UAE’s fastest woman finds it motivating
When Harriet Stewart moved to Dubai nine years ago, running tracks and parks were few and far between. But since then, the city has extended its offerings as far as fitness accessibility is concerned. And it’s that offering which has helped Stewart bag the title of the UAE’s fastest woman in the 100m.
Securing a time of 12.79 seconds back in 2015, to date, Stewart’s record has not been beaten here. But although the title may allude to the fact that fitness is part of her daily life, her exercise regime did fall by the wayside prior to the launch of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC).
“When I read about the DFC on social media, I was all for it. I knew I wanted to take part as my fitness regime fell off the radar because of work. This was my chance to get active again,” she told Khaleej Times.
The instant generation of followers the challenge garnered from the get-go was impressive, she said, adding that it just seemed so much more organised than other fitness initiatives that have launched across the city, throughout the years. “I think it’s that buzz that has got people motivated.”
Back in 2014, Stewart said she decided to make it a year of change. She wanted to restart her own fitness journey, and within a year, that’s when the title of the UAE’s fastest woman came about.
“I trained with a goal in mind. I wanted to get back in shape, as sprinting and gymnastics were a huge part of my life before. Then from there, the running just kind of took off,” Stewart said.
After competing in the Dubai Fitness Festival in 2015, Stewart ran the 100m race. She ran with an aim to beat her personal best, but what she did was beat everyone else’s too.
“When it comes to being active I think the success lies in how you mentally prepare yourself for a workout. If you don’t change your mindset you can get wrapped up in other things. I think that’s where I succeeded, I changed my mindset.”
And for her, the Dubai Fitness Challenge offers the perfect aid for change when it comes to those less familiar with a daily workout routine.
“Being one of the influencers of this challenge, I get a lot of questions about what is out there for people to try; from public workout zones to the types of fitness classes on offer. I help educate people about how to be a part of the challenge. The fact people are asking questions is great.”
And when it comes to finding the best workout for you, she said if you break it down into manageable chunks, that’s what will keep the “momentum up and your interest peaked”.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
When I read about the Dubai Fitness Challenge on social media, I was all for it. I knew I wanted to take part as my fitness regime fell off the radar because of work. This was my chance to get active again.”