Guest: Abdulla AlShehhi, First Emirati Runner to complete all 6 World Major Marathons, Brand Ambassador of Under Armour Middle East, Runner for VitaminwellUAE & has completed 15 marathons

Date: 09th May, Time: 15:30 GST

Contact info for Abdulla AlShehhi

Instagram: @abdullabinhajar Ambassador @underarmourme
Runner @vitaminwelluae Summary of the conversation - Abdulla AlShehhi, the First Emirati Runner to complete all 6 World Major Marathons, shared insights into his journey during the podcast.

- He recounted his upbringing in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, and how he turned to running to overcome overweight and lead a healthier lifestyle.

- Reflecting on his first 10km event in 2014, he expressed his passion for running, often accompanied by his love for coffee.

- Abdulla described the euphoria and mental clarity he experiences after a good run, likening it to a healthy drug that clears his mind and leaves him feeling positive.

- Recalling his first marathon experience at the Dubai Marathon, Abdulla highlighted the importance of gradual progression in training and event participation.

- He discussed the significance of completing 6 World Major Marathons, including Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, London, and Boston, and the support he received from his family and community throughout his journey.

- Emphasizing the importance of setting goals, visualizing success, and listening to his body, Abdulla shared his favorite marathon experiences, particularly Tokyo, for its unique atmosphere.

- Despite facing challenges during the New York Marathon, Abdulla pushed through fatigue and proudly raised the UAE flag at Central Park.

- He expressed his admiration for fellow runners and his commitment to continuing his global marathon journey.

- Sharing insights into his training routine, diet, and role as a brand ambassador for Vitamin Wells, Abdulla stressed the importance of recovery, stretching, and quality sleep.

- Looking ahead, he plans to tackle ultra marathons and obstacle course races.

- Representing Under Armour resonates with Abdulla's personal values, alongside his passion for Anime, music, and favourite Under Armour gear.

- He concluded by offering advice and encouragement to the UAE running community, emphasizing perseverance and balance in pursuit of their goals. He also stressed the importance of believing in yourself.

Thank you for the podcast.

Guest: Alaa Akawi Episode Name: Beyond Boundaries, From Grit to Greatness: Alaa Akawi's Adventures in OCR, Hybrid Fitness, and Beyond

Host: RA George (The Race Space Podcast)

Contact info for Alaa Akawi

Instagram - @alaa_akawi https://tinyurl.com/yj5vjrh8

Artology Creative - A creative video content production boutique in Dubai

IG @artologycreativedxb https://tinyurl.com/2u9s7ybh

Website - https://artologycreative.com/

email - info@artologycreative.com

Summary of the conversation

• Alaa Akawai, a top-tier athlete, discussed his upbringing, breakdancing passion, and OCR journey on the Race Space Podcast.

• He highlighted his transition from OCR to Hybrid Fitness, emphasising the importance of a positive mindset and feeling good during workouts.

• Alaa shared insights on different UAE OCR events like the Desert Warrior Challenge, Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, and Ice Warrior Challenge.

• Project 19:59, Alaa's accomplishment, was discussed along with fellow athletes, trainers, and coaches.

• He stressed the need for OCR directors to revamp the sport to reignite enthusiasm among athletes.

• Alaa explained Hybrid Fitness and its distinction from OCR, focusing on feeling good during workouts.

• His podium finish at the Hyrox event in Dubai was detailed, including family support and coach guidance.

• Alaa shared training strategies, peak performance identification, and preparation for the upcoming Hyrox event in Qatar.

• He recounted a challenging moment at a DEKA FIT event and how he overcame it.

• The importance of sleep, nutrition tips, and the role of coffee in his routine were discussed.

• Alaa's venture, Artology Creative, was explained, emphasizing the significance of video and animated content in 2024.

• He shared insights on AI's impact on Artology Creative and highlighted business areas the company focuses on.

• Alaa's passion for breakdancing, inspiration, and final words to listeners were also covered, along with his participation in the Primal Race.

Thank you for the podcast.

Guest: Dana Matar

Episode Name: Beyond the Trail, Summiting Peaks & Inspiring Lives Through Trail Running

Guest: Dana Matar

Host: RA George (The Race Space Podcast)

Contact info for Dana Matar

Instagram: @dana.runsultras ⁠https://tinyurl.com/2j4vet9a⁠

Co-founder and director of Peak Sports

Peak Sports website: ⁠https://peakssports.com/⁠

Peak Sports WhatsApp group - ⁠https://chat.whatsapp.com/JK3wPAZ8mPlLUvTq1FtPPO⁠

Email ⁠info@peakssports.com⁠

• Al Qudra Trail Race 22 March 2024 - Registration Link here ⁠https://my.raceresult.com/279812/⁠

• Use the code QUDRA15 to avail of the voucher discount valid until March 15.

• Shawka Hump Race 04th Edition - 03rd November 2024

⁠Women Play Sports⁠ featuring Dana Matar: “Endurance Unleashed”

⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssZTQhKGang⁠

Summary of the conversation

• Dana, extended a warm welcome to listeners, acknowledging the beginning of Ramadan Kareem.
• She advised listeners to prioritize listening to their bodies and focusing on better health during Ramadan.
• Dana shared her journey from being an architect to pursuing ultra-running events with her company, Peak Sports Events, after moving to Dubai over a decade ago.
• She discussed how she merged her passion and skills effectively.
• Dana recounted her active childhood, which included scouting and hiking.
• She shared her experiences in ultra trail running, highlighting two particularly memorable events.
• Dana discussed the challenges and rewards of trail running in Oman.
• She expressed her aspirations in ultra running, including completing a 100-mile run.
• Dana talked about the history of Peak Sports and mentioned her co-founder, Samer, who also founded Trail Running DXB.
• She shared the principles of trail running and its positive impact on the community.
• Dana discussed the Showka Hump Race in Wadi Showka, UAE, emphasizing safety measures and the evolution of the event.
• She outlined the requirements for ultra running and information provided during race briefings.
• Dana mentioned her incorporation of architectural skills into event organization.
• She talked about the GOAT Trail races in Dubai, including race formats and international participation.
• Dana discussed challenges faced during event organization, such as border security checks.
• She shared details about upcoming events at Al Qudra and Peak Sports' tracking system.
• Dana offered predictions for event finishing times and discussed the influence of coaching on performance.
• She shared tips for mental resilience and compared local and overseas athletes.
• Dana offered advice for creating dominant world champions in ultra trail running and emphasized the importance of athlete feedback and branding.
• She discussed her passion for music and offered advice to aspiring athletes.
• Dana expressed thoughts on accepting cryptocurrencies for event payments.
• She concluded the podcast by thanking the community for their support in her trail running journey.

Thank you for the podcast