Ready to Run, UAE?

As the city gets ready to hit the ground running this Friday for the 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, Arti Dani catches up with a few Dubai runnersto find out what makes them pound the pavement

Over the last few years, Dubai has positioned itself as a serious health conscious city. Every weekend, during the race season, you will see a different kind of sporting event taking place in the city. 
Many expats with no sporting background have turned into athletes while continuing with their full-time jobs. Running is fast becoming a popular form of sport in the UAE. People of different age groups and body sizes are enjoying the benefits of running which not only helps them stay fit but also keeps their mental well-being in check. 
With the 20th edition of the Standard Chartered Marathon (SCDM) taking place this Friday, January 25, runners from across the globe will be taking part in the 42.195 km run along Jumeirah Road. 
We met some inspiring runners from Dubai who have played a significant role in changing the landscape of running in the city.
Here's what they shared with us:
 
 
 
 

Lee Ryan
. Age: 36
. Profession: Endurance Coach and Captain of Adidas Runners, Dubai. Lee is also a 5x Guinness world record holder. He will run his 8th Dubai Marathon this year. 
. Running with daughters in a stroller:After my most recent record in the marathon, more people asked me how I kept my two young girls in the pram and happy for nearly 4 hours. If I am honest, I still don't quite know how it all happened. Some days we can go to the mall, and they won't stay quiet for 10 minutes before throwing up a screaming tantrum. The process of me running with the stroller, came from me wanting to run and wanting to do what I can to help my wife get some rest post-birth. I also had the mindset of children who from a young age are giant sponges taking in all the new things around them. They are a pure product of their environment. It is a good thing if they see, hear and, feel how happy their mum and dad are and relate it to health and exercise. Now they love it and always want to go out. The only problem is now, as they grow, they get heavier which means harder work for dad!
Running and diet routine:I tend to run every day. Running for me isn't always about running to win. I run to think, destress, relax. I am a different person if I can start my day with a run, the pure pleasure it brings, and the energy received from sunrise gets me ready for the day. I enjoy the process. Food wise, I am not super strict. You can't be super tight when you have a family, but we do eat healthy ensuring minimally processed food from jars and cans and lots of water and fruit. I eat to fuel the body, but I never eat bland food. I love food, I like to cook. I do most of the grocery shopping and cooking in the house. I feel proud and it's a big reward to know I am keeping the family healthy, but if I want some chocolate or some sweets to cure my sweet tooth, I will have it. Life is about balance. 
 
Savita KapooR
. Age: 45 years
. Profession: Administrative manager and a homemaker
. Resume: I have done one full marathon, seven half marathons, two duathlons, lost the count of 10km and 5 km!
What she thinks of the Dubai Marathon:Dubai Marathon is one the most famous runs of the year. Each year thousands of people participate in this race. The Dubai Marathon is a special event for the city, and because of this run, I can call myself a Marathoner. Last year, I completed my first full marathon, and it was a great sense of achievement for me. Running a full marathon is not a walk in the park, but it is your determination and can-do attitude which helps you to conquer all your fears. The support from my club, Dubai Creek Striders, not only helped to achieve my dream of completing a full marathon but also changed me as a person. When I crossed that finish line, it was the most emotional moment of my life.
Daily routine:I wake up at 4:45am and first do everything to send my kids to school. Since I work along with my husband, I help him with his office work from both office and home. I manage my children's studies, being a mother of twin boys itself is full-time work, but I have involved my children into running with me as well. It is a difficult task to balance running and family, but when you get support from family members, everything becomes very easy. I get a lot of help from my husband and children. My children are proud that their mom runs. 
How many kilometers did I run last year: I ran 1322km last year, and I intend to run at least 2000km or more this year.
 
Elizabeth
Routley-Driver
. Age: 63 yrs
. Profession: Midwife but now CHRO for GHP ME
Resume: Marathons: 37 (first in 1991- London), Half marathons: lost count, Ultras: 4 and the first lady in UAE to complete the BIG SIX
. What she thinks of the Dubai Marathon:
I am always training, and I consider the Dubai Marathon as an extension of the weekly run by my club, Dubai Creek Striders. It is a friendly, local event. I think it needs a lot more support from investors to put it on the global agenda of top running events.
Running culture in the UAE:When I arrived in 1983, we had a few hockey and rugby clubs and very few running clubs (if any). No running events at all. My first running event was the Terry Fox 10 km race that started me on the path of running. I feel so blessed to be able to take part, to join in the events with so many running buddies. Watching others achieve makes me so happy and gives me the determination to keep pushing.
What's next:London Marathon in April, Comrades Ultramarathon in June, Vietnam mountain marathon in September and possibly Dorset coastal marathon in December (Mongolia marathon in 2020).
 
Deirdre Mc Ardle
. Age: 43
. Profession: Governess
. Running resume: I've participated in 8 marathons to date, and SCDM 2019 is my 3rd in the UAE. I have also done 12 half marathons in different parts of the world.
Thoughts on the Dubai Marathon: The Dubai Marathon is a fast, flat course run. The main difficulty is the heat. The course is a double loop for 30/32k so that can be psychologically bashing, but there are no excuses! You have to respect your training. Most of us run in the heat all year round, so our bodies are accustomed to the temperature and humidity. We know the warning signals to slow down. It doesn't matter if you run a 2-hour marathon or 5,  we all get the same medal, so it's important to keep focused and slow down when necessary.
Why I love running:Running is part of my life. I took a big jump leaving my family, secure job and beloved country in 2014 but I had my runners in my backpack, so I was safe in the knowledge that once I got out for a run, everything would be ok. And it still is. The running community is a big part of my life. It's like having a second family and support system. Running keeps me grounded, fit, and happy.
 
 
 
 
 

Ram Sadhvani
. Age: 45 yrs
. Profession:  Electromechanical contractor
. Running resume: 16 full marathons, few more half marathons, back-to-back (uphill and downhill) Comrades - 90km race in South Africa
Thoughts on Dubai Marathon: I find it the cheapest and easiest marathon to do with no flights, no hotels, no visas, no time off from work required. Just drive your car to start and back home after. Also in no other race will you know about 50-60 people running the race around you. Because of the loops around the Beach Road, you will always have someone running next to or on the opposite side of you. And of course, the whole course is known and gauged well. All this is much ahead in par from running an international marathon where you will be by yourself or maybe 2-3 known people.
Why I love marathons:Running marathons has made me much more humble and calm. I have met so many awesome and like-minded people which is the biggest drive for me in this sport. I have been into sports all my life, but those were nothing compared to this.
Daily routine:My regular bedtime is 8.30-9pm and wake up time is 4-4.15am including weekends. I workout six days a week but with different disciplines to keep variation in muscles being used (helps with recovery, keeps me away from injury). I also try to maintain a healthy diet, but honestly I do fail a few times because of the love of the good stuff which might not always be healthy.
How many kilometers did he run/cycle/swim last year:Running - 2750km, Cycling - 3000 km, Swimming - 250km
arti@khaleejtimes.com