In The National's new series, Out of My Comfort Zone, writers explore ways in which they've pushed themselves, be it mentally, emotionally or physically, and reflect on what the experience has taught them
I’ve always enjoyed fitness. I was a gymnast as a child and have participated in various group classes since moving to Abu Dhabi a decade ago. But there’s always been one aspect that I’ve never liked – and that is running.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind cardio. I’ll do HIIT (high-intensity interval training) or cycling classes, but there’s just something about running that fills me with dread. So that’s why when my gym introduced a “social running club” on weekends, I tried to ignore it.
However, after being told by my nutritionist that I should incorporate more cardio into my fitness routine, I felt compelled to give it a try. Despite my discomfort and trepidation, I found myself one Saturday morning with my running shoes on and heading to the 1.2-kilometre indoor track in Abu Dhabi Summer Sports at Adnec.
It was an intimidating sight at first. Everyone else seemed to be genuinely loving it. We started by warming up as a group and were tasked with running a lap together before splitting up to go at our own pace. I hadn’t been running for a long time, evident as I struggled to keep up with the rest during the first lap.
Luckily, there was plenty of support from the coach, who gave me tips on how to control my breathing to fix my form to ensure I was using my energy in the best way. There was also plenty of encouragement from fellow runners, even if we weren’t running side by side.
After the first lap, I didn’t want to hold anyone back, so I decided to keep moving on my own because it felt like less pressure. I switched between jogging, walking and running – eventually making my way around the track three times. Sore and sweaty, I did it. I survived running.
What I've learnt
Sometimes things are scarier in our minds than in real life.
Afterwards, I felt really proud of myself for doing something that had long given me anxiety. I worried that maybe I’d embarrass myself because I wasn’t good at running, but it turns out I wasn’t the only one who needed breaks – stopping to walk when necessary.
On the track it quickly became apparent that no one is paying much attention or, frankly, cares about what others are doing unless it directly impacts them. So the nervousness was probably in my own head.
Would I do it again?
Not only would I, but I did. I returned for another session, although at a smaller indoor track with different members this time.
Since fewer people were at the venue, I now feel like maybe running in group settings isn’t so bad after all.
When the weather gets cooler, I might even attempt to find an outdoor route. While running still isn’t easy for me, the endorphins that come after make it worth it.
Want to try? What to know
No matter how bad you think you are at running, the only way to improve is by getting out there and trying.
Fitness trackers can help by recording your pace and time, making it easy to see progress the next time you run. While running doesn’t have to be a competition, it can be a useful way to measure your personal fitness gains.
On the more practical side, good trainers are important, as is proper stretching and cooling down. If you’re not used to running, the first time will feel difficult and you’ll be sore, which is not only expected but it’s normal.
After my first run, I posted my Whoop strain score of 13.1 on social media. A friend replied to say he was proud of me. When I told him, “I’d like to believe it gets easier,” he answered, “It doesn’t. You just get faster.” I hope he’s right.
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1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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Range: 400km
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Engine: Supercharged 6.2-litre V8
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What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
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Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
The Bio
Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”
Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”
Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”
Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
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- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
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Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
If you go:
Getting there:
Flying to Guyana requires first reaching New York with either Emirates or Etihad, then connecting with JetBlue or Caribbean Air at JFK airport. Prices start from around Dh7,000.
Getting around:
Wildlife Worldwide offers a range of Guyana itineraries, such as its small group tour, the 15-day ‘Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience’ which features Georgetown, the Iwokrama Rainforest (one of the world’s four remaining pristine tropical rainforests left in the world), the Amerindian village of Surama and the Rupununi Savannah, known for its giant anteaters and river otters; wildlifeworldwide.com
