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Unofficial Endurance Races: Here to Stay?
Why Unofficial is the new Official
I think I might be a little late to the party on this one because unofficial street races have been around ever since The Fast and the Furious. An old reference – that movie came out back in 2001!
In endurance sports, you are seeing more and more people create unofficial races, events or just organising solo challenges because they want to. They still train as if it were a race – the only real difference being no medal and no finish line.
How Endurance Sports Changed after Covid 19
The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 made several lasting impressions and I think this was a catalyst in endurance sports.
With no races to enter and nothing to big up, people had to create their own challenges that would provide much needed motivation. They looked to intrinsic motivation as opposed to extrinsic gratification.
Today you can find individuals and groups of people that’ve carried on this new tradition – people who do things because they can and because they want to. Check Instagram and look into this, there are so many unofficial races where there is no winner. It’s so cool and so refreshing!
The Evolving Perspective of Endurance Races
But go simpler than that. Look at the amount of people still going out and smashing a 5km that they go full gas on, yet all they get is a fist pump. The mantra and reason we do this is because it’s enjoyable, it’s fun, different and stimulating. We are no longer bound to a poorly designed t-shirt and bruised peach.
Final Thoughts
What does this mean for official races? In reality… nothing. Big races will always be big races, they showcase our sports. But the way we approach them will shift, unofficial races and challenges have a totally different vibe. Where a PB (personal best) isn’t the win, it’s the smile.
Next time you look for a goal, maybe don’t think Boston, think how fast can I run up that hill. I wonder who else would like to do that? Or if you do go to Boston, how you’d run it if it were just a hill with a couple of mates.
Change your perspective, see how you like the challenge.
FUN - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
ENGINE
Mikkos Over / Unders, but Every 2:00, double your calories from 3 weeks ago.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we start with ring dip progressions, an all-around amazing pressing movement that facilitates the strength and skill required for movements such as muscle-ups and handstands. We will then dive into double unders before finishing with some strength work. All abilities are welcome!
HYROX
Working on lunge volume and strength into 2 min intervals of Ski, Wall Balls, Row and Burpees.
MOBILITY
With the overhead movements in the mainline, it’s time to build on what it takes to hold & gain those positions. Ankle & thoracic mobility will be the main priority this week.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting our final week of banded deadlifts and progressing on the Bulgarian split squats and hip thrusts. Wednesday will be our final week of Banded bench presses and banded rows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week, we will be working on the squat snatch with a spicy complex. Perfect session to complement mainline’s OHS work.
.jpg)
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - RAK HM
https://rakcalendar.ae/events/ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon/
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Group Long Run (Burj2Burj focus).
Couple of route options below with B2B in mind; based on the HM route going over the canal bridge).
15km (out and back: 300m to canal bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/0g4t9vdq
18km (out and back: 300m to canal/tolerance bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/otrvk7bm
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: 300m on the beach track.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
.jpg)
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
This morning we will focus on mobility to help you recover from your weekend of racing, running, or general training load.
PM Session:
This evening we will have our Tempo Run. We will hav 2x blocks of 10 mins at 7/10, followed by 1x 5 mins block.
Recovery: 5 mins after each tempo hold.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 200s, 400s, and 600s, which will vary in pace and be repeated.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today we will run 400s at a 8/10 effort, each with a 60 second rest.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding longer blocks of tempo (20 mins, 15mins and 5 mins. Each with a 2 min recovery to bring HR back down before dialing back into some pace.
Saturday
Time: 6:29am
Location: TBC
Session: RAK Half Marathon
Today we will be in RAK for the Half Marathon. Race startst at 7am, and we will host a warm-up beforehand. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp groups for pin location etc.
Sunday
Time: 05:59am
Session: Long Run
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
There will be a long run from the 300m mark on the beach track. The route is out and back so that you can clock up whatever distance or time you wish.
.jpg)
Monday:
Strength:
A) DB Bench Press
B) Standing DB Bent Over Row
Conditioning:
18 Min AMRAP
8 thrusters
Half Park Run
8 thrusters
Rest 1 min
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Romanian Deadlift
B) AMRAP Romanian Deadlift 20% of Top Set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6 alternate between:
A: 400/325m Row
12 Alt KB Hang Clean
10 Burpees To Target
B: 400/325m row
20 American KB Swing
10 Burpees To Target
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Pull Ups
B) Hollow Holds
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Bar Muscle Ups
6 Alt DB Overhead Reverse Lunge
9 Toes to Bar
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Power Snatch
B) Overhead Squats
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time
30 wall balls
20 deadlift
15-box jump-over
Friday:
Strength:
A) Hand Stand Push Ups
B) Bear Hug Sandbag Holds
Conditioning:
A Ski, a sandbag and a wall, these 3 things combine for an epic workout to end the week! Therapy!
