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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
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
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. 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
Sunday - Group Long Run
Our runners will be on the beach track today for our group long run. If you'd like to join please email db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: 300m on the beach track
Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
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. This week we will be running 2000m into 400m repeats. Ensure to pick up the pace on the 400s.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a durability set. Which entails a block of 10 mins at the start and end of the sesison that you should be running at 9/10 effort. Make sure that the running in the middle of the session is nice and easy to allow for the intensity at the end.
Sunday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run
Easy and steady long run with the community. The route is out and back along the beach track, so you can run as much or as little as you like.
Monday:
This week at Innerfight, we start with some strict pull-up work and some overhead pushing with dumbbell rows. Monday's workout is a face-paced workout for time with dumbbell STOH pull-ups and double unders.
Strength:
A) Every 75secs x 6 - 3 Strict Pull Ups
B) Every 90secs x 10 - Alt between 15 Incline Chest Support Rows & Half kneeling DB Press
Conditioning:
Park run
into
4 rounds
15 DB STOH
10 Pull-ups
30 DU
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we are progressing our back squats with an easier tempo, followed by two partner workouts. Can you match your time from the first workout to the second workout?
Strength:
Every 2mins x 5 - 3 Tempo Back Squats @20X1
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP in Pairs
750m row
6 widths suitcase walking lunge
30 TTB
rest 3 mins
For time, your score in reverse order!
Wednesday:
Midweek, we get stuck into some incline bench pressing, along with some direct lat and tricep accessory work, followed by a very short, very fast workout.
Strength:
A) Incline Tempo Bench Press - 12/10/8/6/4 @30X1
B) Every 90secs x 6 Alt between 15 DB Skull Crushers & 10 Forearm Banded Plank Rows
Conditioning:
30 - 20 -10
Wall Balls
Cal Ski
Thursday:
Thursday is a strongman's dream. It includes an axel bar deadlift and sandbag loading, followed by a strength workout with the sandbags.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Axel Bar Deadlift (Building) Min 2) Rest
B) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Sandbag to Box (Building) Min 2) Rest
Conditioning:
6-minute window
2 rounds
1 lap sandbag carry
10 sandbag reverse lunges
AMRAP burpees to target
rest 2 mins x 2
Friday:
Friday, we finish the week with a heavy cluster followed by a very leggy workout! Enjoy!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90secs x 6 - 1 Cluster
Conditioning:
28mins - Thrusters, Box Jumps and Assualt Bike!
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 ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
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. 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
Sunday - Group Long Run
Our runners will be on the beach track today for our group long run. If you'd like to join please email db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: 300m on the beach track
Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
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. This week we will be running 2000m into 400m repeats. Ensure to pick up the pace on the 400s.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a durability set. Which entails a block of 10 mins at the start and end of the sesison that you should be running at 9/10 effort. Make sure that the running in the middle of the session is nice and easy to allow for the intensity at the end.
Sunday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run
Easy and steady long run with the community. The route is out and back along the beach track, so you can run as much or as little as you like.
Monday:
This week at Innerfight, we start with some strict pull-up work and some overhead pushing with dumbbell rows. Monday's workout is a face-paced workout for time with dumbbell STOH pull-ups and double unders.
Strength:
A) Every 75secs x 6 - 3 Strict Pull Ups
B) Every 90secs x 10 - Alt between 15 Incline Chest Support Rows & Half kneeling DB Press
Conditioning:
Park run
into
4 rounds
15 DB STOH
10 Pull-ups
30 DU
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we are progressing our back squats with an easier tempo, followed by two partner workouts. Can you match your time from the first workout to the second workout?
Strength:
Every 2mins x 5 - 3 Tempo Back Squats @20X1
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP in Pairs
750m row
6 widths suitcase walking lunge
30 TTB
rest 3 mins
For time, your score in reverse order!
Wednesday:
Midweek, we get stuck into some incline bench pressing, along with some direct lat and tricep accessory work, followed by a very short, very fast workout.
