Last One Standing
A Trail Racing Experience Like No Other
For most races, there’s a clear endpoint—a set distance we train for, visualize, and break down with familiar markers like “just five loops of the track” or “a parkrun to go.” Last One Standing (L1S) was something different.
Twelve hours. Maximum distance around a 7.5 km loop. On technical trails. With a steep climb and descent right in the middle. The excitement was palpable as we arrived at the Hub in Hatta that morning. Runners from all across Dubai’s trail running community had gathered, and InnerFight Endurance (IFE) was no different—we had ten runners in the race. For some, it was a training opportunity for bigger events later in the season; for others, it was their first trail race ever!
3, 2, 1…GO! We were off. The humidity was high, and as it eventually subsided, the sun came in strong, turning up the heat. Conditions got tougher, and it was amazing to watch how our athletes adjusted. They simply adapted—no complaints, no defeatist comments, just smiles and determination.
Loop after loop passed, and the IFE gazebo became a pitstop oasis. Jamie and Jeff, who had given up their day to support us, kept everything running smoothly. Bottles were changed, food supplies were restocked, and before we knew it, they had us back on the course for "just one more loop."
As the final hour approached and the sun began to set, I was time-capped halfway around the course at the highest point, marked by an illuminated “HATTA” sign. There, I met Fahad, who had just completed his first trail race. He’d covered nearly 58 km and looked as fresh as he did at the start.
When we returned to the start/finish area, hugs, high-fives, and stories filled the air. It’s funny—nobody cared how far anyone ran. It wasn’t about the distance; it was about the experience. We shared stories of climbs, descents, funny falls, nutrition mishaps, and everything in between. It’s that shared depth of experience that makes trail and ultra racing so unique and fulfilling.
This is why I love trail racing, ultra-racing, and the community we build around it. It makes us better athletes, yes, but also better humans. Every race, every loop, and every shared moment makes us all just a little better at life.
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ENGINE
Lower-intensity work this week is the base of all strong engines! Sore from hell week? You can use this to increase blood flow and recover to end the week strong.
GYMNASTICS
We focus on the infamous bar muscle and the Handstand push-up in gymnastics. As always, we break down the skills, and these sessions are for all levels!
HYROX
Find a friend and partner up with today’s partner, HYROX. We have either full or half-hyprox options, and you can split the workload between you.
MOBILITY
Carrying on with our overhead mobility/stability. We will then work on opening our hips at the end of the session.
PURE STRENGTH
We have our final week of this block in Pure Strength. We will max out our strict Press and Back squat and introduce some heavy hip hinges and dumbbell bench presses as an introduction to the next training cycle.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are focused on the Squat Snatch in weightlifting. Hitting a heavy hang and low hang complex and finishing up with some heavy snatch pulls
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Monday Ride
Some threshold efforts to kick off the week! 5 X 4minutes today.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Repetition speed work this week. Come along for the newly laid sport city track to practice running FAST!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
Some building intervals into peak power sprints. A fun session this week for power development.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Fartlek style run into reducing tempo efforts. A great tempo run for every runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
Saturday Ride
Our weekly long ride. Nutrition and hydration are very important during these longer rides. If you aren't confident taking turns at the front, speak to lead coach Rob Foster.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
This Monday we will be holding that Tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. See if you can keep that feeling for all 4 rounds.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: InnerFight
Session: Track Tuesday
Today we will be running 400s and 200s on the track. Fluctuating between 10km and 3km pace. A chance to work hard with the wider endurance community and coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
Todays intervals are 1kms and 500ms. The aim is to run the 500s fast, but keep that quality on the last 1KM still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
After some strides we will be holding the tempo blocks for a longer duration this week. Time to make the most of the cooler weather in Dubai.
Sunday
Time: 6am
Location: Super Sports Race, Mushrif Park
Session: 5km, 10km, HM Race
Coach Steph will be with the LRC Team at the Super Sports race this weekend.
