So you joined the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon last October and you’re here because you want to improve your performance. We believe that there are no shortcuts when it comes to improving your running performance – however, following these 7 tips will definitely help you perform better in your next half marathon race. 

1. Set a Specific Goal 

Before you do any training, you should have a specific goal in mind. Do you want to set a personal record or do you just want to finish the race? Having a clear goal in mind is crucial so you can adjust your training plan accordingly. To be able to set specific goals, you must be aware of your performance. What was your last half marathon pace? How fast did you finish? Analyze your performance in the previous Mai Dubai City Half Marathon so you know which areas you want to focus on. 

2. Do Long Runs 

Long runs will be your best friend if you want to improve your half marathon performance. Long runs are for building up your endurance levels and will benefit you as a runner both mentally and physically. To improve your half marathon performance, you should do long runs at a steady and slower pace to build up and maintain your endurance. We suggest going for a long run at least 2x per week. If you’re an experienced half marathon runner, you could gradually increase your weekly long run to a half marathon distance to improve your endurance level further.

3. Improve Your Eating Habits 

How was your diet before you ran the previous Mai Dubai City Half Marathon? If you think your eating habits weren’t necessarily good last time, it’s time to reconsider your diet now. Your eating habits weeks or even months before your half marathon race has a significant effect on your half marathon performance. Make sure that you’re consuming enough protein to build stronger muscles and consume the right amount and types of carbohydrates. If you can have access to a dietician, it is best to consult a dietitian who specializes in sports performance to make sure you are getting the macro and micronutrients your body needs. 

4. Join More Running Events

If you really want to improve your half marathon performance, we strongly recommend joining as many running events in Dubai as possible. This will help you train and improve your performance for the next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

If you want to prepare for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon at DIFC on October 29th, we invite you to join the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon at Yas Island Abu Dhabi this May 7th! Register now.

5. Embrace the Hills 

Hill running is extremely beneficial for enhancing your strength, speed and endurance which will result in significant improvements on your race performances. Hill running will also help you develop your cardiovascular system and with only six weeks of regular hill training, you’ll see a significant improvement in your power and speed and perform much better in the next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon.  

6. Follow a Training Plan 

Burnout and lack of motivation can arise if you do the same training workouts over and over again. Mix and match your workouts by tossing in some of your favorite cross-training activities or any exercises you enjoy. You could also change your running locations and discover more running tracks around Dubai to renew your motivation. When creating or choosing a plan, remember to go with one that targets the specific distance you want to train for which is a half marathon. 

7. Run with friends 

Did you run alone at the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon? We suggest running with some friends next time. Running with someone during your training or during running events can help boost your confidence and make running even more fun. You can also join running groups in Dubai to help you stay motivated and be a part of a community. 

Want to join a race event in Dubai this 2023? Check out the best running events in the city below: 

Ramadan Mubarak Challenge

The Ramadan Mubarak Challenge, a virtual running event that promises to be a thrilling and fun experience for all participants will be held starting on 22nd March to 21st April 2023! With 2.5k, 5k, and 10k distances to choose from, this event caters to runners of all levels and abilities. Not only will you be able to challenge yourself and improve your fitness, but you’ll also be able to participate in a unique event that celebrates the spirit of Ramadan. Register here.

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon at Yas Island Abu Dhabi 

In honor of the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon’s 5th anniversary, we’re taking the action-packed race to Yas Island, and we want YOU to be a part of the excitement on May 7th, 2023. Register here. 

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon DIFC 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Dubai. The 5th anniversary edition of the MDCHM will be held on the 29th of October 2023. Register now and follow us at @promosevensports on Instagram to keep up with our latest announcements. 

Mai Dubai Community Run

The Mai Dubai Community Run previously called the Skechers Performance Run has 2.5 km, 5km, and 10km races available and it’s a family-friendly event which is great if you want to bring your family with you. The next race will take place on the 18th of March 2023. Register here. 

Palm West Beach Run

No city in Dubai has a better combination of nature, love of sport and iconic infrastructure for hosting a beach run than in Palm Jumeirah. Come and explore and experience Palm West Beach in a whole new way. 

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay was held last 9th February 2023. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the only corporate race in the world and anyone can enter as a team of 10 for a great team-building activity. 

Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar that is observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and engaging in other bodily pleasures. For distance runners, Ramadan can present a unique challenge as they have to adjust their training schedule to accommodate the fasting period.

Fortunately, with proper planning and preparation, it is possible to train for distance running safely during Ramadan. In this article, we will share some tips on how to do so, as well as promote an exciting event called the Ramadan Mubarak Challenge.

Tip #1: Adjust Your Training Schedule

One of the most important things you can do when training for distance running during Ramadan is to adjust your training schedule. Since fasting can cause fatigue and dehydration, it is recommended to avoid intense training sessions during the day. Instead, opt for low-intensity training such as jogging, walking, or yoga. Reserve your high-intensity training for after Iftar (the evening meal).

Tip #2: Stay Hydrated

During Ramadan, it is crucial to stay hydrated, especially if you are a distance runner. Try to drink as much water as possible during non-fasting hours, and consider consuming hydrating foods such as watermelon and cucumber during Iftar and Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal).

Tip #3: Listen to Your Body

It’s important to listen to your body when training during Ramadan. If you feel tired or weak, it’s okay to take a break and rest. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember that your body is going through a significant change during this month.

Tip #4: Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals is crucial during Ramadan, especially if you’re a distance runner. Ensure that you’re consuming enough calories to fuel your workouts, and try to eat a balanced diet consisting of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

Now that we’ve shared some tips on how to train for distance running safely during Ramadan let’s talk about an exciting event called the Ramadan Mubarak Challenge.

The Ramadan Mubarak Challenge is a virtual event that’s open to everyone and our aim is to encourage participants to stay active during Ramadan. The challenge includes running a 2.5k, 5k, and 10km during the month of Ramadan. It’s a great way to stay motivated and connected with other participants!

In conclusion, training for distance running during Ramadan can be challenging, but with proper planning and preparation, it is possible to do so safely. Additionally, participating in the Ramadan Mubarak Challenge is an excellent way to stay motivated and active during this sacred month while supporting a charitable cause. So why not register today and take on the challenge? Register here.

Want to join the best running events in Dubai? We got you! We organise the best running events in Dubai. Go check it out:

Mai Dubai Community Run

The Mai Dubai Community Run previously called the Skechers Performance Run has 2.5 km, 5km, and 10km races available and it’s a family-friendly event which is great if you want to bring your family with you.

Ramadan Mubarak Challenge

The Ramadan Mubarak Challenge, a virtual running event that promises to be a thrilling and fun experience for all participants will be held starting on 22nd March to 21st April 2023! With 2.5k, 5k, and 10k distances to choose from, this event caters to runners of all levels and abilities. Not only will you be able to challenge yourself and improve your fitness, but you’ll also be able to participate in a unique event that celebrates the spirit of Ramadan. Register here.

Mai Dubai City Half Marathon 

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in Dubai. The 5th anniversary edition of the MDCHM will be held on the 29th of October 2023. Register now and follow us at @promosevensports on Instagram to keep up with our latest announcements. 

Palm West Beach Run

No city in Dubai has a better combination of nature, love of sport and iconic infrastructure for hosting a beach run than in Palm Jumeirah. Come and explore and experience Palm West Beach in a whole new way. 

Bloomberg Square Mile Relay 

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay was held last 9th February 2023. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is the only corporate race in the world and anyone can enter as a team of 10 for a great team-building activity. 

So the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is coming soon and you want to make sure you perform your best. If you haven’t been feeling well after your run or during your run – you might be doing something wrong. Here we’ll discuss the proper running form, breathing techniques, & other factors to help you avoid the most common running mistakes.

1. Trying to progress too quickly. 

Let’s say you’re a new runner and you want to run in the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon this year. Instead of jumping right into 10-mile runs and potentially burning out, start with a manageable short term goal based on your current fitness. Always start with creating a SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-oriented) goal – this will help you ensure that you’re not overtraining or undertraining. Start slowly and steadily build up your mileage. Also, don’t forget to take at least 1 full rest day per week. Whatever you do, don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember that running should always be fun! 

