Level 1 + Level 2

Sport has always been an integral part of my life. It helps me relieve stress and add some structure to my day. However, I never had a real goal, I never thought I was really good at it. Once I started training with ILSS I suddenly realized how much more I can do if I train properly. In only 3 months I managed to prepare for my first Olympic distance triathlon and to reach 3rd place in my AG. I still can’t believe the progress I made in such a short time! Apart from the training, ILSS also offers a lovely, supportive, and informative group of inspiring athletes. Joining this group was one of the best investments I’ve made myself! I am truly thankful to all the coaches and teammates for all the encouragement and constant support!

I loved the game! It was really an awesome experience physically and mentally. I enjoyed the menu with variety of meals and the workouts. It was fun, tough, but totally worth it! I won awesome prizes and I am so thankful! Big thanks to the team that made it happen!

We decided to choose travelling by car in our first journey to Salalah. We left for Salalah at 4.30 am because of long way. The way of 1200 km took at about 12 hours and 1,5 hours we spent on Al Ain Border Post. There was so many people who want to spent holidays in Oman. For the most part the road was boring and uninteresting. During 800 kilometers landscape was not change. There was sand around us, without any plants, hills..

Over the past 300 kilometers, the outside temperature decreased from 47 to 23 degrees!
Salalah met us with dense fog, low clouds and humidity at about 100%. Our way to the point Jabal Samhan for overnight stay was a really exciting adventure. There were cows, camels and donkeys from fog on our way. Tents set by the light of flashlights. There was amazing view in the morning! It seems like in high mountains becouse of clauds staing under your feet. It was amazing!

Next points was Taiq Sinkhole и Tawi Atayr Sinkhole. Tawi Atayr Sinkhole is very impressive limestone formation with it own flora and fauna. Depth of Sinkhole is 211 m! View point was blocked by fog and we decided to go down the trail as far as possible. Wow! There was so many plants like in jungle. Birds add special feel to this unusual place – such amount of singing birds is not usual in Oman!
Near the point Sahalnaiot we had a picnic.
In the next few days we visited Wadi Darbat - beautiful waterfall and lake from which waterfall started. We swam in the waterfall and had a great time!

A few words about Khareef season. Khareef is a period of seasonal weather from June till September. It causes the lands to become covered in green, the hills to be surrounded by fog and light rain. We were excited by Al Mughsayl Beach and Al Fazayah Beach. I’ve never seen before such huge waves. The best time to visit “Blow holes” is Khareef season. Tourists names “Blow holes” like fountains or geysers. In fact it works only with huge waves when the water under pressure goes up through the holes in stones. Near the “Blow holes” there you can see Marneef Cave. In fact it’s not a cave but a beautiful large spaces in stones.
If you want to be alone and see unforgettable views you need to visit Al Fazayah Beach. It was really breathtaking views

Salalah Half Marathon

Mostly it was a great race. But without Salalah perfect weather I think it will not be so!
We were so happy about the weather in Salalah after Dubai heat! +23, cloudy, cool breeze Humidity was at about 90% but we didn’t pay attention to this. We felt very good
The place of start and expo was in Khareef Festival Area. We arrived there an hour before the start of the briefing. First impression was that park isn’t used for many years, old attractions, nobody walks, no lovely atmosphere..

We didn’t immediately find the start arch because it was so small The Expo was represented by one small tent. Race pack with bib number and timing chip we collected at another small tent. We understood why an event organization is so homely because of number of start packs. It was 130 runners
At 3 pm there was race briefing. We was informed about running route, aid stations etc.
Our warm up consisted of jogging, 5 especial running exercises and stretching. So, we are ready to start!

Start was at 3.30 pm. Any roads was not overlapped. We ran along the main road surrounded by palm trees, benches and slowly walking locals. There was policemen at places where runners need to cross highway. During the race runners was supported by volunteers on the bikes. They pointed out where to run, asked about health and cheered up us! It was so lovely
Locals also cheered up us by applause. From the passing cars we heard greetings and cheers. Aid stations was at every 2,5 kilometer. For me it’s enough.
The only thing that upsets me was the lack of any drinking liquid on the one of aid stations on the way back. Volunteers said that all drinks was finished. Everything was worsened by the fact that when I saw an aid station, I ate the gel and hoped to drink some water. It was terrible to hear that the water was over! I took two ice sponges, made some ice shower and started move to the next aid station..All my thoughts at the moment about event organizers was not pleasant. At the last aid station I drank some water. It made me little bit stronger and I started to move faster. At the last kilometer I heard greetings of my friends and it helped me to overtake one runner! Friend’s supporting is very important! On the finish line one of volunteers gave me a beautiful medal and another one took timing chip from my leg. The race finished with personal best 2:18:41. I’m so happy!
It was my first experience to jump in the ice pool after race!

We took our T-shirts, visited barbecue area, tried to find some fruits but there was only hamburgers. I don’t know why but I didn’t want to try some food there.In the evening we spent some time in very nice restaurant.

P.S. If you need to escape from Dubai heat Salalah is the perfect choice! But for large-scale sport events lovers Salalah Half Marathon is not a good idea.