I think I might be a little late to the party on this one because unofficial street races have been around ever since The Fast and the Furious. An old reference – that movie came out back in 2001!
In endurance sports, you are seeing more and more people create unofficial races, events or just organising solo challenges because they want to. They still train as if it were a race – the only real difference being no medal and no finish line.
How Endurance Sports Changed after Covid 19
The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 made several lasting impressions and I think this was a catalyst in endurance sports.
With no races to enter and nothing to big up, people had to create their own challenges that would provide much needed motivation. They looked to intrinsic motivation as opposed to extrinsic gratification.
Today you can find individuals and groups of people that’ve carried on this new tradition – people who do things because they can and because they want to. Check Instagram and look into this, there are so many unofficial races where there is no winner. It’s so cool and so refreshing!
The Evolving Perspective of Endurance Races
But go simpler than that. Look at the amount of people still going out and smashing a 5km that they go full gas on, yet all they get is a fist pump. The mantra and reason we do this is because it’s enjoyable, it’s fun, different and stimulating. We are no longer bound to a poorly designed t-shirt and bruised peach.
Final Thoughts
What does this mean for official races? In reality… nothing. Big races will always be big races, they showcase our sports. But the way we approach them will shift, unofficial races and challenges have a totally different vibe. Where a PB (personal best) isn’t the win, it’s the smile.
Next time you look for a goal, maybe don’t think Boston, think how fast can I run up that hill. I wonder who else would like to do that? Or if you do go to Boston, how you’d run it if it were just a hill with a couple of mates.
Change your perspective, see how you like the challenge.
FUN - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - RAK HM
https://rakcalendar.ae/events/ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon/
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Group Long Run (Burj2Burj focus).
Couple of route options below with B2B in mind; based on the HM route going over the canal bridge).
15km (out and back: 300m to canal bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/0g4t9vdq
18km (out and back: 300m to canal/tolerance bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/otrvk7bm
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: 300m on the beach track.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
This morning we will focus on mobility to help you recover from your weekend of racing, running, or general training load.
PM Session:
This evening we will have our Tempo Run. We will hav 2x blocks of 10 mins at 7/10, followed by 1x 5 mins block.
Recovery: 5 mins after each tempo hold.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 200s, 400s, and 600s, which will vary in pace and be repeated.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today we will run 400s at a 8/10 effort, each with a 60 second rest.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding longer blocks of tempo (20 mins, 15mins and 5 mins. Each with a 2 min recovery to bring HR back down before dialing back into some pace.
Saturday
Time: 6:29am
Location: TBC
Session: RAK Half Marathon
Today we will be in RAK for the Half Marathon. Race startst at 7am, and we will host a warm-up beforehand. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp groups for pin location etc.
Sunday
Time: 05:59am
Session: Long Run
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
There will be a long run from the 300m mark on the beach track. The route is out and back so that you can clock up whatever distance or time you wish.
Monday:
Strength:
A) DB Bench Press
B) Standing DB Bent Over Row
Conditioning:
18 Min AMRAP
8 thrusters
Half Park Run
8 thrusters
Rest 1 min
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Romanian Deadlift
B) AMRAP Romanian Deadlift 20% of Top Set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6 alternate between:
A: 400/325m Row
12 Alt KB Hang Clean
10 Burpees To Target
B: 400/325m row
20 American KB Swing
10 Burpees To Target
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Pull Ups
B) Hollow Holds
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Bar Muscle Ups
6 Alt DB Overhead Reverse Lunge
9 Toes to Bar
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Power Snatch
B) Overhead Squats
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time
30 wall balls
20 deadlift
15-box jump-over
Friday:
Strength:
A) Hand Stand Push Ups
B) Bear Hug Sandbag Holds
Conditioning:
A Ski, a sandbag and a wall, these 3 things combine for an epic workout to end the week! Therapy!
ENGINE
Mikkos Over / Unders, but Every 2:00, double your calories from 3 weeks ago.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we start with ring dip progressions, an all-around amazing pressing movement that facilitates the strength and skill required for movements such as muscle-ups and handstands. We will then dive into double unders before finishing with some strength work. All abilities are welcome!
