Running Fitness | Run Lab Part 2 | Pieces of the Puzzle
Running fitness applies to your current condition. Whether you’re carrying a running injury, getting pain during running, pain after running, or just simply out of fitness.
Part 2 of Run Lab tests your bodies functional movement ability. Essentially its ability to move, and move well. We do this using a specialist assessment called Functional Movement Screening (FMS).
FMS allows us to put the pieces of the big picture together. As discussed in Run Lab part 1, good running form is the first key element to producing an efficient, injury-free runner. As highlighted in our recent blog on FMS this is a series of tests looking at your mobility, strength, control, and rhythm. All key components to keeping you injury-free, and performing to the best of your ability.

In some cases your running form can be fine but the pieces of the puzzle making up the bigger picture just aren’t fitting. Just like a vintage car. Things can look great from the outside but if the engine isn’t running right, it’s going to break down at some point!
Once we’ve spotted any weak links from our FMS tests we can address these directly. By adding some simple, tailored strength and conditioning exercises to your regime we can improve any recent pains or persistent niggles.
A simple assessment for the beginner runner.
Run Lab is for the masses. Not for the elite. It includes firstly, running gait analysis. Secondly, running strengthening exercises. Thirdly, running plan prescription.
Run Lab’s 3 Key Components
Form | The Big Picture

- Video analysis of your running gait
- Spot any biomechanical faults contributing to your pain or problem
- Run Lab aims to tackle your persistent running injury such as Runners Knee, Shin Splints, Plantar Fasciitis, ITB friction syndrome and Achilles tendinopathy
- Select simple technique tips to improve your efficiency
Form | The Big Picture

- Assess your current condition
- Functional Movement Screening tests to spot any stiff or weak areas
- Run Lab helps prevent repetitive strain injuries and keep persistent niggles at bay such as joint pain, muscle pain, leg pain
- Develop tailored strength training for runners
Regime | Your Routine

- Advice and planning of your weekly running plan
- From simple weekly regime advice and keeping fit, to marathon training plans
- Spot any faults in your weekly regime that may have caused or contributed to your injury
- Help to set out and achieve any specific running goals
Running Fitness
Don’t just take our word for it. Our ever-expanding number of patients with running injuries will testify to this. Here’s Bridget’s experience…
“I went to see Jon at the Run Lab because I had suffered with a left hamstring problem. I ran for two years with pain. Even though I had treatment for this issue elsewhere it was only after seeing Jon that I was able to run pain free. Jon diagnosed the problem with my left hamstring and gave me a strength programme to work through. It was hard work at first and took me some time for my body to recognise the problem through the left side but since doing the exercises that Jon gave me to do I have been running pain free for one year now. It has been so beneficial and has made a big difference to my overall fitness and to run pain-free is amazing.
I also benefited from the Run Lab because I found out lots about my running technique and how to make some adjustments that have made my running feel very different but in a far better way. I would recommend anybody who has a love and passion for running to experience the Run Lab. You learn so much about your running style and technique and how to improve in these areas. I have been a runner for 25 years and feel that at this moment in time my running technique is the best it has ever been and this is down to Jon helping me to achieve this with the tailored programme.”
Bridget (Crystal Peaks Runners)
Following a series of manual therapy to release the stiff bits, Bridget made a full recovery from her persistent hamstring strain by performing some of the strength and conditioning exercises below:
Single leg bridges pushing through the heel to emphasise the hamstrings.
Single leg leans focussing on good lower spine control using a chair at home or TRX at the gym.
For more useful information and tips on everything running related go to our Runners Hub section of the website.
Remember…