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Running in the Heat
Top Tips for Summer Running in Dubai
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For anyone in the Northern half of the world, Summer is here. The Dubai heat and humidity has kicked in and I keep looking at peoples' Strava runs and ‘feels like 48’, ‘96% humidity’ at 6:30 AM is now a common sight. People might not pick summer as their favourite season to run outside in Dubai with the winter months falling into favour, but the summer heat has A LOT going for it. Here are some top tips for running in the heat.
Adapt the training: You will not be able to hit the same level of intensity as you could do in the cooler climates or as the barometer rises in the morning. Paces will need to reduce, you will not need to run for as long, you will need to train earlier in the morning. If you get towards the end of a session and still feel good, its ok to push a little harder but you don’t want to smoke yourself from the beginning.
Hydrate: Seems obvious but you WILL sweat more during and post exercise. Your body is working in overdrive to try to keep you cool. Make sure you are well hydrated the night before a run and pre-run. Adding electrolytes to your hydration will be essential. Don’t know how much you sweat in a run? – try this. Weigh yourself before and after running (naked if possible), factor in differences from urination and water taken whilst running. The difference will be your sweat rate. You will probably be shocked at how much you lost – I dropped 1.5kg in the UK on an easy 60mins. Rehydrate with 1.5x the amount lost. A 1kg loss = 1litre of hydration.
It takes time: If you are new to running its going to take 7-14 days to acclimatise to the heat. Start small and gradually increase your run time and intensity. Your body will learn to adapt by sweating less, dropping your Hr and decreasing your core temperature.
Ditch the brunch: Alcohol has a dehydrating effect so whilst going for a morning after run post ‘sesh’ may help you ‘sweat it out’ you are doing more harm than good. Drink less, hydrate more and be prepared to take a rest day if you do go out and have one to many.
Prepare: Sunburn, chafe, blisters are all more common in the hot weather and prevention is better than cure. Wear a high factor sunscreen. Invest in a decent pair of seamless undershorts /sports bra that fit well to combat the dreaded inner thigh and underarm chafe. Applying body glide pre-run to these areas can also help. If you are still unlucky enough to chafe, sudocrem is fantastic to apply to the area post run and I always keep a tub in my cool box just in case.
Mindset: We are all in the same position, its hot for everybody and we all suffer the same. Remember that you choose to run, its fantastic! If you prepare and approach the sessions with a winning attitude, then you will enjoy them much more. If you start a run moaning that it’s too hot and humid guess what? You’re not going to have fun.
To run in the heat, you need to prepare a little better, recover a little harder and adjust a few protocols but it can be done and be done very well. Stay safe, be sensible and keep on running. I look forward to seeing you out there on the tarmac or in the trails!
If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a DM @robjonesendurance or an Email rj@innerfight.com
ENGINE
Using the Erg machines across varying time frames and distances to work on your endurance. This week, we will throw in some other dance moves to mix things up.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we're back on the rig for pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping and butterfly will make an appearance, followed by lat and core supersets.
HYROX
We are 5 weeks out from Sharjah, so we will break down a full HYROX into intervals to work on pacing and strategy.
MOBILITY
Since everyone enjoyed the flows so much, we will continue with this. Full body stretch routines, of course, followed with stability/activation. We need to lock everything in place after we have stretched.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are hitting some bodybuilding work. Monday will be some full-body resistance training with a little bias towards the glutes. Wednesday, we are starting with some single leg work and core and then some arms to finish
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are breaking down the clean and jerk. Starting with clusters to work on the leg drive. A pressing complex with paused split jerks. Then, put it all together with power clean, hang clean, and split jerk. This will be a great great technique session!
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.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
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 Ride
Endurance ride with the crew! 85 or 100km options. Email rf@innerfight.com for more info.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: BOTS
Sunday - Group Long Run
A hatta long run to practice some time on the hills. Email endurance@innerfight.com if you'd like to get involved.
Location: BOTS
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding tempo pace for 8mins. Tempo should feel liks a 7/10 effort. After each 8 mins you will have 3 mins easy, which can be a gentle jog or walk. Repeat 3x rounds.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Today we will be running 1000m repeats which will fluctuate between 3km and 5km pace.
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 the session
is 400m repeats. Try and run these 8-9/10 effort, as you have 60 sec to recover after each one. Rep scheme is 8-12x.
