That’s a snazzy T-shirt. Are you training for anything in particular?
In my spare time right now I’m training for my first Iron Man competition in the States – I’m hoping to do the whole thing in less than 12 hours.
Wow, that sounds hardcore. So of the cycling, running and swimming legs, which are you strongest in?
Well, I do best on the running, but it’s definitely the hardest section. It usually takes place during the hottest part of the day, and really takes it out of me.
Are there good spots to train around Abu Dhabi?
I’m a maths teacher at Abu Dhabi Men’s College, so I use the college gym, where we have a stationary bike and treadmill. After work I go to Al Jazira Sports Club to swim, and on Friday I go out cycling with the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Club. We go on rides out to Shahama, and there are always people training for some race or another.
Can anyone come along?
Yes. It’s not a ‘club’ as such. Everyone’s welcome, even beginners, but the Shahama ride is quite gruelling, as it is 100km. But there are easier trips we do to Al Bateen that are only about 10km.
Only 10km? We’re exhausted just thinking about it! What do you do when you’re not training?
Well, I have a wife and two kids, so, since the training takes up a lot of my time, I like to hang out with them. My kids are five and six years old, so I like to take them out to the camel races or camping. It’s too hot to do too much this month, though.
Thanks for stopping to chat to us, and good luck with the Iron Man competition.
Thanks!
