I'm finally back from my 3-weeks vacation, but before I write about my trip, let me write about the recent Dubai Marathon 2023 which my colleagues and I have been training for since September. The Dubai Marathon 2023 finally came and coming back from a vacation sounds like a bad idea but I was surprised with my performance. Better than I expected, for real!
Dubai Marathon's New Location - Expo City Dubai
Compared to the previous years where it took place at Al Sufouh next to Burj Al Arab, this time it's in the Expo City instead. The race started near the Sustainability Parking and it goes through the outer roads of the Expo City. The course also passed through the Metro Link Bridge which is near the Dubai Exhibition Center.
The race then goes inside the Expo City after the 8th Kilometer. Seeing the pavilions after the closure of the Dubai Expo sent me on a trip down memory lane about all the good times we had back there. At the entrance of the Expo City right after the Dubai Exhibition Center is where the finish line is. The runners then collected their medals near the famous Al Wasl Dome which is just the perfect place to end the race.
Although the running course is exposed to the sun compared to Al Sufouh, I like the change of venue. There is a free pass from the Dubai Metro too and there are enough parking spaces for everyone. So it seems that the transportation and logistics arrangements were way better than the previous years. No more extra headaches during the day of the race, so you only needed to come.
Run Proper:
My first two kilometers started faster than my usual pace and I knew I already lost my momentum. With no other choice but to run, I saw my colleagues along the course. Some are ahead of me and some are behind me.
Water and energy drinks are well placed along the course but I only took a water break at the 3rd kilometer. A live band and a DJ were also there in between and it gave a lively feeling during the race. Coming back to focus during the run is quite a struggle, especially in an open shade route but the worst part is that my ribcage started to hurt at the 5th kilometer. Nevertheless, the plan of not stopping in between was followed and I still finished the race happily.
Run Result:
Despite the bad start (of running fast), I was over the moon with my result. I finished at 1hr, 14m, 41s (as per Mika timing) and it's 19 seconds below my goal! Another small win for me!
I know I still have a long way to go with my running journey but I'm happy with my improvements! Not only my personal best is improving but my training capabilities as well as my overall lifestyle improved a lot too.
Running, overall, helped me train for my hiking trips although I know I needed more. But anyhow, even though the Dubai Marathon 2023 is over, I'm pretty sure there'll be more runs to come. Ciao! See you at the next race, wherever that may be!
