Mental Toughness: Thrive Under Pressure

Written by Marcus Smith
Rob Jones
Rob Jones
Mar 4, 2025
-
5
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 26-14

Monday:

Strength:

12 minutes to build to a heavy single Deadlift

Conditioning:

8 min AMRAP

2 Car Park Run

10 Deadlift

15 Burpee over bar

rest 2 mins x3

Tuesday:

Strength:

Every 2 mins x 5

10 Barbell Box Step Ups

Every 2 mins x 6

A: 6 DB Bench Press

B: 12 DB Crush Curls

Conditioning:

30-20-10

Cal Ass Bike

Prisoner Lunges

Barbell Thruster

Wednesday:

Strength:

EMOM 12

M1 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)

M2 - 8 SL KB RDL (left)

M3 -  1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)

M4 - 8 SL KB RDL (right)

Conditioning:

5 min AMRAP

15/12 Cal Row

12 Dumbbell Snatch

rest 2 mins

5 min AMRAP

15/12 Cal Ski

12 Pull-ups/C2B

rest 2 mins x2

Thursday:

Strength:

12 minutes to work to heavy single Back Squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

4 reps @ 70%

Every 90 seconds x 3

12 Barbell Calf Raises

Conditioning:

For time

50 DU

Park run

20 TTB

60 Wall Balls

20 TTB

Park Run

50 DU

Friday:

Strength:

Emom 3

1 Push Press (3 sec pause overhead)

EMOM 3

1 Push Jerk (2 sec pause in dip, 3 sec pause in catch)

EMOM 3

1 hang power clean + 1 push jerk

EMOM 3

1 power clean + 1 push jerk

Conditioning:

In Pairs, 5 rounds for time

40 Cal Assault Bike

6 Rope Climbs

10 Clean and Jerk

4 wall walks

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Jerome

Sunday Sweat:

20-minute window:

15-1 Cal Ski

1-15 Russian Kettlebell Swing

20-minute window

15-1 Cal Row

1-15 Push Ups

Sunday Strength:

Every 3 minutes x 5

3 Low Box Back Squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

6/6 deficit  Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

Every 90 sec x 5

5 Stationary Dips

EMOM 6

Min 1 - 12 Renegade Rows

Min 2 - 10 Goblet Squat

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #26-14

GYMNASTICS

This week we’re heading back to the rig for toes to bar! We’ve got targeted drills catering to all levels.

Expect a mix of floor, low bar, and rig work to support mobility while building positional awareness and strict strength. We’ll wrap things up with an EMOM and core work. See you there!

HYBRID FITNESS

This week expect some 1k repeats interspersed with some repeatable ergs efforts.  This will be a challenging session, perfect for building overall capacity and getting used to moving for continuous periods of time.

MOBILITY

In this third session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, the focus shifts toward gently improving flexibility at end ranges while maintaining a sense of ease and support throughout each movement.

We’ll move through deeper hinging, squatting, and rotational patterns, allowing time to settle into positions and encourage the body to open gradually. Emphasis is placed on smooth transitions, soft control, and mindful breathing to help release tension while improving joint mobility.

The upper body will integrate more fluidly with the lower body, creating a sense of connected, full-body movement. Sequences will feel more continuous and flowing, supporting both flexibility and light stability without strain.

By the end of the session, the aim is to feel more open, lengthened, and at ease in your movement, with greater access to range and a deeper sense of connection throughout the body.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week we are starting with clean drills, into a clean complex - clean pull, hang power clean, power clean. Into power clean singles at 70% of the complex.