HYROX
Working on lunge volume and strength into 2 min intervals of Ski, Wall Balls, Row and Burpees.
MOBILITY
With the overhead movements in the mainline, it’s time to build on what it takes to hold & gain those positions. Ankle & thoracic mobility will be the main priority this week.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting our final week of banded deadlifts and progressing on the Bulgarian split squats and hip thrusts. Wednesday will be our final week of Banded bench presses and banded rows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week, we will be working on the squat snatch with a spicy complex. Perfect session to complement mainline’s OHS work.
I think I might be a little late to the party on this one because unofficial street races have been around ever since The Fast and the Furious. An old reference – that movie came out back in 2001!
In endurance sports, you are seeing more and more people create unofficial races, events or just organising solo challenges because they want to. They still train as if it were a race – the only real difference being no medal and no finish line.
How Endurance Sports Changed after Covid 19
The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 made several lasting impressions and I think this was a catalyst in endurance sports.
With no races to enter and nothing to big up, people had to create their own challenges that would provide much needed motivation. They looked to intrinsic motivation as opposed to extrinsic gratification.
Today you can find individuals and groups of people that’ve carried on this new tradition – people who do things because they can and because they want to. Check Instagram and look into this, there are so many unofficial races where there is no winner. It’s so cool and so refreshing!
The Evolving Perspective of Endurance Races
But go simpler than that. Look at the amount of people still going out and smashing a 5km that they go full gas on, yet all they get is a fist pump. The mantra and reason we do this is because it’s enjoyable, it’s fun, different and stimulating. We are no longer bound to a poorly designed t-shirt and bruised peach.
Final Thoughts
What does this mean for official races? In reality… nothing. Big races will always be big races, they showcase our sports. But the way we approach them will shift, unofficial races and challenges have a totally different vibe. Where a PB (personal best) isn’t the win, it’s the smile.
Next time you look for a goal, maybe don’t think Boston, think how fast can I run up that hill. I wonder who else would like to do that? Or if you do go to Boston, how you’d run it if it were just a hill with a couple of mates.
Change your perspective, see how you like the challenge.
FUN - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59am and 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
This morning we will focus on mobility to help you recover from your weekend of racing, running, or general training load.
PM Session:
This evening we will have our Tempo Run. We will hav 2x blocks of 10 mins at 7/10, followed by 1x 5 mins block.
Recovery: 5 mins after each tempo hold.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. The session today will be 200s, 400s, and 600s, which will vary in pace and be repeated.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
If you didn't run track, today we have some speed work for you. Today we will run 400s at a 8/10 effort, each with a 60 second rest.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be holding longer blocks of tempo (20 mins, 15mins and 5 mins. Each with a 2 min recovery to bring HR back down before dialing back into some pace.
Saturday
Time: 6:29am
Location: TBC
Session: RAK Half Marathon
Today we will be in RAK for the Half Marathon. Race startst at 7am, and we will host a warm-up beforehand. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp groups for pin location etc.
Sunday
Time: 05:59am
Session: Long Run
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
There will be a long run from the 300m mark on the beach track. The route is out and back so that you can clock up whatever distance or time you wish.
Monday:
Strength:
A) DB Bench Press
B) Standing DB Bent Over Row
Conditioning:
18 Min AMRAP
8 thrusters
Half Park Run
8 thrusters
Rest 1 min
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) Romanian Deadlift
B) AMRAP Romanian Deadlift 20% of Top Set
Conditioning:
Every 5 mins x 6 alternate between:
A: 400/325m Row
12 Alt KB Hang Clean
10 Burpees To Target
B: 400/325m row
20 American KB Swing
10 Burpees To Target
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Pull Ups
B) Hollow Holds
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Bar Muscle Ups
6 Alt DB Overhead Reverse Lunge
9 Toes to Bar
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Power Snatch
B) Overhead Squats
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time
30 wall balls
20 deadlift
15-box jump-over
Friday:
Strength:
A) Hand Stand Push Ups
B) Bear Hug Sandbag Holds
Conditioning:
A Ski, a sandbag and a wall, these 3 things combine for an epic workout to end the week! Therapy!
ENGINE
Mikkos Over / Unders, but Every 2:00, double your calories from 3 weeks ago.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we start with ring dip progressions, an all-around amazing pressing movement that facilitates the strength and skill required for movements such as muscle-ups and handstands. We will then dive into double unders before finishing with some strength work. All abilities are welcome!