It's Hell week, and you know what that means: epic workouts that anyone can do. These will test you both physically and mentally! Keep an eye on your community WhatsApp group for workout clues!
For most races, there’s a clear endpoint—a set distance we train for, visualize, and break down with familiar markers like “just five loops of the track” or “a parkrun to go.” Last One Standing (L1S) was something different.
Twelve hours. Maximum distance around a 7.5 km loop. On technical trails. With a steep climb and descent right in the middle. The excitement was palpable as we arrived at the Hub in Hatta that morning. Runners from all across Dubai’s trail running community had gathered, and InnerFight Endurance (IFE) was no different—we had ten runners in the race. For some, it was a training opportunity for bigger events later in the season; for others, it was their first trail race ever!
3, 2, 1…GO! We were off. The humidity was high, and as it eventually subsided, the sun came in strong, turning up the heat. Conditions got tougher, and it was amazing to watch how our athletes adjusted. They simply adapted—no complaints, no defeatist comments, just smiles and determination.
Loop after loop passed, and the IFE gazebo became a pitstop oasis. Jamie and Jeff, who had given up their day to support us, kept everything running smoothly. Bottles were changed, food supplies were restocked, and before we knew it, they had us back on the course for "just one more loop."
As the final hour approached and the sun began to set, I was time-capped halfway around the course at the highest point, marked by an illuminated “HATTA” sign. There, I met Fahad, who had just completed his first trail race. He’d covered nearly 58 km and looked as fresh as he did at the start.
When we returned to the start/finish area, hugs, high-fives, and stories filled the air. It’s funny—nobody cared how far anyone ran. It wasn’t about the distance; it was about the experience. We shared stories of climbs, descents, funny falls, nutrition mishaps, and everything in between. It’s that shared depth of experience that makes trail and ultra racing so unique and fulfilling.
This is why I love trail racing, ultra-racing, and the community we build around it. It makes us better athletes, yes, but also better humans. Every race, every loop, and every shared moment makes us all just a little better at life.
Monday Ride
Some threshold efforts to kick off the week! 5 X 4minutes today.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Repetition speed work this week. Come along for the newly laid sport city track to practice running FAST!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
Some building intervals into peak power sprints. A fun session this week for power development.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Fartlek style run into reducing tempo efforts. A great tempo run for every runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
Saturday Ride
Our weekly long ride. Nutrition and hydration are very important during these longer rides. If you aren't confident taking turns at the front, speak to lead coach Rob Foster.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
This Monday we will be holding that Tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. See if you can keep that feeling for all 4 rounds.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: InnerFight
Session: Track Tuesday
Today we will be running 400s and 200s on the track. Fluctuating between 10km and 3km pace. A chance to work hard with the wider endurance community and coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
Todays intervals are 1kms and 500ms. The aim is to run the 500s fast, but keep that quality on the last 1KM still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
After some strides we will be holding the tempo blocks for a longer duration this week. Time to make the most of the cooler weather in Dubai.
Sunday
Time: 6am
Location: Super Sports Race, Mushrif Park
Session: 5km, 10km, HM Race
Coach Steph will be with the LRC Team at the Super Sports race this weekend.
It's Hell week, and you know what that means: epic workouts that anyone can do. These will test you both physically and mentally! Keep an eye on your community WhatsApp group for workout clues!
ENGINE
Lower-intensity work this week is the base of all strong engines! Sore from hell week? You can use this to increase blood flow and recover to end the week strong.
GYMNASTICS
We focus on the infamous bar muscle and the Handstand push-up in gymnastics. As always, we break down the skills, and these sessions are for all levels!
HYROX
Find a friend and partner up with today’s partner, HYROX. We have either full or half-hyprox options, and you can split the workload between you.
MOBILITY
Carrying on with our overhead mobility/stability. We will then work on opening our hips at the end of the session.