2. Warming up incorrectly. 

Whether you should stretch before or after a run is a hot-debated topic. Most experts claim that it’s best to do it both before and after. If you’re stretching before a run, you need to make sure that you’re doing dynamic stretching wherein you do a stretch that you don’t hold for too long. This is because, before a run, your muscles aren’t warmed up yet so static stretching could actually damage your muscles. Find what works for you but make sure you’re doing something to get your body moving before your run and cool down afterwards with some static stretches. 

3. Incorrect running posture.

Leaning too far back or slumping too far over is considered a bad running form. If you’re using incorrect posture as you’re running, you’ll be getting neck, shoulder, and lower back pain and feel tired faster. Always keep a straight upright posture when you run. You can have a slight forward lean and you also want a relaxed arm wing with elbows flexed around 90 degrees. When your arms are in the right position, it helps you run more efficiently. 

4. Your breathing is off.

Do you know about coupled breathing? Coupled breathing is breathing in a certain rhythm as you run – this can help you breathe more efficiently. The most effective pattern you can use is, to take 2 steps, inhale then take another 2 steps and exhale. This type of breathing will reduce the effort of breathing and fatigue during running. 

5. Avoiding cross-training. 

Many running injuries are a result of muscular imbalances and underdeveloped back and abdominal muscles. This is why you always need strength to help you run more efficiently and prevent injuries. The only way to have a strong core is to incorporate strengthening and stabilization exercises in your training routine. Cross-training is valuable because it will allow you to avoid burnout and strengthen your weak spots. 

6. Inadequate refueling.

We all know that diet plays a significant role in your running performance. You need to consume high protein muscles to power your muscles and load up on carbs to fuel yourself. Water is also imperative in replacing your lost fluids, which is why you need to stay hydrated even if it might slow your time down a little bit. Check out this quick nutrition guide for runners to know which foods are best to eat before, during and after your race. 

7. Wearing the wrong shoes. 

It’s all about getting a pair of shoes that works for you! If it hurts to run in your shoes then you probably have the wrong shoes. Choose something that provides stability and comfort to help you avoid injuries and blisters. 

Want to get into the habit of running? Don’t worry, we can help you. Building a running habit is not easy, it takes a lot of commitment and patience. We understand that trying to build a habit of running in Dubai can be hard because of the hot weather. Here are the 6 best ways to make running a habit. 

1. Know your ‘Why’ and Set a SMART Goal 

Before anything else, you must ask yourself why you want to make running a habit. Is it because you want to lose weight? Prepare for a race? Have a healthier lifestyle? Whatever reason you have, you must identify it to use it as your overall motivation. Every time you feel like you can’t do it, your ‘why’ will be your reason to keep going. 

Setting a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Based) goal is also one of the most crucial steps you must take if you want to make running a habit. When your goal is unclear, you’re most probably going to fail. Here’s an example of a SMART Running Goal: 

My goal is to run at least 45 minutes, 3x a week (Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday) every 6 AM for the next 2 months so I could lose 5kg. 

It is proven that SMART goals provide a great sense of focus and direction which can hugely help you form consistent habits. 

2. Create a Checklist and a Plan

Don’t overcomplicate things. Some people immerse themselves in so many websites that they get overwhelmed with the things they need to do. 

• How fast should I run? 
• How long should I run? 
• What should I eat when running? 
• How frequently should I exercise? 

When you search for running tips online, you will get different answers. Therefore, you must answer the questions above by yourself. What do you think is the distance you can run and be consistent with? What food makes you feel better and energized? Remember, everyone is different. Create your own checklist and plan to make it easier to stick with. If you’re unsure on where to start, search for a beginners plan and customize it based on your preference. 

3. Sign Up for a Race 

Signing up for a race can be scary but we’re here to tell you that it’s one of the most powerful ways to keep yourself motivated to run. Once you pay for the race, you’ll want to make it to the event and finish the race so you don’t waste your money. Signing up in a race will also give you a specific date to look forward to which will help you create a more detailed plan and schedule.

The Mai Dubai City Half Marathon will be back this 30th of October 2023! First time hearing about the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon? Well, it’s one of the biggest running events in the city. Register early before tickets get sold out!