12 mins for a one rep deadlift, inline with mainline session. Finishing work heavy 3 rep back squats.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #26-14

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

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.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 26-14

Monday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Fartlek

Today we are running:

90 sec at 6/10
30 sec recovery
x3

30 sec at 8/10
30 sec recovery
x3

3 mins rest
Repeat sequence 3x over

Fartlek is a Swedish term that translates to "speed play." It is a type of running workout that involves alternating between periods of fast running and slower recovery jogging.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week we will be holding 2km of effort into 400m repeats.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Intervals

If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
Today we will be running km repeats off 2 mins rest. Aim for 3-5 reps.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

10 mins easy as a group then:

Main session:
10X
1min @ 8/10; 1min @ 3/10

5mins easy jog

then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)

Cool down:
5mins v. easy jog into a walk

Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 26-14

Monday:

Strength:

12 minutes to build to a heavy single Deadlift

Conditioning:

8 min AMRAP

2 Car Park Run

10 Deadlift

15 Burpee over bar

rest 2 mins x3

Tuesday:

Strength:

Every 2 mins x 5

10 Barbell Box Step Ups

Every 2 mins x 6

A: 6 DB Bench Press

B: 12 DB Crush Curls

Conditioning:

30-20-10

Cal Ass Bike

Prisoner Lunges

Barbell Thruster

Wednesday:

Strength:

EMOM 12

M1 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)

M2 - 8 SL KB RDL (left)

M3 -  1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)

M4 - 8 SL KB RDL (right)

Conditioning:

5 min AMRAP

15/12 Cal Row

12 Dumbbell Snatch

rest 2 mins

5 min AMRAP

15/12 Cal Ski

12 Pull-ups/C2B

rest 2 mins x2

Thursday:

Strength:

12 minutes to work to heavy single Back Squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

4 reps @ 70%

Every 90 seconds x 3

12 Barbell Calf Raises

Conditioning:

For time

50 DU

Park run

20 TTB

60 Wall Balls

20 TTB

Park Run

50 DU

Friday:

Strength:

Emom 3

1 Push Press (3 sec pause overhead)

EMOM 3

1 Push Jerk (2 sec pause in dip, 3 sec pause in catch)

EMOM 3

1 hang power clean + 1 push jerk

EMOM 3

1 power clean + 1 push jerk

Conditioning:

In Pairs, 5 rounds for time

40 Cal Assault Bike

6 Rope Climbs

10 Clean and Jerk

4 wall walks

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Jerome

Sunday Sweat:

20-minute window:

15-1 Cal Ski

1-15 Russian Kettlebell Swing

20-minute window

15-1 Cal Row

1-15 Push Ups

Sunday Strength:

Every 3 minutes x 5

3 Low Box Back Squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

6/6 deficit  Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

Every 90 sec x 5

5 Stationary Dips

EMOM 6

Min 1 - 12 Renegade Rows

Min 2 - 10 Goblet Squat

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #26-14

GYMNASTICS

This week we’re heading back to the rig for toes to bar! We’ve got targeted drills catering to all levels.

Expect a mix of floor, low bar, and rig work to support mobility while building positional awareness and strict strength. We’ll wrap things up with an EMOM and core work. See you there!

HYBRID FITNESS

This week expect some 1k repeats interspersed with some repeatable ergs efforts.  This will be a challenging session, perfect for building overall capacity and getting used to moving for continuous periods of time.

MOBILITY

In this third session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, the focus shifts toward gently improving flexibility at end ranges while maintaining a sense of ease and support throughout each movement.

We’ll move through deeper hinging, squatting, and rotational patterns, allowing time to settle into positions and encourage the body to open gradually. Emphasis is placed on smooth transitions, soft control, and mindful breathing to help release tension while improving joint mobility.

The upper body will integrate more fluidly with the lower body, creating a sense of connected, full-body movement. Sequences will feel more continuous and flowing, supporting both flexibility and light stability without strain.

By the end of the session, the aim is to feel more open, lengthened, and at ease in your movement, with greater access to range and a deeper sense of connection throughout the body.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week we are starting with clean drills, into a clean complex - clean pull, hang power clean, power clean. Into power clean singles at 70% of the complex.

