help of the training app, I can walk into the gym with a structured session individualised to focus on building a more robust self. Consistency has been key in my journey with SFE, the results of my hard work over the last 4 months has me returning to running with greater strength, stability and power.

“Double Hip Operation…

“I came to Strength for Endurance after injury and two operations on my hips. Kriss was very knowledgeable and helped me rebuild my training regime after this long period out. I worked with Kriss in a personal and group setting, having been through injury before I felt I was in a caring and safe training environment. I would highly recommend SFE”