The Mai Dubai Community Run previously called the Skechers Performance Run will be held on the 18th of March 2023. There will be 2.5km, 5km, and 10km races available. Challenge yourself and register today! This is a great opportunity for you to achieve your running goals and receive an award when you finish the race.

4. Track Your Progress and Reward Yourself 

Tracking your progress is key to being consistent. There’s nothing more rewarding than looking back at how far you have already come. To track your progress, you can use a tracking app or any app that allows you to track your running progress. If you’re a beginner in running, it’s important to remember that progress takes time. If you feel like your progress is too slow, don’t give up. Slow progress is better than no progress at all.

5. Don’t Let a Bad Day Stop You 

It’s normal to have those days when you feel like you don’t want to run. It’s either you’re too tired, injured, lost a loved one, or busy with work. Whatever it is, don’t let it stop you from achieving your running goals. Even the best runners out there are not perfect, so stick with your plan and be patient. You’ll achieve those running goals in no time. 

1. Energy boost 

Ask runners why they enjoy running and the most common answer you’ll get is “endorphin rush”. Running can boost your mood and bring a smile to your face due to those natural feel-good chemicals that your body produces. This feeling is mostly known as ‘runners high’. 

2. Weight loss

Running is an intense cardio workout that can help shed excess calories across your whole body. Running at least 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 175 calories according to Harvard Health Publishing. If you already achieved your ideal weight, running will also be great for maintaining it as it improves metabolism and encourage muscle growth.

3. Live longer 

Runners can live longer than those who don’t. Multiple studies also suggest that having poor cardio fitness is more deadly than smoking. This is why a lot of health professionals recommend running to  help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart attacks. 

4. Boost memory 

Running has been shown to keep cognitive abilities from declining and can help guard against Alzheimer’s disease. A 10-minute cardio session can help produce a protein called cathepsin-B which improves learning and memory function. 

5. Enjoy nature

Unlike going to the gym where you are stuck in one place, running provides you with the opportunity to explore beautiful places and enjoy the fresh air around you. You can also save money since you won’t be paying for a gym membership.

6. Glowing skin

When you run, you sweat, and you remove the dirty toxins in your body. Running also increases collagen production and blood circulation which translates to a more glowy and radiant complexion!

7. Sleep better 

There has been solid evidence that running for two weeks significantly improves your sleep quality. However, experts suggest avoiding running an hour before bed as it can negatively affect your sleeping pattern.

8. Relieve stress

When life gives you stress make running a habit. Running can help release endorphins that will make you feel happy and relaxed. Running also gives you the chance to be alone with your thoughts which is effective for treating stress and anxiety. 

9. Meet new friends 

Running is a trendy physical activity that serves as a bridge to meet other like-minded people. Whether you join a running club or just run across your neighbourhood, chances are you’ll bump into runners who can turn into lifelong friends. If you joined us in the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon last year, you probably met a lot of new runners and you can’t deny that it’s one of the best things when joining an event!

10. Confidence boost

Having a running goal and accomplishing it can boost your confidence. But the feeling you get when you finish a race still hits differently! 

Dubai, Get Ready to Run! The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is Back!

The thrill of pounding the pavement, the camaraderie of a united team, and the breathtaking Dubai skyline – it’s that time of the year again! The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is making a triumphant return to Dubai on Thursday, 15th February 2024, and this is an invitation you won’t want to miss.

What’s the Buzz All About?

The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is not your ordinary race; it’s a celebration of teamwork, corporate camaraderie, and a dash of healthy competition. Picture this: one team, ten runners, each covering a mile of the spectacular course weaving through the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the iconic Gate Building. It’s a unique blend of athleticism and team spirit that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Why Should You Join?

1. Team Building Like Never Before

• Strengthen the bonds with your colleagues as you unite in a common goal.
• Foster teamwork, communication, and a sense of shared achievement.

2. Unmatched Scenic Route

• Experience Dubai’s iconic skyline like never before, with the race winding through the heart of DIFC.
• Navigate challenging turns and bends, making each mile a memorable adventure.

3. Post-Race Revelry

• The excitement doesn’t end with the race! Join the post-race celebration at the DIFC Race Village.
• Enjoy live music, complimentary hospitality, and relish the triumphs with your team.

