.svg){kind=icon}
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
8 min AMRAPS with some different dance moves for Engine this week!
GYMNASTICS
We will go upside down again, but this time with HSPU, followed by pull-up progressions. We will finish with some strength work.
HYROX
This week, we hit Half a Hyrox broken down into intervals, with rest!
MOBILITY
Mobility is Back! We will improve on the positions we need fixing from end-of-year testing. Simple hip & ankle mobility & glute stability/activation were big. With overhead stability being much needed, we will start to focus on this.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we have banded deadlifts and some Bulgarian split squats. On Wednesday, we hit the banded bench press and progress the loading on this and the banded row.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting we are focused on the Hang Snatch, with some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex and some Pulls.
.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 - Long Ride
Saturday long ride is usually 100km long or around 3 - 3.5hrs. It's a ride catered for moderate to advanced cyclists. Please reach out to rf@innerfight.com if you have any questions.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
.jpg)
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
Please note there is no Morning session this week.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 8 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x3. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
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 800m repeats that build in 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. The session is 100m efforts through the park with a 300m recovery.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be looking to dial into
2mins @ 8RPE, followed 9mins @ 6RPE. Repeating the sequence 3x gives you plenty of opportunity to find your rhythm.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dubai Creek
Location: TBC
This week we will be at the DCS 10km and half marathon race. Warm-up location and details will be shared in WhatsApp.
This week at Innerfight, we start working on those overhead squat positions, followed by lunging and rowing in the workout.
On Tuesday, we have some clean and jerk barbell cycling, a pair of short, sharp, classic CrossFit-style workouts, and then some assault
bike intervals. We are back squatting heavily on Wednesday before some tough single leg in the workout. Thursday, we have a nice
gymnastics skill session followed by a partner workout, and on Friday, we finish the week with a Long Therapy WOD!
Monday:
Strength:
Over Head Squats
Conditioning:
Every 4 mins x 5 Complete
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
20/15 cal Row
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
Tuesday:
Strength:
Complex Power Clean + Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
15-12-9
Chest to Bar
Power Clean (60/40)
rest 3 mins
21-15-9
Pull Ups
Push Press (45/35kg)
Wednesday:
Strength:
Back Squat
Conditioning:
In a 4 Minute Window with 2mins rest x 4
1 Lap Car Park KB Farmers Carry
10 KB Box Stepovers
15 Burpee to Target
AMRAP
Goblet Squats
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Double Unders
B) Toes to Bar
C) Russian KB Swings
Conditioning:
21 min AMRAP with a Partner
6 Wall walks
30 Deadlift (60/40)
30 Cal Ass bike
30 Cal Ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
30min AMRAP - 4 movements that when put together make an epic workout!
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 - Long Ride
Saturday long ride is usually 100km long or around 3 - 3.5hrs. It's a ride catered for moderate to advanced cyclists. Please reach out to rf@innerfight.com if you have any questions.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
Please note there is no Morning session this week.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 8 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x3. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
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 800m repeats that build in 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. The session is 100m efforts through the park with a 300m recovery.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be looking to dial into
2mins @ 8RPE, followed 9mins @ 6RPE. Repeating the sequence 3x gives you plenty of opportunity to find your rhythm.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dubai Creek
Location: TBC
This week we will be at the DCS 10km and half marathon race. Warm-up location and details will be shared in WhatsApp.
This week at Innerfight, we start working on those overhead squat positions, followed by lunging and rowing in the workout.
On Tuesday, we have some clean and jerk barbell cycling, a pair of short, sharp, classic CrossFit-style workouts, and then some assault
bike intervals. We are back squatting heavily on Wednesday before some tough single leg in the workout. Thursday, we have a nice
gymnastics skill session followed by a partner workout, and on Friday, we finish the week with a Long Therapy WOD!
Monday:
Strength:
Over Head Squats
Conditioning:
Every 4 mins x 5 Complete
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
20/15 cal Row
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
Tuesday:
Strength:
Complex Power Clean + Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
15-12-9
Chest to Bar
Power Clean (60/40)
rest 3 mins
21-15-9
Pull Ups
Push Press (45/35kg)
Wednesday:
Strength:
Back Squat
Conditioning:
In a 4 Minute Window with 2mins rest x 4
1 Lap Car Park KB Farmers Carry
10 KB Box Stepovers
15 Burpee to Target
AMRAP
Goblet Squats
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Double Unders
B) Toes to Bar
C) Russian KB Swings
Conditioning:
21 min AMRAP with a Partner
6 Wall walks
30 Deadlift (60/40)
30 Cal Ass bike
30 Cal Ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
30min AMRAP - 4 movements that when put together make an epic workout!
