Riyadh Road Runners: Defying the Summer Heat
In Saudi Arabia, summer is typically a time for indoor relaxation due to scorching temperatures. However, a new trend is emerging as running clubs in the Kingdom are thriving despite the heat.
Seema Ghannam, a regular participant at Riyadh Road Runner club sessions, believes in the power of movement. She stated, “You can keep active wherever you are. There is no limit to movement anywhere you go because you already have hands, arms, and legs. This is what you are born to do, to keep moving.”
Previously, physical activity in Saudi Arabia was scarce outside of schools and designated sports teams. However, recent developments have seen a surge in fitness activities, including running, with the introduction of new facilities like padel courts and projects at Sports Boulevard.
To understand how runners cope with the summer heat, Arab News visited Riyadh Road Runners, a club established in 1978. Runners engage in a variety of exercises during their sessions, including running laps, climbing stairs, and full-body workouts.
FASTFACTS
• Until recent years, physical activity in the Kingdom was almost nonexistent outside of schools and designated football teams.
• Now, all that is changing. From the growing number of padel courts to the new projects at Sports Boulevard, physical activity is soaring.
Coach Amr Hafez incorporates bodyweight and stair exercises into the running routines to enhance stamina and muscle strength. The sessions conclude with a final lap around the compound followed by a refreshing dip in the pool.
Ghannam, a yoga teacher and swimming instructor, introduced running to her fitness regimen two years ago. She appreciates Hafez’s holistic approach to training, focusing on core muscles and proper running techniques.
Ghannam emphasized the importance of acclimating to outdoor running conditions and advised choosing the best time of day to avoid the heat.
Hafez, a national sales manager and experienced running coach, shared three essential rules for summer running: stay hydrated, control breathing, and incorporate high-intensity interval training for endurance.
He highlighted the significance of developing overall muscle strength to improve running performance, a concept he initially learned from his martial arts background.
Omar Al-Ansari, a coach at Riyadh club R7, recommended running in shaded areas like Wadi Hanifa to escape the summer heat. He stressed the importance of hydration and proper attire for outdoor workouts.
With a growing emphasis on fitness and well-being in Saudi Arabia, runners are embracing the challenge of staying active despite the summer heat. The advice from experts is clear: start with small steps and gradually build up endurance.