Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Established in 2020 by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Falcon Athletics Academy, the Abu Dhabi Running Team (ADRT) has rapidly expanded to include over 4,000 members, who are actively engaged in both local events such as the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon and various international races.
This initiative is committed to building a community that promotes an active lifestyle, enjoyment, as well as injury prevention.
During a recent interview with Aletihad, Youssef Rochdi, a certified US track and field coach with a Level 5 World Athletics Academy Diploma in elite endurance events, shared his responsibilities as the head coach of the team and his founding role at Falcon Athletics Academy.
The ADRT selects new members and accommodates varying skill levels.
“Managing a team with different fitness levels can be a challenging task for any running coach. I always strive to ensure that everyone is engaged, motivated, and productive while respecting their strengths and weaknesses,” Rochdi said.
Elaborating on the training methodology, Rochdi said that typical sessions incorporate creating modules focused on endurance, speed, strength, and technique.
Likewise, they design holistic programmes that encompass nutrition, injury prevention, and mental preparation.
To develop a community-oriented running programme, the team first assesses local needs through surveys or focus groups, which helps them tailor the programme to meet these needs while aligning with their coaching philosophy.
Discussing the challenges the team faces, Rochdi admitted that there are ups and downs in community running, yet he stressed the necessity of cultivating gratitude for what they have achieved.
“There’s nothing better than facing challenges with a sense of gratitude for what we have achieved so far. I strive to rebuild whenever possible to maintain momentum that best serves our team, reinforcing emotional bonds and helping everyone feel a sense of belonging and pride in their affiliation with the Abu Dhabi Running Team,” Rochdi said.
Talking about running injuries, Rochdi said they can arise from various factors, comprising biomechanical issues, anatomical predispositions, and training errors.
The coach noted that tailored training programmes are essential for creating a safe, effective, and enjoyable training experience.
He further brought out the importance of understanding biomechanical stress and ensuring that training accommodates individual anatomical differences to reduce injury risks.
Rochdi also brought attention to the crucial role of proper nutrition for runners.
He recommended a carbohydrate-rich, plant-based diet to help replenish muscle glycogen after training, noting that marathon runners often require around 3,000 calories daily, particularly when covering 45 to 60 kilometres a week.
“One of the most important things to develop as a coach is the mindset of a community-driven runner. Aiming to maintain a positive attitude and setting clear achievable goals are the best mental conditioning strategies that help us keep going as a team,” he added.
Also speaking to Aletihad, Talib Al Salami, who is both a founding member and the team captain, as well as holds the position of board member and head of community sports at the Abu Dhabi Athletics Club, highlighted the initiative’s mission of fostering fitness and community engagement.
The team provides training in basic to intermediate technical skills and group members according to their running pace, Al Salami said.
He highlighted that the “Running Family” culture within the team promotes acceptance and collaboration, affirming that conflicts, while unlikely, are resolved professionally and delicately.
Al Salami also noted that they stay up-to-date with trends when it comes to running gear.
“We try different brands and encourage members to do the same to find what fits their needs.”
The team, supported by various entities like Abu Dhabi Sports Council, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi Athletics Club, Falcon Athletics, New Balance, Monviso Water, and Pocari Sweat (Sports Drink), has grown from 12 to over 4000 members in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra regions.
Reflecting on their achievement, Rochdi expressed his pride in completing the Tokyo Marathon last March and his enthusiasm for the Chicago Marathon in October.
Al Salami, in turn, said: “In 2021, we had 50 marathon finishers; in 2022, that number grew to 110, and in 2023, we reached 180 runners. Many of our members have also become podium winners in various community runs.”
Al Salami is currently pursuing the six World Marathon Majors, having completed four of them, alongside 11 personal marathons overall.