ENGINE
8 min AMRAPS with some different dance moves for Engine this week!
GYMNASTICS
We will go upside down again, but this time with HSPU, followed by pull-up progressions. We will finish with some strength work.
HYROX
This week, we hit Half a Hyrox broken down into intervals, with rest!
MOBILITY
Mobility is Back! We will improve on the positions we need fixing from end-of-year testing. Simple hip & ankle mobility & glute stability/activation were big. With overhead stability being much needed, we will start to focus on this.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we have banded deadlifts and some Bulgarian split squats. On Wednesday, we hit the banded bench press and progress the loading on this and the banded row.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting we are focused on the Hang Snatch, with some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex and some Pulls.
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: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Mobility and Tempo
AM Session:
Please note there is no Morning session this week.
PM Session: This evening we will have our Tempo Run, which will be 8 mins at 7/10 and 3 mins recovery.
x3. Aim to keep a 7/10 effort on each block of work.
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 800m repeats that build in 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. The session is 100m efforts through the park with a 300m recovery.
Friday
Brief time: 5:54am
Start Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be looking to dial into
2mins @ 8RPE, followed 9mins @ 6RPE. Repeating the sequence 3x gives you plenty of opportunity to find your rhythm.
Sunday
Time: 06:00
Session: Dubai Creek
Location: TBC
This week we will be at the DCS 10km and half marathon race. Warm-up location and details will be shared in WhatsApp.
This week at Innerfight, we start working on those overhead squat positions, followed by lunging and rowing in the workout.
On Tuesday, we have some clean and jerk barbell cycling, a pair of short, sharp, classic CrossFit-style workouts, and then some assault
bike intervals. We are back squatting heavily on Wednesday before some tough single leg in the workout. Thursday, we have a nice
gymnastics skill session followed by a partner workout, and on Friday, we finish the week with a Long Therapy WOD!
Monday:
Strength:
Over Head Squats
Conditioning:
Every 4 mins x 5 Complete
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
20/15 cal Row
10 DB Overhead Alt Reverse Lunges (50/35)
Tuesday:
Strength:
Complex Power Clean + Push Press + Push Jerk
Conditioning:
15-12-9
Chest to Bar
Power Clean (60/40)
rest 3 mins
21-15-9
Pull Ups
Push Press (45/35kg)
Wednesday:
Strength:
Back Squat
Conditioning:
In a 4 Minute Window with 2mins rest x 4
1 Lap Car Park KB Farmers Carry
10 KB Box Stepovers
15 Burpee to Target
AMRAP
Goblet Squats
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Double Unders
B) Toes to Bar
C) Russian KB Swings
Conditioning:
21 min AMRAP with a Partner
6 Wall walks
30 Deadlift (60/40)
30 Cal Ass bike
30 Cal Ski
Friday:
Strength:
A) Ring Rows
B) Wall Balls + Goblet Wall Sit
Conditioning:
30min AMRAP - 4 movements that when put together make an epic workout!
ENGINE
8 min AMRAPS with some different dance moves for Engine this week!
GYMNASTICS
We will go upside down again, but this time with HSPU, followed by pull-up progressions. We will finish with some strength work.
HYROX
This week, we hit Half a Hyrox broken down into intervals, with rest!
MOBILITY
Mobility is Back! We will improve on the positions we need fixing from end-of-year testing. Simple hip & ankle mobility & glute stability/activation were big. With overhead stability being much needed, we will start to focus on this.
PURE STRENGTH
On Monday in Pure Strength, we have banded deadlifts and some Bulgarian split squats. On Wednesday, we hit the banded bench press and progress the loading on this and the banded row.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in Weightlifting we are focused on the Hang Snatch, with some snatch balance, a Heavy Snatch complex and some Pulls.
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 - Long Ride
Saturday long ride is usually 100km long or around 3 - 3.5hrs. It's a ride catered for moderate to advanced cyclists. Please reach out to rf@innerfight.com if you have any questions.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location : BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
Sunday - DCS Half Marathon
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
.jpg)
.webp)
.jpg)
.webp)
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