PURE STRENGTH
We have our final week of this block in Pure Strength. We will max out our strict Press and Back squat and introduce some heavy hip hinges and dumbbell bench presses as an introduction to the next training cycle.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are focused on the Squat Snatch in weightlifting. Hitting a heavy hang and low hang complex and finishing up with some heavy snatch pulls
For most races, there’s a clear endpoint—a set distance we train for, visualize, and break down with familiar markers like “just five loops of the track” or “a parkrun to go.” Last One Standing (L1S) was something different.
Twelve hours. Maximum distance around a 7.5 km loop. On technical trails. With a steep climb and descent right in the middle. The excitement was palpable as we arrived at the Hub in Hatta that morning. Runners from all across Dubai’s trail running community had gathered, and InnerFight Endurance (IFE) was no different—we had ten runners in the race. For some, it was a training opportunity for bigger events later in the season; for others, it was their first trail race ever!
3, 2, 1…GO! We were off. The humidity was high, and as it eventually subsided, the sun came in strong, turning up the heat. Conditions got tougher, and it was amazing to watch how our athletes adjusted. They simply adapted—no complaints, no defeatist comments, just smiles and determination.
Loop after loop passed, and the IFE gazebo became a pitstop oasis. Jamie and Jeff, who had given up their day to support us, kept everything running smoothly. Bottles were changed, food supplies were restocked, and before we knew it, they had us back on the course for "just one more loop."
As the final hour approached and the sun began to set, I was time-capped halfway around the course at the highest point, marked by an illuminated “HATTA” sign. There, I met Fahad, who had just completed his first trail race. He’d covered nearly 58 km and looked as fresh as he did at the start.
When we returned to the start/finish area, hugs, high-fives, and stories filled the air. It’s funny—nobody cared how far anyone ran. It wasn’t about the distance; it was about the experience. We shared stories of climbs, descents, funny falls, nutrition mishaps, and everything in between. It’s that shared depth of experience that makes trail and ultra racing so unique and fulfilling.
This is why I love trail racing, ultra-racing, and the community we build around it. It makes us better athletes, yes, but also better humans. Every race, every loop, and every shared moment makes us all just a little better at life.
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
This Monday we will be holding that Tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. See if you can keep that feeling for all 4 rounds.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: InnerFight
Session: Track Tuesday
Today we will be running 400s and 200s on the track. Fluctuating between 10km and 3km pace. A chance to work hard with the wider endurance community and coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
Todays intervals are 1kms and 500ms. The aim is to run the 500s fast, but keep that quality on the last 1KM still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
After some strides we will be holding the tempo blocks for a longer duration this week. Time to make the most of the cooler weather in Dubai.
Sunday
Time: 6am
Location: Super Sports Race, Mushrif Park
Session: 5km, 10km, HM Race
Coach Steph will be with the LRC Team at the Super Sports race this weekend.
It's Hell week, and you know what that means: epic workouts that anyone can do. These will test you both physically and mentally! Keep an eye on your community WhatsApp group for workout clues!
ENGINE
Lower-intensity work this week is the base of all strong engines! Sore from hell week? You can use this to increase blood flow and recover to end the week strong.
GYMNASTICS
We focus on the infamous bar muscle and the Handstand push-up in gymnastics. As always, we break down the skills, and these sessions are for all levels!
HYROX
Find a friend and partner up with today’s partner, HYROX. We have either full or half-hyprox options, and you can split the workload between you.
MOBILITY
Carrying on with our overhead mobility/stability. We will then work on opening our hips at the end of the session.
PURE STRENGTH
We have our final week of this block in Pure Strength. We will max out our strict Press and Back squat and introduce some heavy hip hinges and dumbbell bench presses as an introduction to the next training cycle.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we are focused on the Squat Snatch in weightlifting. Hitting a heavy hang and low hang complex and finishing up with some heavy snatch pulls
Monday Ride
Some threshold efforts to kick off the week! 5 X 4minutes today.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Repetition speed work this week. Come along for the newly laid sport city track to practice running FAST!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
Some building intervals into peak power sprints. A fun session this week for power development.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Fartlek style run into reducing tempo efforts. A great tempo run for every runner.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
Saturday Ride
Our weekly long ride. Nutrition and hydration are very important during these longer rides. If you aren't confident taking turns at the front, speak to lead coach Rob Foster.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
For most races, there’s a clear endpoint—a set distance we train for, visualize, and break down with familiar markers like “just five loops of the track” or “a parkrun to go.” Last One Standing (L1S) was something different.
