Haile gebrselassie reveals his secrets to conquering the Dubai marathon
adidas holds exclusive running workshop
adidas, the official sportswear partner of current marathon World Record holder Haile Gebrselassie, today held an exclusive running workshop with Haile Gebrselassie at Fitness First platinum, Dubai Media City.
Winners of the ‘adidas Inside Running Dubai’ campaign were given the chance to ask running champion Haile Gebrselassie his top running tips during the one hour session, helping them get a head start for Friday’s Dubai Marathon.
Gebrselassie identified a number of tips that he believes has helped him break countless world records across his running career.
Running, he believes is only half the battle, “the most important part of being a runner is having the willpower and courage to get out of bed each morning and run,” he said. “Even 30 minutes a day will help improve your fitness levels, helping you to achieve a healthier mind and body.”
An important element of being a successful runner is to take the time to stretch all major muscle groups. Haile commented, “focus on your hamstrings and calf muscles to avoid injury during the race.”
During the marathon Gebrselassie highlights key important factors such as, ‘listening to your body and focusing on your breathing.’
Eating protein is important to help your body’s endurance; however Haile notes the timing is important, “eat a light, protein rich meal no less than 3-4 hours before the race. Carbohydrates can be consumed up to one hour prior and will give your body the energy it requires to power through,” he said.
In order to make it to the finish line on Friday, Gebrselassie said “I will ‘be focusing on breaking my 27th world record.”
Recovering from a marathon can be almost as difficult as competing in one. Key tips offered during today’s session include; taking the time to warm down, taking a long hot bath and ensure all stretching exercises are completed properly.
The ‘adidas Inside Running Dubai’ campaign asked the public to offer their own insight within these categories, at any of the ten participating adidas stores. Large insight walls were available where the public could post their written comments on special sheets and read other people’s advice.
Over 150 adidas customers offered their marathon success secrets, with the top ten entries winning a coveted place in the exclusive running workshop.
adidas has a long association and commitment to running which dates back to the Berlin Olympics of 1936, where Jesse Owen made his historic appearance wearing shoes made by adidas founder Adi Dassler.
Commenting on the running workshop Eduard Massier, Marketing and Business Development Director, adidas Emerging Markets said:
“We hope that these insights will help the thousands of committed Dubai Marathon runners in their quest to achieve greatness. Running a marathon requires dedication, passion and a desire to succeed. Marathon running is not for the faint hearted, but with the right training, equipment and mindset nothing is impossible.”
These running insights come ahead of the Dubai Marathon races on the 16th January.
