With the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon just a few days away, captain of adidas Runners Dubai and five-time Guinness World Record holder Lee Ryan has provided some key tips and tricks for anyone preparing to tackle the 42.195 kilometres this weekend.
Ryan, who will be running the Dubai Marathon for the eighth time this year, secured another of his world records in 2018, running the fastest ever marathon while pushing a double stroller, in a time of three hours and 27 minutes.
This time he’ll be tackling the race on his own again, and we caught up with Ryan in preparation for Friday.
Having run so many marathons and half marathons, where does the motivation still come from?
In a weird way, I enjoy it. That does get a few funny looks when I say it. I do enjoy the process and the challenge.
I’ve been through a couple of ordeals in my life, so I enjoy the sense of direction.
Sometimes when I do finish a marathon, it can be the next start line. I enjoy knowing where I’m going and what the challenge is going to be. It’s that sense of achievement and also I hope to inspire my kids to do the same.
From all the marathons and world records, what has been your proudest achievement to date?
That’s a difficult one, but from the message that it portrayed I would probably have to say the record with my two girls in the double pram last year.
My main aim was to put my girls in the record books. Obviously kids are a product of their environment, and if the parents can show good health and activity then the children can only grow from that.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your role as the captain of adidas runners Dubai?
We’re part of a global community. There are 64 around the world, in most major cities across Europe and the US.
It’s down to me and the coaching team that all have different skillsets to bring a different conversation and view to the table, to show our passion for running.
People can use it as a community base to meet new friends and just grow their social circle through the passion and power of running.
Lee Ryan is the captain of adidas Runners Dubai.
What can runners do in the final couple of days before the Dubai Marathon to make sure they are in the best shape possible on race day?
It’s about allowing the body, and even more so the mindset, to get focused on what you have achieved so far.
Race day still makes you nervous, but you can only control what you can. Sleep is your best friend in the final few days.
Make sure you have some good food. It’s not about making up for any runs that you may have missed or weren’t as good as they should have been.
What’s your best advice to a first-time marathon runner?
You only get one chance to run your first marathon. It doesn’t matter where it is. It’s about embracing the day.
Make sure you open your eyes and take it all in. Many times people look back and can’t actually remember what happened or they only remember the pain.
Once you start running, take it as it comes and if it doesn’t go to plan and you need to walk a bit, take it in your stride and just try and finish strong to get that medal.
It’s a very early start for the Dubai Marathon. What’s the best way to prepare for the time?
Make sure you get there as early as possible, because that is one of the biggest stresses. Once you are there you can relax and set yourself up.
Try not to dress for how chilly it will be on the start line, because 5k into the race, you won’t feel that any more. The race day is all about having as much fun as you can.