Friday
Hills Start Time: 5:29am
Tempo
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for those who want elevation, and tempo for those who want to push the pace on the flat surface. The choice is yours. (If you are running Two Oceans, we recommend the hills option).
Sunday
Time: 6:59am
Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking
Session: Long Run
We will be back in Hatta this week for our Sunday long run.
Route
This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
For anyone in the Northern half of the world, Summer is here. The Dubai heat and humidity has kicked in and I keep looking at peoples' Strava runs and ‘feels like 48’, ‘96% humidity’ at 6:30 AM is now a common sight. People might not pick summer as their favourite season to run outside in Dubai with the winter months falling into favour, but the summer heat has A LOT going for it. Here are some top tips for running in the heat.
Adapt the training: You will not be able to hit the same level of intensity as you could do in the cooler climates or as the barometer rises in the morning. Paces will need to reduce, you will not need to run for as long, you will need to train earlier in the morning. If you get towards the end of a session and still feel good, its ok to push a little harder but you don’t want to smoke yourself from the beginning.
Hydrate: Seems obvious but you WILL sweat more during and post exercise. Your body is working in overdrive to try to keep you cool. Make sure you are well hydrated the night before a run and pre-run. Adding electrolytes to your hydration will be essential. Don’t know how much you sweat in a run? – try this. Weigh yourself before and after running (naked if possible), factor in differences from urination and water taken whilst running. The difference will be your sweat rate. You will probably be shocked at how much you lost – I dropped 1.5kg in the UK on an easy 60mins. Rehydrate with 1.5x the amount lost. A 1kg loss = 1litre of hydration.
It takes time: If you are new to running its going to take 7-14 days to acclimatise to the heat. Start small and gradually increase your run time and intensity. Your body will learn to adapt by sweating less, dropping your Hr and decreasing your core temperature.
Ditch the brunch: Alcohol has a dehydrating effect so whilst going for a morning after run post ‘sesh’ may help you ‘sweat it out’ you are doing more harm than good. Drink less, hydrate more and be prepared to take a rest day if you do go out and have one to many.
Prepare: Sunburn, chafe, blisters are all more common in the hot weather and prevention is better than cure. Wear a high factor sunscreen. Invest in a decent pair of seamless undershorts /sports bra that fit well to combat the dreaded inner thigh and underarm chafe. Applying body glide pre-run to these areas can also help. If you are still unlucky enough to chafe, sudocrem is fantastic to apply to the area post run and I always keep a tub in my cool box just in case.
Mindset: We are all in the same position, its hot for everybody and we all suffer the same. Remember that you choose to run, its fantastic! If you prepare and approach the sessions with a winning attitude, then you will enjoy them much more. If you start a run moaning that it’s too hot and humid guess what? You’re not going to have fun.
To run in the heat, you need to prepare a little better, recover a little harder and adjust a few protocols but it can be done and be done very well. Stay safe, be sensible and keep on running. I look forward to seeing you out there on the tarmac or in the trails!
If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a DM @robjonesendurance or an Email rj@innerfight.com
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.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
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 Ride
Endurance ride with the crew! 85 or 100km options. Email rf@innerfight.com for more info.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: BOTS
Sunday - Group Long Run
A hatta long run to practice some time on the hills. Email endurance@innerfight.com if you'd like to get involved.
Location: BOTS
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding tempo pace for 8mins. Tempo should feel liks a 7/10 effort. After each 8 mins you will have 3 mins easy, which can be a gentle jog or walk. Repeat 3x rounds.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Today we will be running 1000m repeats which will fluctuate between 3km and 5km pace.
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 the session
is 400m repeats. Try and run these 8-9/10 effort, as you have 60 sec to recover after each one. Rep scheme is 8-12x.
Friday
Hills Start Time: 5:29am
Tempo
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for those who want elevation, and tempo for those who want to push the pace on the flat surface. The choice is yours. (If you are running Two Oceans, we recommend the hills option).
Sunday
Time: 6:59am
Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking
Session: Long Run
We will be back in Hatta this week for our Sunday long run.
Route
This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
ENGINE
Using the Erg machines across varying time frames and distances to work on your endurance. This week, we will throw in some other dance moves to mix things up.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we're back on the rig for pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping and butterfly will make an appearance, followed by lat and core supersets.
HYROX
We are 5 weeks out from Sharjah, so we will break down a full HYROX into intervals to work on pacing and strategy.
