Get set sprint
THE TEAM FROM SHARJAH LADIES CLUB’S FITNESS 180 IS PUMPED UP TO TAKE ON THE XDUBAI SPARTAN RACE
Stretch those muscles and get your limbs moving for the Xdubai Spartan Race is to be held next week — Friday, Nov.10. Dubbed as the first ever Spartan Middle East Championship, the race is not your average local marathon. It is an obstacle race, the kind the region has seldom witnessed before and takes place at Hatta Oman. If you’re thinking fitness pro after reading this, chase that thought out of the window, for the challenge is meant for rookies and advanced runners alike.
There are three types of races for adults depending on its length and number of obstacles — Spartan Sprint for beginners, Spartan Super for those looking to step out of their comfort zones and finally Spartan Beast (the name says it all), which packs in more than 30 signature Spartan obstacles. The obstacles include mud, fire, walls and barbed wire. There’s a race for kids under 14, too, with an emphasis on teamwork, fun and getting dirty in the mud.
Representing Sharjah is a dynamic group from
Sharjah Ladies Club, which has been sweating it out to achieve optimum fitness levels. We caught up with Elaine Superio, Manager at Fitness 180 and leader of the team, to get intel on their prep for the big day. Read on!
The Xdubai Spartan Race is here. What motivated the Fitness 180 team to enrol for it?
We would like to represent all our women and Fitness 180 in this UAE championship. Our gym and Sharjah Ladies Club is known only in this part of the Emirate and we would like to spread awareness, both of our brand and female participation, at fitness events like these.
Is the all-ladies team from Fitness 180 the only such team participating at the race?
Yes, we are glad that we will be the only all-women group participating at the event. In our group, we have two Emirati instructors who will be joining us.
There are various types of races open for participants. Which one is your team partaking in?
Since we are all first timers, we will join the Spartan Sprint category. This is to check the difficulty level and accordingly plan for the near future, when we start involving other members.
How is the team priming for the big day?
The team is comprised of all trainers who are busy with personal training and group fitness classes. We train individually and try to meet up every Friday in Dubai to attend the Spartan Workout tour.
What are the guidelines and tips to be followed before an obstacle race?
Study the race course - I have been reviewing the past UAE Spartan race videos and asking some previous participants to get a fair idea on what to expect.
Acclimatisation - this is very important too. We are participating in the 9.45am - 1pm course. Though November is almost winter time, but it will still be hot due to the time of the day.
Improve your fitness level - We may not be able to replicate the course exactly, but putting the body through obstacles and challenges similar to what we will experience prepares them for the actual event.
Prepare mentally
Some people would think that obstacle races are purely physical. It is very important to understand that along with the pressure of the race, mental agility, fitness level and teamwork are big factors in making the race successful.
What are the benefits that one derives from such kinds of races?
Fitness and Camaraderie. These are the two main reasons why we are joining the Spartan race. The adrenaline rush and sense of achievement when you finish the race is unparalleled.
Any plans of expanding your team to include other clients of Sharjah Ladies Club in the future?
Definitely.
What is the message your team wants to deliver through its participation?
Do not limit yourself. You can have fun and workout at the same time. Learn something new and never stop challenging yourself.