4. Exclusive for Bloomberg Clients

• This exclusive event is reserved for Bloomberg Clients, making it an excellent opportunity to showcase your company’s spirit.
• Don’t have an access code? Reach out to your Bloomberg contact or register your interest now!

How to Join the Fun?

Registering for the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is as simple as lacing up your running shoes! Gather your colleagues, form a team, and get ready to be part of an event that promises not just a race but an experience of a lifetime. Keep an eye out for registration details – they’ll be opening soon, and you wouldn’t want to miss your chance to be part of this corporate extravaganza.

Your Challenge Awaits!

Dubai, the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is not just a race; it’s a challenge waiting to be embraced. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-timer, this event is about more than crossing the finish line – it’s about conquering it together. Get ready to run, revel, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The Bloomberg Square Mile Relay is back, and the question is, are you ready to be a part of something extraordinary? Lace up, Dubai – the relay of a lifetime awaits!

Are you ready to lace up your running shoes and experience the thrill of a lifetime? The Expo City Dubai Half Marathon awaits, and here are five compelling reasons why you shouldn’t miss this extraordinary event.

1. Iconic Routes through Expo City

Imagine running through the heart of Expo City Dubai, surrounded by futuristic architecture and iconic pavilions. The Expo City Dubai Half Marathon offers runners a unique and picturesque route, showcasing the city’s grandeur. Whether you choose the 5K, 10K, or challenge yourself with the 21K, each stride will be a journey through this awe-inspiring landscape.

2. Unforgettable Race Day Atmosphere

The energy on race day is palpable and unmatched. Joining the Expo City Dubai Half Marathon means immersing yourself in a sea of passionate runners, enthusiastic spectators, and an overall atmosphere of camaraderie. The cheers, the encouragement, and the shared commitment to the run create an experience that goes beyond the miles.

3. Inaugural Run – Be Part of History

This year marks the inaugural Expo City Dubai Half Marathon, making it an event for the history books. By participating, you become part of the pioneering group that inaugurates this incredible run. Be the first to cross the finish line and leave your mark on the very first chapter of Expo City’s running legacy.

4. Fitness, Fun, and Personal Achievements

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, the Expo City Dubai Half Marathon offers a distance for everyone. Challenge yourself to a new personal best, set a fitness goal, or simply enjoy a day of active fun. With a range of distances – 5K, 10K, and 21K – you have the flexibility to choose the challenge that suits your fitness level and goals.

5. Memories That Last a Lifetime

Beyond the physical achievements, the Expo City Dubai Half Marathon creates memories that last a lifetime. Capture the moments of triumph, the shared laughter with fellow runners, and the sense of accomplishment as you cross the finish line. Whether you’re running solo or with a group, the memories created during this event will be cherished for years to come.

Don’t miss out on the Expo City Dubai Half Marathon – an event that combines the thrill of running with the beauty of Expo City. Register now, lace up, and get ready for a day filled with excitement, achievement, and unforgettable moments. See you at the starting line!

Running a 5K race is one of the most popular races around the world. But if you’re not prepared, you could end up hurting yourself or even worse, getting injured. If you’re planning to Read on to learn more about running a better 5K race!

1. Set a Goal and Work Towards It 

It is always important to set a goal before your race. Having a specific goal will help you prepare for the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon and experience your best 5k. Your goal will also serve as your motivation during race day. 

2. Focus on HIIT Training 

The five kilometers go by pretty fast, but this is also why a 5K run can be done at a very fast pace. HIIT training will help you train your lactate threshold on the day of the race which will allow you to run at high speeds for a longer period of time. 

3. Don’t Aim For a PB on Every Single Run 

Every run you do before your actual 5K run at the Community Run will help you improve your performance. However, we don’t suggest that you overdo yourself. Easy runs are a surprisingly effective way to build your fitness and although it’s tempting to drop these from your training, easy runs are very important for healing and being able to run more often, as well as for balancing out more intense stuff that will help you at the Community Run.

4. Build Up the Distance 

It’s not necessary to run the full 5k on your first training run. Try alternating running and walking and then work towards a continuous 5k run. If you overdo it, chances are you’ll get some serious injuries or experience burnouts early. This is also the reason why we tell runners to start training as early as possible for the 5K run at the Community Run. 

