After the 2011 RAK Half Marathon

From the finish line direct to Barracuda, maybe not the best way to recover but it was certainly well earned.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

The 2011 RAK Half Marathon Finish Line

What a great feeling!

I'm so delighted, as you can see! This was the first half marathon for, from left to right, Sarah, Steve and Harriet, and for us all to cross the line together made the occassion even more special. The conditions were tough, especailly as the heat started to have an enormous impact late in the race. The determination to finish shown by Sarah, Steve and Harriet was fabulous, a real inspiration and a reminder of how beautiful running can be.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Before the 2011 RAK Half Marathon

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

IO?IONI in Dubai

I first saw these funny rubber watches last summer, while watching the England cricket team, Andrew Strauss I believe was sporting one. Then in November, Tom my trainer from the PTX course (more about that below) was wearing one, next my wife got one. Finally I seen John Mensah (Sunderland footballer) wearing one. Anyhoo, I copied my wife.

The blarb behind these is that they offset positive ions in the environment with negative ions, and this can improve concentration, detoxification, sleep, relaxation, vitality and mood. For the sake of dhs100 I thought I’d give it a go.

For anyone based in Dubai, I bought mine from the Virgin store in Mall of the Emirates who had a great selection. However, as with many things here in Dubai, they are a lot cheaper in the UK.

Fitness in Dubai features reviews of all the latest fitness programmes and local gyms, such as The Circuit Factory, 24 Fitness and CrossFit LifeSpark, as well as reviews of fitness fads, fitness tests and fitness equipment, from Vibram Five Fingers barefoot running shoes to VO2 Max testing. Ultimately, this fitness blog - as featured in Good Taste, Men's Fitness, Time Out and Shape magazines - contains everything you need to know about fitness in Dubai, UAE, in the Middle East. Bookmark it now.

Protein shakes – is there any point?

I added protein shakes to my diet back in October (see ‘Long whey to go’ http://barefootindubai.blogspot.com/2010/10/long-whey-to-go.html). Four months later after at least twice daily shakes, have I noticed any difference at all? Er, no. Will I stop taking them? Er, no.

Like I say, I’ve been having a protein shake with milk straight after every workout, which is usually first thing every morning. I’ll have another either in the afternoon, sometimes mixed with yoghurt, or maybe a shake with milk after work. That means I’ve been packing at least an extra 60g, probably closer to 100g of  protein per day into my diet. I’m 11 stone (154 lbs), so according to the research I need 154g of protein to gain muscle, which is the equivalent to around 6 chicken breasts or 24 eggs per day. I’m certainly no expert, and nutrition (aka beer and takeaways) is where I’ve shot myself in the foot over the years, but surely my diet without the supplements includes 50-60g of protein... I hope.

So, what’s the point?