Strength:
A) Incline Tempo Bench Press - 12/10/8/6/4 @30X1
B) Every 90secs x 6 Alt between 15 DB Skull Crushers & 10 Forearm Banded Plank Rows
Conditioning:
30 - 20 -10
Wall Balls
Cal Ski
Thursday:
Thursday is a strongman's dream. It includes an axel bar deadlift and sandbag loading, followed by a strength workout with the sandbags.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Axel Bar Deadlift (Building) Min 2) Rest
B) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Sandbag to Box (Building) Min 2) Rest
Conditioning:
6-minute window
2 rounds
1 lap sandbag carry
10 sandbag reverse lunges
AMRAP burpees to target
rest 2 mins x 2
Friday:
Friday, we finish the week with a heavy cluster followed by a very leggy workout! Enjoy!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90secs x 6 - 1 Cluster
Conditioning:
28mins - Thrusters, Box Jumps and Assualt Bike!
ENGINE
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
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
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
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. This week we will be running 2000m into 400m repeats. Ensure to pick up the pace on the 400s.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a durability set. Which entails a block of 10 mins at the start and end of the sesison that you should be running at 9/10 effort. Make sure that the running in the middle of the session is nice and easy to allow for the intensity at the end.
Sunday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: Long Run
Easy and steady long run with the community. The route is out and back along the beach track, so you can run as much or as little as you like.
Monday:
This week at Innerfight, we start with some strict pull-up work and some overhead pushing with dumbbell rows. Monday's workout is a face-paced workout for time with dumbbell STOH pull-ups and double unders.
Strength:
A) Every 75secs x 6 - 3 Strict Pull Ups
B) Every 90secs x 10 - Alt between 15 Incline Chest Support Rows & Half kneeling DB Press
Conditioning:
Park run
into
4 rounds
15 DB STOH
10 Pull-ups
30 DU
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we are progressing our back squats with an easier tempo, followed by two partner workouts. Can you match your time from the first workout to the second workout?
Strength:
Every 2mins x 5 - 3 Tempo Back Squats @20X1
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP in Pairs
750m row
6 widths suitcase walking lunge
30 TTB
rest 3 mins
For time, your score in reverse order!
Wednesday:
Midweek, we get stuck into some incline bench pressing, along with some direct lat and tricep accessory work, followed by a very short, very fast workout.
Strength:
A) Incline Tempo Bench Press - 12/10/8/6/4 @30X1
B) Every 90secs x 6 Alt between 15 DB Skull Crushers & 10 Forearm Banded Plank Rows
Conditioning:
30 - 20 -10
Wall Balls
Cal Ski
Thursday:
Thursday is a strongman's dream. It includes an axel bar deadlift and sandbag loading, followed by a strength workout with the sandbags.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Axel Bar Deadlift (Building) Min 2) Rest
B) EMOM x 10 - Min 1) Sandbag to Box (Building) Min 2) Rest
Conditioning:
6-minute window
2 rounds
1 lap sandbag carry
10 sandbag reverse lunges
AMRAP burpees to target
rest 2 mins x 2
Friday:
Friday, we finish the week with a heavy cluster followed by a very leggy workout! Enjoy!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90secs x 6 - 1 Cluster
Conditioning:
28mins - Thrusters, Box Jumps and Assualt Bike!
ENGINE
50 min AMRAP of Rowing, Ski Erg and Running!
GYMNASTICS
On Tuesday morning, we’ll dial in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities are welcome!
HYROX
There are two weeks left until Sharjah. This is a race simulation in which we will take on a full HYROX. It can be done individually or in pairs, and the run distance can be changed.
MOBILITY
PURE STRENGTH
In Pure Strength this week, we are kicking off the week with some strict press work followed by dumbbell flys and supinated barbell rows. On Wednesday, we are hitting a 20-rep max on the RDL, aiming to progress from last week before getting in some single-leg work and some core and pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are working on the snatch in weightlifting. This is a technique-based session. We are getting used to squatting with the barbell overhead and finishing with some heavy front squats. Do not miss out!
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email rf@innerfight.com
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. 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
Sunday - Group Long Run
Our runners will be on the beach track today for our group long run. If you'd like to join please email db@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: 300m on the beach track
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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