MOBILITY
Since everyone enjoyed the flows so much, we will continue with this. Full body stretch routines, of course, followed with stability/activation. We need to lock everything in place after we have stretched.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are hitting some bodybuilding work. Monday will be some full-body resistance training with a little bias towards the glutes. Wednesday, we are starting with some single leg work and core and then some arms to finish
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are breaking down the clean and jerk. Starting with clusters to work on the leg drive. A pressing complex with paused split jerks. Then, put it all together with power clean, hang clean, and split jerk. This will be a great great technique session!
For anyone in the Northern half of the world, Summer is here. The Dubai heat and humidity has kicked in and I keep looking at peoples' Strava runs and ‘feels like 48’, ‘96% humidity’ at 6:30 AM is now a common sight. People might not pick summer as their favourite season to run outside in Dubai with the winter months falling into favour, but the summer heat has A LOT going for it. Here are some top tips for running in the heat.
Adapt the training: You will not be able to hit the same level of intensity as you could do in the cooler climates or as the barometer rises in the morning. Paces will need to reduce, you will not need to run for as long, you will need to train earlier in the morning. If you get towards the end of a session and still feel good, its ok to push a little harder but you don’t want to smoke yourself from the beginning.
Hydrate: Seems obvious but you WILL sweat more during and post exercise. Your body is working in overdrive to try to keep you cool. Make sure you are well hydrated the night before a run and pre-run. Adding electrolytes to your hydration will be essential. Don’t know how much you sweat in a run? – try this. Weigh yourself before and after running (naked if possible), factor in differences from urination and water taken whilst running. The difference will be your sweat rate. You will probably be shocked at how much you lost – I dropped 1.5kg in the UK on an easy 60mins. Rehydrate with 1.5x the amount lost. A 1kg loss = 1litre of hydration.
It takes time: If you are new to running its going to take 7-14 days to acclimatise to the heat. Start small and gradually increase your run time and intensity. Your body will learn to adapt by sweating less, dropping your Hr and decreasing your core temperature.
Ditch the brunch: Alcohol has a dehydrating effect so whilst going for a morning after run post ‘sesh’ may help you ‘sweat it out’ you are doing more harm than good. Drink less, hydrate more and be prepared to take a rest day if you do go out and have one to many.
Prepare: Sunburn, chafe, blisters are all more common in the hot weather and prevention is better than cure. Wear a high factor sunscreen. Invest in a decent pair of seamless undershorts /sports bra that fit well to combat the dreaded inner thigh and underarm chafe. Applying body glide pre-run to these areas can also help. If you are still unlucky enough to chafe, sudocrem is fantastic to apply to the area post run and I always keep a tub in my cool box just in case.
Mindset: We are all in the same position, its hot for everybody and we all suffer the same. Remember that you choose to run, its fantastic! If you prepare and approach the sessions with a winning attitude, then you will enjoy them much more. If you start a run moaning that it’s too hot and humid guess what? You’re not going to have fun.
To run in the heat, you need to prepare a little better, recover a little harder and adjust a few protocols but it can be done and be done very well. Stay safe, be sensible and keep on running. I look forward to seeing you out there on the tarmac or in the trails!
If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a DM @robjonesendurance or an Email rj@innerfight.com
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Tempo
PM Session only: This evening we will be holding tempo pace for 8mins. Tempo should feel liks a 7/10 effort. After each 8 mins you will have 3 mins easy, which can be a gentle jog or walk. Repeat 3x rounds.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Today we will be running 1000m repeats which will fluctuate between 3km and 5km pace.
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 the session
is 400m repeats. Try and run these 8-9/10 effort, as you have 60 sec to recover after each one. Rep scheme is 8-12x.
Friday
Hills Start Time: 5:29am
Tempo
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will have bridge repeats for those who want elevation, and tempo for those who want to push the pace on the flat surface. The choice is yours. (If you are running Two Oceans, we recommend the hills option).
Sunday
Time: 6:59am
Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking
Session: Long Run
We will be back in Hatta this week for our Sunday long run.
Route
This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.
Here we go, people! The start of a new block! The next 12 weeks are going to be loaded with strength, some nasty but epic short workouts, lots of strongman and, every now and again, some longer conditioning pieces! Fridays will be something special. Scroll down, and you know what we are talking about! Time to get stronger and fitter!
