The Color Run has quickly become one of the most popular fun runs around the world. With just over two weeks until the Dubai edition, Color Run ambassador Omar Nour, a professional triathlete based in the UAE, shares his tips on how to prepare for the race.
As a professional athlete, most of my day is spent training but as an ambassador for Daman’s ActiveLife, my mission is to inspire more people to get active and encourage the younger generation to kickstart a healthier lifestyle.
The best way to get started is in a fun and non-competitive environment and what better first step than trying “The Happiest 5k on the Planet”, The Color Run, which is presented by Daman’s ActiveLife.
These are my top tips for preparing for the event:
• The hardest part about getting in shape is getting started, but The Color Run is great for beginner runners. If you can jog for one minute, I promise you, you can do this.
• Firstly, I recommend some running shoes. If you do not currently own a pair or if you’ve had them for over a year, I recommend going to a good running store and let the experts help select the right pair for you.
• When training for The Color Run, have fun and be social. Training with people is the best way of building fitness because it keeps you accountable. So mix it up and join a local training club, such as TrainDubai by Daman’s ActiveLife at Dubai Autodrome every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm.
• A well-balanced diet has always been my motto. While training, eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, good sources of protein and complex carbohydrates (low glycaemic).
• Make sure you don’t change your diet drastically the night before or the morning of a run. Whatever you normally eat before a workout should be the same thing you eat before you run. Everyone is different, but you want to eat some good carbohydrates three hours before you run. I like to eat oatmeal with honey.
• The Color Run is totally untimed, which means no pressure. I spend every day pushing myself to the max in my training, but The Color Run is a great reminder that exercise is fun.
• Some people will run the entire 5km, some will walk it, some might even dance it. I like to do a little bit of all three. Just remember: runners on the right, walkers and dancers on the left.
• Have fun and enjoy yourself. That is what The Color Run is all about.
The Color Run will be held at Dubai Autodrome on Saturday, November 12. Gates open at 7am and the first wave of runners will depart at 8.30am. Online registration has closed, however participants can still register at Adventure HQ. Entry costs from Dh160. For information, visit www.thecolorrun.ae.