12 mins for a one rep deadlift, inline with mainline session. Finishing work heavy 3 rep back squats.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #26-14

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

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.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 26-14

Monday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Fartlek

Today we are running:

90 sec at 6/10
30 sec recovery
x3

30 sec at 8/10
30 sec recovery
x3

3 mins rest
Repeat sequence 3x over

Fartlek is a Swedish term that translates to "speed play." It is a type of running workout that involves alternating between periods of fast running and slower recovery jogging.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week we will be holding 2km of effort into 400m repeats.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Intervals

If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
Today we will be running km repeats off 2 mins rest. Aim for 3-5 reps.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

10 mins easy as a group then:

Main session:
10X
1min @ 8/10; 1min @ 3/10

5mins easy jog

then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)

Cool down:
5mins v. easy jog into a walk

Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 26-14

Monday:

Strength:

12 minutes to build to a heavy single Deadlift

Conditioning:

8 min AMRAP

2 Car Park Run

10 Deadlift

15 Burpee over bar

rest 2 mins x3

Tuesday:

Strength:

Every 2 mins x 5

10 Barbell Box Step Ups

Every 2 mins x 6

A: 6 DB Bench Press

B: 12 DB Crush Curls

Conditioning:

30-20-10

Cal Ass Bike

Prisoner Lunges

Barbell Thruster

Wednesday:

Strength:

EMOM 12

M1 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)

M2 - 8 SL KB RDL (left)

M3 -  1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)

M4 - 8 SL KB RDL (right)

Conditioning:

5 min AMRAP

15/12 Cal Row

12 Dumbbell Snatch

rest 2 mins

5 min AMRAP

15/12 Cal Ski

12 Pull-ups/C2B

rest 2 mins x2

Thursday:

Strength:

12 minutes to work to heavy single Back Squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

4 reps @ 70%

Every 90 seconds x 3

12 Barbell Calf Raises

Conditioning:

For time

50 DU

Park run

20 TTB

60 Wall Balls

20 TTB

Park Run

50 DU

Friday:

Strength:

Emom 3

1 Push Press (3 sec pause overhead)

EMOM 3

1 Push Jerk (2 sec pause in dip, 3 sec pause in catch)

EMOM 3

1 hang power clean + 1 push jerk

EMOM 3

1 power clean + 1 push jerk

Conditioning:

In Pairs, 5 rounds for time

40 Cal Assault Bike

6 Rope Climbs

10 Clean and Jerk

4 wall walks

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Jerome

Sunday Sweat:

20-minute window:

15-1 Cal Ski

1-15 Russian Kettlebell Swing

20-minute window

15-1 Cal Row

1-15 Push Ups

Sunday Strength:

Every 3 minutes x 5

3 Low Box Back Squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

6/6 deficit  Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

Every 90 sec x 5

5 Stationary Dips

EMOM 6

Min 1 - 12 Renegade Rows

Min 2 - 10 Goblet Squat

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #26-14

GYMNASTICS

This week we’re heading back to the rig for toes to bar! We’ve got targeted drills catering to all levels.

Expect a mix of floor, low bar, and rig work to support mobility while building positional awareness and strict strength. We’ll wrap things up with an EMOM and core work. See you there!

HYBRID FITNESS

This week expect some 1k repeats interspersed with some repeatable ergs efforts.  This will be a challenging session, perfect for building overall capacity and getting used to moving for continuous periods of time.

MOBILITY

In this third session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, the focus shifts toward gently improving flexibility at end ranges while maintaining a sense of ease and support throughout each movement.

We’ll move through deeper hinging, squatting, and rotational patterns, allowing time to settle into positions and encourage the body to open gradually. Emphasis is placed on smooth transitions, soft control, and mindful breathing to help release tension while improving joint mobility.

The upper body will integrate more fluidly with the lower body, creating a sense of connected, full-body movement. Sequences will feel more continuous and flowing, supporting both flexibility and light stability without strain.

By the end of the session, the aim is to feel more open, lengthened, and at ease in your movement, with greater access to range and a deeper sense of connection throughout the body.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week we are starting with clean drills, into a clean complex - clean pull, hang power clean, power clean. Into power clean singles at 70% of the complex.