5. Choose the Right Diet 

Nutrition is a key part of any 5K training plan. The proper diet can mean the difference between a successful run and debilitating fatigue, so pay attention to what you’re putting in your body months prior to the Community Run. Avoid consuming foods that are high on the glycemic index which will cause your glucose levels to rise sharply. 

6. Take Rest Days 

Many beginning runners get swept up in the excitement of race training and train hard every day. We know that the Community Run is very exciting! However, not taking enough rest days will be a recipe for injuries and burnout so do yourself a favour and restrain yourself from workouts for at least one rest day a week to allow your body to rebuild and repair from your training.

Feeling low and unmotivated? It’s all good, it’s normal for runners to have those days. 

Here’s our advice to help you get back on track. 

Start with reading inspirational quotes to remind yourself why you run. Then, challenge yourself by joining a running event in Dubai. When you have an event to look forward to, you become motivated to run and prepare for the event.

60 Most Powerful Running Quotes to Keep You Motivated 

“If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it.” – Priscialla Welch

“In running, every step you make and every push forward changes you—it transforms you into a different person. Every single run adds something to you and then it also takes something away. You are not the same person you were at the starting line and by the time you cross the finish line, your inner self has been reinvented and reimagined.” – Zen of Running

“Good things come slowly, especially in distance running.” –  Bill Dellinger

“But I also realize that winning doesn’t always mean getting first place; it means getting the best out of yourself.” – Meb Keflezighi

“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.” –John Bingham

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, ”Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” – Muhammad Ali

“Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you’re not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you’re not demanding more from yourself – expanding and learning as you go – you’re choosing a numb existence. You’re denying yourself an extraordinary trip.” – Dean Karnazes

“Success isn’t how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” – Steve Prefontaine

“The pride in finishing a marathon is much greater than all the pain endured during the marathon.” – Hal Higdon

“If you can run six miles on a summer day, then you, my friend, are a lethal weapon in the animal kingdom.” – Christopher McDougall

“The longer and farther I ran, the more I realized that what I was often chasing was a state of mind – a place where worries that seemed monumental melted away, where the beauty and timelessness of the universe, of the present moment, came into sharp focus.” – Scott Jurek

“The reason we race isn’t so much to beat each other, but to be with each other.”— Christopher McDougall

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” – John Bingham

“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” –  Jesse Owens

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn

“You have to wonder at times what you’re doing out there. Over the years, I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.” – Steve Prefontaine

“Don’t run with your legs, run with your heart.” – Dean Karnazes

“If you train your mind for running, everything else will be easy.” –  Amby Burfoot

“When you run the marathon, you run against the distance, not against the other runners and not against the time.” – Haile Gebrselassie

“All you need is the courage to believe in yourself and put one foot in front of the other.” — Kathrine Switzer

“There are times when you run a marathon and you wonder, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But you take a drink of water, and around the next bend, you get your wind back, remember the finish line, and keep going.”– Steve Jobs

“Pain is the body’s way of ridding itself of weakness.” – Dean Karnazes

“Part of a runner’s training consists of pushing back the limits of his mind.” – Kenny Moore

“I always tell my athletes, don’t confuse difficulty with failure.” – Eric Orton

“Triumph over adversity that’s what the marathon is all about. Nothing in life can’t triumph after that.” – Kathrine Switzer

“Running is about finding your inner peace, and so is a life well lived.” – Dean Karnazes

You are truly your own hero in running. It is up to you to have the responsibility and self-discipline to get the job done.” – Adam Goucher

 “We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves.” – Roger Bannister

 “Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?” –  Peter Maher

“But I also realize that winning doesn’t always mean getting first place; it means getting the best out of yourself.” – Meb Keflezighi

“Running! If there’s any activity that is happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can’t think of what it might be.” – Joyce Carol Oates

 “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Muhammad Ali

“Nothing will work unless you do.” – Maya Angelou

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” – Jim Rohn

“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. Time will pass anyway.” – Earl Nightingale

“People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they’ll go to any length to live longer. But don’t think that’s the reason most people run. Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest.”–Haruki Murakami

“I always run without music. Being disconnected is what I’m addicted to more than anything. There aren’t many places where you can be without your phone and computer. I’ve started to crave and enjoy that time alone.” — Christy Turlington