Twelve hours. Maximum distance around a 7.5 km loop. On technical trails. With a steep climb and descent right in the middle. The excitement was palpable as we arrived at the Hub in Hatta that morning. Runners from all across Dubai’s trail running community had gathered, and InnerFight Endurance (IFE) was no different—we had ten runners in the race. For some, it was a training opportunity for bigger events later in the season; for others, it was their first trail race ever!
3, 2, 1…GO! We were off. The humidity was high, and as it eventually subsided, the sun came in strong, turning up the heat. Conditions got tougher, and it was amazing to watch how our athletes adjusted. They simply adapted—no complaints, no defeatist comments, just smiles and determination.
Loop after loop passed, and the IFE gazebo became a pitstop oasis. Jamie and Jeff, who had given up their day to support us, kept everything running smoothly. Bottles were changed, food supplies were restocked, and before we knew it, they had us back on the course for "just one more loop."
As the final hour approached and the sun began to set, I was time-capped halfway around the course at the highest point, marked by an illuminated “HATTA” sign. There, I met Fahad, who had just completed his first trail race. He’d covered nearly 58 km and looked as fresh as he did at the start.
When we returned to the start/finish area, hugs, high-fives, and stories filled the air. It’s funny—nobody cared how far anyone ran. It wasn’t about the distance; it was about the experience. We shared stories of climbs, descents, funny falls, nutrition mishaps, and everything in between. It’s that shared depth of experience that makes trail and ultra racing so unique and fulfilling.
This is why I love trail racing, ultra-racing, and the community we build around it. It makes us better athletes, yes, but also better humans. Every race, every loop, and every shared moment makes us all just a little better at life.
For most races, there’s a clear endpoint—a set distance we train for, visualize, and break down with familiar markers like “just five loops of the track” or “a parkrun to go.” Last One Standing (L1S) was something different.
Twelve hours. Maximum distance around a 7.5 km loop. On technical trails. With a steep climb and descent right in the middle. The excitement was palpable as we arrived at the Hub in Hatta that morning. Runners from all across Dubai’s trail running community had gathered, and InnerFight Endurance (IFE) was no different—we had ten runners in the race. For some, it was a training opportunity for bigger events later in the season; for others, it was their first trail race ever!
3, 2, 1…GO! We were off. The humidity was high, and as it eventually subsided, the sun came in strong, turning up the heat. Conditions got tougher, and it was amazing to watch how our athletes adjusted. They simply adapted—no complaints, no defeatist comments, just smiles and determination.
Loop after loop passed, and the IFE gazebo became a pitstop oasis. Jamie and Jeff, who had given up their day to support us, kept everything running smoothly. Bottles were changed, food supplies were restocked, and before we knew it, they had us back on the course for "just one more loop."
As the final hour approached and the sun began to set, I was time-capped halfway around the course at the highest point, marked by an illuminated “HATTA” sign. There, I met Fahad, who had just completed his first trail race. He’d covered nearly 58 km and looked as fresh as he did at the start.
When we returned to the start/finish area, hugs, high-fives, and stories filled the air. It’s funny—nobody cared how far anyone ran. It wasn’t about the distance; it was about the experience. We shared stories of climbs, descents, funny falls, nutrition mishaps, and everything in between. It’s that shared depth of experience that makes trail and ultra racing so unique and fulfilling.
This is why I love trail racing, ultra-racing, and the community we build around it. It makes us better athletes, yes, but also better humans. Every race, every loop, and every shared moment makes us all just a little better at life.
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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