12 mins for a one rep deadlift, inline with mainline session. Finishing work heavy 3 rep back squats.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #26-14

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

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.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 26-14

Monday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Fartlek

Today we are running:

90 sec at 6/10
30 sec recovery
x3

30 sec at 8/10
30 sec recovery
x3

3 mins rest
Repeat sequence 3x over

Fartlek is a Swedish term that translates to "speed play." It is a type of running workout that involves alternating between periods of fast running and slower recovery jogging.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week we will be holding 2km of effort into 400m repeats.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Intervals

If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
Today we will be running km repeats off 2 mins rest. Aim for 3-5 reps.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

10 mins easy as a group then:

Main session:
10X
1min @ 8/10; 1min @ 3/10

5mins easy jog

then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)

Cool down:
5mins v. easy jog into a walk

Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 26-14

Monday:

Strength:

12 minutes to build to a heavy single Deadlift

Conditioning:

8 min AMRAP

2 Car Park Run

10 Deadlift

15 Burpee over bar

rest 2 mins x3

Tuesday:

Strength:

Every 2 mins x 5

10 Barbell Box Step Ups

Every 2 mins x 6

A: 6 DB Bench Press

B: 12 DB Crush Curls

Conditioning:

30-20-10

Cal Ass Bike

Prisoner Lunges

Barbell Thruster

Wednesday:

Strength:

EMOM 12

M1 - 1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)

M2 - 8 SL KB RDL (left)

M3 -  1.1.1 Pull-ups (10 sec between singles)

M4 - 8 SL KB RDL (right)

Conditioning:

5 min AMRAP

15/12 Cal Row

12 Dumbbell Snatch

rest 2 mins

5 min AMRAP

15/12 Cal Ski

12 Pull-ups/C2B

rest 2 mins x2

Thursday:

Strength:

12 minutes to work to heavy single Back Squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

4 reps @ 70%

Every 90 seconds x 3

12 Barbell Calf Raises

Conditioning:

For time

50 DU

Park run

20 TTB

60 Wall Balls

20 TTB

Park Run

50 DU

Friday:

Strength:

Emom 3

1 Push Press (3 sec pause overhead)

EMOM 3

1 Push Jerk (2 sec pause in dip, 3 sec pause in catch)

EMOM 3

1 hang power clean + 1 push jerk

EMOM 3

1 power clean + 1 push jerk

Conditioning:

In Pairs, 5 rounds for time

40 Cal Assault Bike

6 Rope Climbs

10 Clean and Jerk

4 wall walks

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Jerome

Sunday Sweat:

20-minute window:

15-1 Cal Ski

1-15 Russian Kettlebell Swing

20-minute window

15-1 Cal Row

1-15 Push Ups

Sunday Strength:

Every 3 minutes x 5

3 Low Box Back Squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

6/6 deficit  Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

Every 90 sec x 5

5 Stationary Dips

EMOM 6

Min 1 - 12 Renegade Rows

Min 2 - 10 Goblet Squat

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #26-14

GYMNASTICS

This week we’re heading back to the rig for toes to bar! We’ve got targeted drills catering to all levels.

Expect a mix of floor, low bar, and rig work to support mobility while building positional awareness and strict strength. We’ll wrap things up with an EMOM and core work. See you there!

HYBRID FITNESS

This week expect some 1k repeats interspersed with some repeatable ergs efforts.  This will be a challenging session, perfect for building overall capacity and getting used to moving for continuous periods of time.

MOBILITY

In this third session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, the focus shifts toward gently improving flexibility at end ranges while maintaining a sense of ease and support throughout each movement.

We’ll move through deeper hinging, squatting, and rotational patterns, allowing time to settle into positions and encourage the body to open gradually. Emphasis is placed on smooth transitions, soft control, and mindful breathing to help release tension while improving joint mobility.

The upper body will integrate more fluidly with the lower body, creating a sense of connected, full-body movement. Sequences will feel more continuous and flowing, supporting both flexibility and light stability without strain.

By the end of the session, the aim is to feel more open, lengthened, and at ease in your movement, with greater access to range and a deeper sense of connection throughout the body.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week we are starting with clean drills, into a clean complex - clean pull, hang power clean, power clean. Into power clean singles at 70% of the complex.

