While it doesn't feel like fall it certainly is to the rest of the world. Back home schools have been in session for a few weeks. Some states are becoming cooler. A friend is in Berlin and wearing a jacket and scarf.
What did I wear this morning for our 5:30AM run? Because it is Ramadan here in Doha, Qatar, and we met to run along the Corniche, I opted to not wear shorts. I wore running capris and a sleeveless shirt. Ordinarily, I would wear short shorts and a racing top, but here I must be respectful of Arab tradition and wear modest clothing.
We left the compound at 5:00AM and headed to the Cornich. Once we arrived we spotted two runners from the Doha Bay Running Club. One was a woman wearing full-lenght running tights and a t-shirt. The man was wearing a t-shirt and shorts. I knew they were there to meet us. We got out of the car and went over to the starting point at the 0km start near the Sheraton.
It was 91F and about 75% humidity. Now, at 10AM the weather websites state it is 99F and that it feels like 115F. Under these conditions we would not normally run, but after nearly 12 months here we know that we just have to do it, or suffer. Because it is Ramadan, we chugged water in the car on the drive over. We did not drink along the run, except when we snuck down into the rest rooms to take a nip from the fuel belts.
We finished the "run" with a brisk walk. Afterwards, we stood around chatting about the upcoming big races. The one that we are all keen on doing is the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on Friday, January 21st, 2011. That is my goal - to run that race!
Until Next Time,
WW
I am the best version of me when I am training for a marathon.
