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
40 minutes of continuous engine work. Bring your running shoes, we will do a machine waterfall format with a run at the end of each round.
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
Working on your efficiency during the 8 stations: how to save energy and when to push. No running this week.
MOBILITY
We continue with thoracic & overhead mobility but are now moving it into more exercises that can replicate the positions, such as an overhead squat.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in pure strength, we have a new block of training focused on single-leg lower body strength and hip thrusts as our accessory. Wednesday, we begin our DB press progressions along with some shoulder hypertrophy.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focused on some Tall variations of the clean and Jerk. Then, hitting a heavy clean push press and jerk complex followed by a tough EMOM
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Track Tuesday
A threshold workout today, 400m all the way up to 1.2km. Great for all runners.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
A prep ride for T100, steady power into surges!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Supersets! A hard surge of speed super set with a longer but lower intensity block. A good run to build run IQ and do with friends.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
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 8 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. The efforts are slightly longer in duration this week, but only 3x instead of 4x, so that we can maintain great quality.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
Yes, we are back on the track! Today we will be running 400s up to 1200s at 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 shuttle runs through the park behind InnerFight (approx 100m). This is a short and explosive session with plenty of rest (300m). Aim for 8, 10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week you are running hard for 1 minute into a tempo hold of 5 mins. Following a 3 min recovery, you will repeat this sequence 5x.
Friday - Sunday
All weekend
Location: Khorfakkan
Session: LRC Training Camp
This weekend we will host our first ever LRC Training Camp. There will be a combination of running and relaxing. We look forward to training with you.
Monday:
Strength:
Building to a 1 Rep Max Bench Press
Conditioning:
50 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
40 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
30 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
Tuesday:
Strength:
Barbell Tempo RDLs
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
6 Deadlift (120/80)
9 Box jump over
12/9 cal Row
rest 3 mins
x3
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Handstand Push Ups
B) Weighted Pull Ups
Conditioning:
2 rounds
Park Run
12 pull-ups
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
half park run
12 Pull-ups
3 wall walks
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
Pool Run
12 pull-ups
3 wall walks
20 push press (2 x 50/30)
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Complex
B) Build to a Max Power Clean
Conditioning:
5 Rounds for time
10 Power clean (60/40)
10 burpee over the bar
14 Min TC
Friday:
Strength:
Build to a heavy Thruster!
Conditioning:
8 Rounds of fun with a KB, The Ski and Sandbags!
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
Track Tuesday
A threshold workout today, 400m all the way up to 1.2km. Great for all runners.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
A prep ride for T100, steady power into surges!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Supersets! A hard surge of speed super set with a longer but lower intensity block. A good run to build run IQ and do with friends.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
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 8 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. The efforts are slightly longer in duration this week, but only 3x instead of 4x, so that we can maintain great quality.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
Yes, we are back on the track! Today we will be running 400s up to 1200s at 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 shuttle runs through the park behind InnerFight (approx 100m). This is a short and explosive session with plenty of rest (300m). Aim for 8, 10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week you are running hard for 1 minute into a tempo hold of 5 mins. Following a 3 min recovery, you will repeat this sequence 5x.
Friday - Sunday
All weekend
Location: Khorfakkan
Session: LRC Training Camp
This weekend we will host our first ever LRC Training Camp. There will be a combination of running and relaxing. We look forward to training with you.
Monday:
Strength:
Building to a 1 Rep Max Bench Press
Conditioning:
50 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
40 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
30 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
Tuesday:
Strength:
Barbell Tempo RDLs
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
6 Deadlift (120/80)
9 Box jump over
12/9 cal Row
rest 3 mins
x3
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Handstand Push Ups
B) Weighted Pull Ups
Conditioning:
2 rounds
Park Run
12 pull-ups
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
half park run
12 Pull-ups
3 wall walks
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
Pool Run
12 pull-ups
3 wall walks
20 push press (2 x 50/30)
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Complex
B) Build to a Max Power Clean
Conditioning:
5 Rounds for time
10 Power clean (60/40)
10 burpee over the bar
14 Min TC
Friday:
Strength:
Build to a heavy Thruster!
Conditioning:
8 Rounds of fun with a KB, The Ski and Sandbags!
ENGINE
40 minutes of continuous engine work. Bring your running shoes, we will do a machine waterfall format with a run at the end of each round.
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
Working on your efficiency during the 8 stations: how to save energy and when to push. No running this week.
MOBILITY
We continue with thoracic & overhead mobility but are now moving it into more exercises that can replicate the positions, such as an overhead squat.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in pure strength, we have a new block of training focused on single-leg lower body strength and hip thrusts as our accessory. Wednesday, we begin our DB press progressions along with some shoulder hypertrophy.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focused on some Tall variations of the clean and Jerk. Then, hitting a heavy clean push press and jerk complex followed by a tough EMOM
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: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
This Monday we will be holding that Tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 8 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. The efforts are slightly longer in duration this week, but only 3x instead of 4x, so that we can maintain great quality.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
Yes, we are back on the track! Today we will be running 400s up to 1200s at 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 shuttle runs through the park behind InnerFight (approx 100m). This is a short and explosive session with plenty of rest (300m). Aim for 8, 10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week you are running hard for 1 minute into a tempo hold of 5 mins. Following a 3 min recovery, you will repeat this sequence 5x.
Friday - Sunday
All weekend
Location: Khorfakkan
Session: LRC Training Camp
This weekend we will host our first ever LRC Training Camp. There will be a combination of running and relaxing. We look forward to training with you.
Monday:
Strength:
Building to a 1 Rep Max Bench Press
Conditioning:
50 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
40 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
30 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
Tuesday:
Strength:
Barbell Tempo RDLs
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
6 Deadlift (120/80)
9 Box jump over
12/9 cal Row
rest 3 mins
x3
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Handstand Push Ups
B) Weighted Pull Ups
Conditioning:
2 rounds
Park Run
12 pull-ups
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
half park run
12 Pull-ups
3 wall walks
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
Pool Run
12 pull-ups
3 wall walks
20 push press (2 x 50/30)
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Complex
B) Build to a Max Power Clean
Conditioning:
5 Rounds for time
10 Power clean (60/40)
10 burpee over the bar
14 Min TC
Friday:
Strength:
Build to a heavy Thruster!
Conditioning:
8 Rounds of fun with a KB, The Ski and Sandbags!
ENGINE
40 minutes of continuous engine work. Bring your running shoes, we will do a machine waterfall format with a run at the end of each round.
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
Working on your efficiency during the 8 stations: how to save energy and when to push. No running this week.
MOBILITY
We continue with thoracic & overhead mobility but are now moving it into more exercises that can replicate the positions, such as an overhead squat.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in pure strength, we have a new block of training focused on single-leg lower body strength and hip thrusts as our accessory. Wednesday, we begin our DB press progressions along with some shoulder hypertrophy.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focused on some Tall variations of the clean and Jerk. Then, hitting a heavy clean push press and jerk complex followed by a tough EMOM
Track Tuesday
A threshold workout today, 400m all the way up to 1.2km. Great for all runners.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
A prep ride for T100, steady power into surges!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Supersets! A hard surge of speed super set with a longer but lower intensity block. A good run to build run IQ and do with friends.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
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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