‘I don’t have time’ - The phrase I always hear when it comes to fuelling yourself with a balanced diet.

So there are 24hrs in the day. what’s your break down? Have a think about the time that is used, shall we say, ‘inefficiently’. Whether this is an evening or the morning, to find an extra 15-20mins to think about what is upcoming.

If it’s the first thing in the morning that a tick in the box for the first task of the day. Start as you wish to continue.

If it’s the final thing a night, you might find this is a good way of shutting down ready for bed.

The overwhelming message here, it doesn’t matter when you prepare food but i can be used as a key structure point around your day. If you have these point dotted throughout the day, it’s may be you are likely to complete more throughout the 24 hours.

What do you want to eat? Well thats completely down to you. There are plenty of Nutritionists out there to help guid you through the vortex. But, What to I do? Is it affecting my performance as an athlete? Is what I’m eating financially sustainable? Do I enjoy what I’m eating? Is the advice around nutrition evidence based?

Just a few things to think about- Not all of us want to sit on a protein shake diet, or go on a juice cleanse. There are plenty of other ways to fuel yourself with the correct and enjoyable Nutrition.

Next time you’re in JRB, Have a chat and ask how your barber fuels there day??

Early January I had the opportunity to train in Dubai with the InnerFight Endurance (IFE) team. When people think of Dubai, endurance training is not at the top of the list. However, as a result of a week training, exploring, and learning about the IFE lifestyle, it is now top of mine.

Upon arrival I was met by Tom Walker (IFE Coach) at the InnerFight HQ. Tom is a Solent University alumnus and has been coaching in Dubai since last June. I was also introduced to Marcus Smith owner of InnerFight fresh from completing 30 marathons in 30 days through the streets of Dubai.

Fresh from the 7 Hour flight there was no time to admire the high rises, Tom and I headed straight to Dubai Sports City: an athlete’s dream. The swim set was conducted with a bizarre view of an ICC cricket facility, with lush greenery surrounded by a white picket fence! Nevertheless, no matter where you are in the world a 25m pool is a 25m pool. A total of 3km swimming done, just the beginning of a mega week ahead.

With midday temperatures of +30oc forced my first bike session indoors. The turbo session at InnerFight HQ a session driven by adrenaline as fatigue had set in from a 32nd hour of being awake. Thank you ZWIFT!

Track Tuesday is fits perfectly in the UK, and this is no different in the UAE. However, with slightly higher temperatures of +30oc, training at 6am was a blessing in disguise. The team was conducting test week; 400m, 1km, 3km. Dropping straight into max effort time trials definitely woke up the legs!

Cycling out of the air-conditioned haven of InnerFight HQ was conducted on the exquisite Al Qudra Cycle circuit. Roughly 140km of pristine road through the Dubai Desert! 2:20:00 and 83km later, dodging the cleaning trucks and overtaking the locals, it was time for a group coffee stop and a chat. Al Qudra- a facility with no pop holes, a few kickers, and no cars! What more could a triathlete want.

The highlight of the training was heading to the desert for a 2-day Ultra marathon training camp. I had the brilliant opportunity to join and assist those IFE athletes whom were to take on the Marathon de Sables (MDS) later in the year. Dubai desert had dream simulation conditions, desert track, hardened flats, and energy sapping sand dunes. Covering a total of 45km between 6pm and 11 am. With a kit list of headtorches, sleeping bag, hydration system, and steaks, this was a steep learning curve for the MDS potentials!

Of course, the above are just the main points of my Dubai training experience. However, what I can say is Dubai is a truly diverse part of the UAE, and whether your interests are in endurance sports, cuisine, beach holidays, or even Skiing- Dubai has it!

Finally, I would like to thank the IFE team for the invitation to live and breathe the InnerFight lifestyle

Tom Dickinson.