Lebanese expat takes up physical challenge for his son

Dubai - Farid has another goal in mind: To finish the XDubai Spartan Race

A father's desire to spend more time and keep pace with his toddler's playfulness has motivated a formerly obese dad to shed at least 30kg of extra weight in the past three months.
"I was diagnosed obese," 40-year-old Lebanese expat Farid Abou Rjeily, tells Khaleej Times. "I felt sluggish and I easily get tired after playing with my son for five or 10 minutes," adds the property manager and event DJ, who used to weigh 130kg in his 5 feet and 8 inches body frame.
"Then it dawned on me - this (tiredness) must not continue. My three-year-old son, Tadgh, is at his growing up years. It's not fair on him and not fair for me that I remain inactive. So, I decided to take on a healthier lifestyle," Farid shares.
Back in July this year and with support from Spartan Race Arabia, Farid enrolled in a physical programme at Fitness First. Aside from being healthy and spending more time with his son, Farid's other motivation is to participate at the gruelling XDubai Spartan Race, where he has been playing as a DJ since its inception in 2014.
"I always found it funny that the only person not exerting any physical activity at the race is the big fat DJ. But the truth is, it was depressing. Don't get me wrong, I loved every moment of being able to DJ, but many times I'd feel left out," he sighs.
But everything has now changed. With his strong determination and big inspiration, Farid has been hitting the gym six times a week - two times under the supervision of a trainer and four times on his own - spending an hour and 30 minutes per session. He has also inspired his wife to take on the 30X30 Dubai Fitness Challenge. 
"I immediately felt the positive result - in the first three weeks, I dropped 6kg and I've never felt more energetic. Now Farid has another goal in mind: To finish the XDubai Spartan Race, organised by the Dubai Sports Council and presented by Dubai Holding happening on Friday in Hatta.
Farid will join in the Spartan Open Sprint, a 5km+ endurance test composed of 20 obstacles such as rope climb, monkey bars, spear throw, Z-wall and jump over fire at the finish line after crawling and crossing mud and water along the slope of Hatta mountains. His prediction: "I will be at the finish line."
angel@khaleejtimes.com
 

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