“Running is the quickest endorphin hit I can get. I like to do it really early in the morning, before everyone gets up. It gives me a clear head and sort of resets the clock. It’s like, ‘OK, I got that out of the way. Now I can deal with people.’” — Julie Bowen

“Exercise is like meditation for me. And I’m giving myself that time . . . I cannot live without it now. When you have such a good workout, it clears everything up mentally, physically, and you just have a better day.” — Minka Kelly

 “It gave me a natural endorphin high, but it also helped me sleep, so it was perfect. It’s easy to understand how people replace addiction with exercise.” — Eminem

 “Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s not the end of the world and in many ways it’s the first step toward learning something better and getting better at it.” — Jon Hamm

“Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.” — Julie Isphording

“Be so good they can’t ignore you.” — Steve Martin

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.”— Napoleon Hill

 “Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow.”— Robert T. Kiyosaki

“The obsession with running is really an obsession with the potential for more and more life.” – George Sheehan

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”— Stephen R. Covey

“You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.”— Mahatma Gandhi

“Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running.”– Sarah Condor

“It’s very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.” – Dr. George Sheehan

“The benefits and opportunities of running are available to anyone. You don’t have to be born a natural athlete, and you don’t have to be uniquely gifted. A life-shaping experience is there for the taking, waiting right outside your door.”–Donald Buraglio

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.”— Vince Lombardi

 “In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure. ”— Bill Cosby

“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” — Oprah Winfrey

“You were born to win, but to be a winner you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”— Zig Ziglar

“It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard…is what makes it great!” –Tom Hanks

“I run because if I didn’t, I’d be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I run to breathe the fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run…to savor the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a little more intense. I like that.” – Dean Karnazes

Happy New Year! It’s officially 2024, have you set your running goals for this year? Probably not, that’s why you’re here. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to create your running goals this 2024. We’re going to help you step by step on how you can create smart goals and achieve them by the end of the year. 

Step 1: Specific 

If you really want to achieve your goals, you need to be specific. Don’t just say you want to run faster. Be specific as much as you can. For example, your goal can be to run a 5k under 30 minutes within 2 weeks. Another great example that’s very specific is to join a running event in Dubai either Mai Dubai City Half Marathon or the Mai Dubai Community Run.  

Step 2: Measurable 

Your goal also needs to be measurable – how will you get there? We suggest linking your goal to something that can be measurable: a race, a distance, a time, a pace, a number of days, etc. If you just say that you want to “eat healthier’, you won’t be able to easily tell if your goals have been achieved or not. 

Step 3: Achievable 

This is probably the hardest part of setting goals for a lot of runners. A lot of runners get too excited and set so many goals that aren’t realistic. You know yourself the most: make sure that you can reach your goal. If it’s too hard, you’ll get unmotivated, frustrated and eventually quit. Set long term goals and short term goals, this will make your goals less intimidating. Let’s say your goal is to join the next Mai Dubai City Half Marathon or the Mai Dubai Community Run, your short term goals should be something like: to do strength training 3x a week until the day of the half marathon. 

Step 4: Relevant 

Is your goal relevant to running? If not, then remove it from your list. Also, don’t just search for running goals and copy them. Your running goals need to be specific to you. Make sure that they match where you honestly are and where you could get by the end of the year. 

Step 5: Time-Bound 

A deadline is a must for every goal. Without a time frame, you may get distracted, lose motivation, or set new records for procrastination. Be honest with yourself and give yourself enough time to achieve your goals, but don’t drag it out too long either. If you’re planning to join the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon, make sure that you have enough time to train for it. 

How Do You Achieve Your Goals?

The greatest tip we always tell our runners is to believe in themselves. We know it’s corny, but it’s true. If you don’t believe that you’ll be able to achieve your goals that will affect your overall dedication and stop you from achieving your goals overall. You should also build strong habits related to your running goals. Once you’ve built the habit of something, it won’t feel like a burden any more. Next thing you know is you’ve already achieved your goal and you’ll be ready to join the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon. 

If one of your goals is to join a running event in Dubai, you’ve come to the right place because we know the best running events in Dubai. Join the events below and you’ll surely won’t regret it.