HYROX
Working on lunge volume and strength into 2 min intervals of Ski, Wall Balls, Row and Burpees.
MOBILITY
With the overhead movements in the mainline, it’s time to build on what it takes to hold & gain those positions. Ankle & thoracic mobility will be the main priority this week.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we are hitting our final week of banded deadlifts and progressing on the Bulgarian split squats and hip thrusts. Wednesday will be our final week of Banded bench presses and banded rows.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week, we will be working on the squat snatch with a spicy complex. Perfect session to complement mainline’s OHS work.
Monday Ride
A skills and fitness based ride at the BikeDXB track in Dubai. Some simply structured intervals to enhance cycling ability.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday - Brick Session
A brick session consisting of 60mins of cycling with 20 - 30mins of running. Great for all levels of triathlete.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. This run is currently gearing run fitness towards the incoming half marathons. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - RAK HM
https://rakcalendar.ae/events/ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon/
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Group Long Run (Burj2Burj focus).
Couple of route options below with B2B in mind; based on the HM route going over the canal bridge).
15km (out and back: 300m to canal bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/0g4t9vdq
18km (out and back: 300m to canal/tolerance bridge and back):
https://onthegomap.com/s/otrvk7bm
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: 300m on the beach track.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwRmMPQJf775m3b99
I think I might be a little late to the party on this one because unofficial street races have been around ever since The Fast and the Furious. An old reference – that movie came out back in 2001!
In endurance sports, you are seeing more and more people create unofficial races, events or just organising solo challenges because they want to. They still train as if it were a race – the only real difference being no medal and no finish line.
How Endurance Sports Changed after Covid 19
The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 made several lasting impressions and I think this was a catalyst in endurance sports.
With no races to enter and nothing to big up, people had to create their own challenges that would provide much needed motivation. They looked to intrinsic motivation as opposed to extrinsic gratification.
Today you can find individuals and groups of people that’ve carried on this new tradition – people who do things because they can and because they want to. Check Instagram and look into this, there are so many unofficial races where there is no winner. It’s so cool and so refreshing!
The Evolving Perspective of Endurance Races
But go simpler than that. Look at the amount of people still going out and smashing a 5km that they go full gas on, yet all they get is a fist pump. The mantra and reason we do this is because it’s enjoyable, it’s fun, different and stimulating. We are no longer bound to a poorly designed t-shirt and bruised peach.
Final Thoughts
What does this mean for official races? In reality… nothing. Big races will always be big races, they showcase our sports. But the way we approach them will shift, unofficial races and challenges have a totally different vibe. Where a PB (personal best) isn’t the win, it’s the smile.
Next time you look for a goal, maybe don’t think Boston, think how fast can I run up that hill. I wonder who else would like to do that? Or if you do go to Boston, how you’d run it if it were just a hill with a couple of mates.
Change your perspective, see how you like the challenge.
FUN - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
I think I might be a little late to the party on this one because unofficial street races have been around ever since The Fast and the Furious. An old reference – that movie came out back in 2001!
In endurance sports, you are seeing more and more people create unofficial races, events or just organising solo challenges because they want to. They still train as if it were a race – the only real difference being no medal and no finish line.
How Endurance Sports Changed after Covid 19
The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 made several lasting impressions and I think this was a catalyst in endurance sports.
With no races to enter and nothing to big up, people had to create their own challenges that would provide much needed motivation. They looked to intrinsic motivation as opposed to extrinsic gratification.
Today you can find individuals and groups of people that’ve carried on this new tradition – people who do things because they can and because they want to. Check Instagram and look into this, there are so many unofficial races where there is no winner. It’s so cool and so refreshing!
The Evolving Perspective of Endurance Races
But go simpler than that. Look at the amount of people still going out and smashing a 5km that they go full gas on, yet all they get is a fist pump. The mantra and reason we do this is because it’s enjoyable, it’s fun, different and stimulating. We are no longer bound to a poorly designed t-shirt and bruised peach.
Final Thoughts
What does this mean for official races? In reality… nothing. Big races will always be big races, they showcase our sports. But the way we approach them will shift, unofficial races and challenges have a totally different vibe. Where a PB (personal best) isn’t the win, it’s the smile.
Next time you look for a goal, maybe don’t think Boston, think how fast can I run up that hill. I wonder who else would like to do that? Or if you do go to Boston, how you’d run it if it were just a hill with a couple of mates.
Change your perspective, see how you like the challenge.
FUN - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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