Workout Report

This week in running brought...

1. I tried out running in the business district after morning classes. It started pouring down rain just as I started running, but I didn't mind that. I did mind jammed sidewalks full of pokey umbrellas. I felt awkward going in and out of the building in my running clothes all dripping wet. But it's better than not running at all, right? Also, I ran my planned circuit in a clockwise direction, whereas the flow of foot traffic is in a counterclockwise direction. I'm going to try it again on Friday, but smarter this time.

Kind of where I run... except the river path is inaccessible from anywhere close by. 

I ran about 3km, which was a little disappointing. My legs felt strong but my cardio sucks. I decided to stick with skipping rope on days I don't run.

2. I did another jump rope circuit, but this time I counted my jumps instead of my time. I like counting things, because it helps me not get bored, it keeps me motivated, and it puts me in a zen-like attitude. When I am in a lot of pain (period cramps, or vaccinations, for example), I count to keep my mind off of the pain. There's probably something in psychology textbooks about this.

Running to the Palm Jumeirah

Last night I decided to run to the Palm Jumeirah. The Palm is one of the famous man-made islands in Dubai.

The Palm Jumeirah when it wasn't fully developed yet. (source)

Originally, I planned to run straight along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina. It's a pretty good road to run along because if you run on the ocean-side, the only cross streets are to private residences or resorts. That means you don't have to stop for ridiculously loooong red lights.

But when I was running, I saw cars turning easily onto one of the bridges to the Palm, and I noticed that there was a pedestrian-friendly sidewalk. There are other ways to get onto the Palm that are NOT pedestrian friendly. I had a bad experience on one of the other routes, and that's why I didn't try to run there before.

Following the road from Dubai Marina

I was overwhelmed when I looked at a map, but when I was on the ground it became pretty clear which road I should take.

Use this road to access the Palm. You'll be able to see a brick sidewalk with an incline to the bridge from Al Sufouh.

After I started seeing the Shoreline Apartments on the "trunk" of the Palm, I turned left at the first crosswalk that I saw. I was able to run down into a nice landscaped park that hugs the monorail track.

The park has a brick walking trail, a rubberized running track with meter markings, small play areas for kids, adult jungle-gym exercise areas, a stream, grass, and trees. It's very quiet and peaceful. You don't hear car noises because it is surrounded by apartment buildings on both sides.

The track is lit, but there are lots of bushes and shadows that someone could hide in. I wasn't worried at all, because Dubai is very safe (for western women, anyways). I ran at about 10pm, but there were a few other runners using the track too. On my way back, I noticed a few prostitutes soliciting johns in front of the Shoreline Apartments... sketchy, but no one bothered me.

I didn't get to spend a lot of time on the track because I planned to run 4k out and then turn around for a total of 8k. Maybe next time I will take the Dubai Tram to the Palm Jumeirah stop on Al Sufouh, then from there it's about a 10 minute jog to the track.