12 mins for a one rep deadlift, inline with mainline session. Finishing work heavy 3 rep back squats.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #26-14

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

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.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 26-14

Monday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Fartlek

Today we are running:

90 sec at 6/10
30 sec recovery
x3

30 sec at 8/10
30 sec recovery
x3

3 mins rest
Repeat sequence 3x over

Fartlek is a Swedish term that translates to "speed play." It is a type of running workout that involves alternating between periods of fast running and slower recovery jogging.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week we will be holding 2km of effort into 400m repeats.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Intervals

If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
Today we will be running km repeats off 2 mins rest. Aim for 3-5 reps.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

10 mins easy as a group then:

Main session:
10X
1min @ 8/10; 1min @ 3/10

5mins easy jog

then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)

Cool down:
5mins v. easy jog into a walk

Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mental Toughness: Thrive Under Pressure

Picture yourself standing at the start line of a crucial race or walking into a high-stakes business meeting. Your heart is racing, the pressure is on—how do you respond? This is where mental toughness comes in, and it could be the difference between success and failure.

Mental toughness is more than just pushing through discomfort. It's the ability to stay composed, confident, and focused, enabling you to perform at your best in the face of adversity. Whether you're an athlete, a manager, or an entrepreneur, mental toughness plays a pivotal role in achieving your goals.

What Is Mental Toughness?

In their book Developing Mental Toughness, Doug Strycharczyk and Peter Clough break down mental toughness into four essential pillars:

  1. Challenge – Do you see challenges as opportunities or threats? Those who are mentally tough thrive on challenges, using them as steppingstones to growth.
  2. Confidence – Do you believe in your abilities? High levels of self-belief allow you to take risks and trust your judgment, even when under pressure.
  3. Commitment – Can you stick to tasks without getting distracted or losing focus? Mentally tough individuals follow through with what they start, even when it's difficult.
  4. Control – Do you believe you can control your own destiny, or do you feel like life happens to you? Mentally tough people believe they have the power to influence their circumstances.

Developing Mental Toughness: A Practical Guide

The good news is that even if you're not naturally 'mentally tough', the skills are able to be developed. Just like endurance or physical strength, mental toughness can be cultivated over time with consistent practice. Here are some ways you can start:

1. Improve Self-Awareness

Know your strengths and weaknesses. Start by creating a plan for difficult situations, whether in competition or at work.

Actionable Exercise: Take 10 minutes to write down the situations where you feel the most pressure. Then, next to each, list one or two strengths you can leverage to succeed in that scenario. For example:

  • Pressure Situation: Starting a tough race
  • Strength: Your ability to focus on pacing and ignore the distractions of those racing around you

2. Become Resilient

Develop a routine to bounce back from mistakes quickly. Resilience doesn't mean you won't face setbacks—it means you'll recover faster.

Actionable Exercise: Create a refocusing routine, such as taking three deep breaths, visualizing a past success, and repeating a positive affirmation. For instance: "I've done this before, I can do it again." Use this routine every time you feel the pressure building.

3. Increase Confidence

Fill your mind with past successes. Confidence is built through experience, so remind yourself of the tough moments you've overcome.

Actionable Exercise: Write down three instances where you successfully dealt with pressure. Keep this list visible, and refer to it when you need a confidence boost.

4. Master Tough Thinking

Your self-talk matters. Mentally tough individuals recognize negative thoughts and quickly reframe them to positive ones.

Actionable Exercise: The next time you notice a negative thought, write it down, then reframe it. Example:

  • Negative Thought: "I always mess up during the final stretch of a race."
  • Reframed Thought: "I've pushed through tough races and training before, and I can do it again."

5. Perform Under Pressure

Identify the skills (technical, physical, and mental) that help you show up at your best when the stakes are high.

Actionable Exercise: List three key skills you need to perform well under pressure. For example:

  1. Physical: Pacing correctly
  2. Technical: Breathing control
  3. Mental: Staying focused on the present and the 'now', not the outcome or the finish

Write these skills down and place them somewhere visible, like on your training equipment or your workspace.

Mental Toughness Is a Journey

Building mental toughness won't happen overnight. Just like developing your aerobic base or mastering a new skill, it's a process that requires time, effort, and consistency. The more you invest in it, the greater the rewards.

Your Turn: Take Action

Now it's your turn. What's the first pillar of mental toughness that you want to work on? Start small—whether it's improving yourself-awareness, boosting your confidence, or developing a routine to stay focused under pressure.

Remember, mental toughness is a skill that can be developed. With every small step, you're getting closer to performing at your best when it matters the most.

Fun  - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work