Monday:
We are kicking the week off with some knee flexion strength work, heavy back squats, step-ups, and cyclist goblet squats. Then we have a simple sprint workout of row wall balls row. How much do you want to hurt on the final row?
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 5 Back Squats Tempo 30X1
B) Every 2:30mins x 4 - 8 Barbell Box Step-Ups
C) Every 90secs x 3 - 8 Reps 1 1/4 Cyclist Goblet Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
500/400m row
50 Wall Balls
500/400m row
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have an Earthquake bar bench press followed by a triset of dumbbell presses, isometric chin over ball holds and push-ups. You will need a partner for the workout as you get stuck into some kettlebell carries and assault bike efforts.
Strength:
A) Every 2mins x 5 - 8 Earthquake Bar Bench Press Tempo 20X1
B) Every 75secs Alt x 12 - 1) 10-12 Seated DB Press 2) 10-20 Second Chin Over Bar Hold 3) 30sec Push Ups
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time In Pairs YGIG
15/12 cal bike
2 lengths carpark dual KB front rack carry.
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about power from the hips. Box jumps, power cleans and a frog stance deadlifts to build the posterior chain. Then we have a short, hard effort with the sandbags and dumbbells.
Strength:
A) 5 Mins to establish a Max height box jump
B) EMOM x 8 - 3 hang power cleans
c) Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 frog stance Deadlift
Conditioning:
For Time:
30-20-10
Sandbag Over Shoulder
DB Push Press
Thursday:
Thursday's strength is focused on some upper-body pulling with a Pendlay Row, and then we have a longer EMOM conditioning workout.
Strength:
Pendlay Row
Every 2 mins x 4 - 10/10/8/8 Pendlay Row
Conditioning:
EMOM 24
Min 1 - Assault bike
Min 2 - 25 ab mat sit-ups
Min 3 - Ski erg
Min 4 - 15/12/9 burpee
Friday:
Friday, we are finishing the week with some pull-ups and Olympic lifting in the strength piece before we cap off an epic week of training with a screamer of a workout!
Strength:
Conditioning: Bring everything, including the kitchen sink! FUF are here and here to stay!
ENGINE
Using the Erg machines across varying time frames and distances to work on your endurance. This week, we will throw in some other dance moves to mix things up.
GYMNASTICS
This week, we're back on the rig for pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping and butterfly will make an appearance, followed by lat and core supersets.
HYROX
We are 5 weeks out from Sharjah, so we will break down a full HYROX into intervals to work on pacing and strategy.
MOBILITY
Since everyone enjoyed the flows so much, we will continue with this. Full body stretch routines, of course, followed with stability/activation. We need to lock everything in place after we have stretched.
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are hitting some bodybuilding work. Monday will be some full-body resistance training with a little bias towards the glutes. Wednesday, we are starting with some single leg work and core and then some arms to finish
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are breaking down the clean and jerk. Starting with clusters to work on the leg drive. A pressing complex with paused split jerks. Then, put it all together with power clean, hang clean, and split jerk. This will be a great great technique session!
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.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
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 Ride
Endurance ride with the crew! 85 or 100km options. Email rf@innerfight.com for more info.
Start time: 05:59 am
Location: BOTS
Sunday - Group Long Run
A hatta long run to practice some time on the hills. Email endurance@innerfight.com if you'd like to get involved.
Location: BOTS
For anyone in the Northern half of the world, Summer is here. The Dubai heat and humidity has kicked in and I keep looking at peoples' Strava runs and ‘feels like 48’, ‘96% humidity’ at 6:30 AM is now a common sight. People might not pick summer as their favourite season to run outside in Dubai with the winter months falling into favour, but the summer heat has A LOT going for it. Here are some top tips for running in the heat.
Adapt the training: You will not be able to hit the same level of intensity as you could do in the cooler climates or as the barometer rises in the morning. Paces will need to reduce, you will not need to run for as long, you will need to train earlier in the morning. If you get towards the end of a session and still feel good, its ok to push a little harder but you don’t want to smoke yourself from the beginning.
Hydrate: Seems obvious but you WILL sweat more during and post exercise. Your body is working in overdrive to try to keep you cool. Make sure you are well hydrated the night before a run and pre-run. Adding electrolytes to your hydration will be essential. Don’t know how much you sweat in a run? – try this. Weigh yourself before and after running (naked if possible), factor in differences from urination and water taken whilst running. The difference will be your sweat rate. You will probably be shocked at how much you lost – I dropped 1.5kg in the UK on an easy 60mins. Rehydrate with 1.5x the amount lost. A 1kg loss = 1litre of hydration.
It takes time: If you are new to running its going to take 7-14 days to acclimatise to the heat. Start small and gradually increase your run time and intensity. Your body will learn to adapt by sweating less, dropping your Hr and decreasing your core temperature.
Ditch the brunch: Alcohol has a dehydrating effect so whilst going for a morning after run post ‘sesh’ may help you ‘sweat it out’ you are doing more harm than good. Drink less, hydrate more and be prepared to take a rest day if you do go out and have one to many.
Prepare: Sunburn, chafe, blisters are all more common in the hot weather and prevention is better than cure. Wear a high factor sunscreen. Invest in a decent pair of seamless undershorts /sports bra that fit well to combat the dreaded inner thigh and underarm chafe. Applying body glide pre-run to these areas can also help. If you are still unlucky enough to chafe, sudocrem is fantastic to apply to the area post run and I always keep a tub in my cool box just in case.
Mindset: We are all in the same position, its hot for everybody and we all suffer the same. Remember that you choose to run, its fantastic! If you prepare and approach the sessions with a winning attitude, then you will enjoy them much more. If you start a run moaning that it’s too hot and humid guess what? You’re not going to have fun.
To run in the heat, you need to prepare a little better, recover a little harder and adjust a few protocols but it can be done and be done very well. Stay safe, be sensible and keep on running. I look forward to seeing you out there on the tarmac or in the trails!
If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a DM @robjonesendurance or an Email rj@innerfight.com
For anyone in the Northern half of the world, Summer is here. The Dubai heat and humidity has kicked in and I keep looking at peoples' Strava runs and ‘feels like 48’, ‘96% humidity’ at 6:30 AM is now a common sight. People might not pick summer as their favourite season to run outside in Dubai with the winter months falling into favour, but the summer heat has A LOT going for it. Here are some top tips for running in the heat.
Adapt the training: You will not be able to hit the same level of intensity as you could do in the cooler climates or as the barometer rises in the morning. Paces will need to reduce, you will not need to run for as long, you will need to train earlier in the morning. If you get towards the end of a session and still feel good, its ok to push a little harder but you don’t want to smoke yourself from the beginning.
Hydrate: Seems obvious but you WILL sweat more during and post exercise. Your body is working in overdrive to try to keep you cool. Make sure you are well hydrated the night before a run and pre-run. Adding electrolytes to your hydration will be essential. Don’t know how much you sweat in a run? – try this. Weigh yourself before and after running (naked if possible), factor in differences from urination and water taken whilst running. The difference will be your sweat rate. You will probably be shocked at how much you lost – I dropped 1.5kg in the UK on an easy 60mins. Rehydrate with 1.5x the amount lost. A 1kg loss = 1litre of hydration.
It takes time: If you are new to running its going to take 7-14 days to acclimatise to the heat. Start small and gradually increase your run time and intensity. Your body will learn to adapt by sweating less, dropping your Hr and decreasing your core temperature.
Ditch the brunch: Alcohol has a dehydrating effect so whilst going for a morning after run post ‘sesh’ may help you ‘sweat it out’ you are doing more harm than good. Drink less, hydrate more and be prepared to take a rest day if you do go out and have one to many.
Prepare: Sunburn, chafe, blisters are all more common in the hot weather and prevention is better than cure. Wear a high factor sunscreen. Invest in a decent pair of seamless undershorts /sports bra that fit well to combat the dreaded inner thigh and underarm chafe. Applying body glide pre-run to these areas can also help. If you are still unlucky enough to chafe, sudocrem is fantastic to apply to the area post run and I always keep a tub in my cool box just in case.
Mindset: We are all in the same position, its hot for everybody and we all suffer the same. Remember that you choose to run, its fantastic! If you prepare and approach the sessions with a winning attitude, then you will enjoy them much more. If you start a run moaning that it’s too hot and humid guess what? You’re not going to have fun.
To run in the heat, you need to prepare a little better, recover a little harder and adjust a few protocols but it can be done and be done very well. Stay safe, be sensible and keep on running. I look forward to seeing you out there on the tarmac or in the trails!
If you have any questions please feel free to drop me a DM @robjonesendurance or an Email rj@innerfight.com
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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