The Race Space Podcast

🏆 Guest: Khalifa Al Marri Instagram: @strike_freedom_2022 🎙️ Host: George (The Race Space Podcast)🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Race Space Podcast, host George sits down with veteran local endurance athlete, Spartan Race OG, and hybrid fitness enthusiast Khalifa Al Marri. From waking up before 4:00 AM for daily morning runs to navigating half-marathons, obstacle course racing (OCR), DEKA Fit, and boxing, Khalifa shares his journey and core philosophy on building long-term physical discipline.🎙️ They discuss the psychological benefits of early morning workouts, how to handle race-day failure, strategies for fueling during extreme summer heat, the rise of hybrid fitness events across the UAE, and why "boring is best" when keeping your heart rate in Zone 2.⚡️ Key Takeaways & Highlights

• The 4:00 AM Discipline: Why waking up early sets the foundation for daily success, clarity, and stress management.
• Boring is Best (Zone 2 Training): Why staying patient in Zone 2 for as long as possible yields the best long-term athletic output.
• Discipline Over Motivation: Motivation comes and goes, but discipline remains through routine and consistency.
• The "Brick by Brick" Strategy: Applying structured, incremental planning to both marathon preparation and overall life goals.
• Heat & Hydration Prep: Essential tactics for running during hot summer months, including electrolyte intake and route planning with water access points.
• Evolution of Hybrid Events & OCR: How events like DEKA Fit, HYROX, and shorter Spartan distances are expanding accessibility to new demographics and families.

🕔 Timestamped Chapters

• [00:00:23] — Introduction and welcoming Khalifa Al Marri
• [00:01:01] — Morning Routine: The 3:50 AM wakeup & 5:00 AM running route
• [00:02:37] — Khalifa’s Athletic Journey: From Marathons to Spartan Race & Triathlons
• [00:03:22] — Dubai Fitness Challenge (30x30) & the cycling boom at Meydan
• [00:05:36] — Why Dubai is a global hub for fitness and safe outdoor activities
• [00:07:08] — Finding clarity: Morning runs as active meditation
• [00:09:36] — Summer running strategies: Electrolytes, hydration packs, and safety
• [00:11:03] — "Doing what you like is passion; doing what you hate is stress"
• [00:14:38] — Fitness Origins: CrossFit Metalize and Round 10 Boxing in Al Quoz
• [01:19:17] — Finding calmness and serenity in the zone
• [00:23:21] — Sleep hygiene, curfew rules, and time management for busy schedules
• [00:26:38] — Overcoming race-day setbacks: Lessons from the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon
• [00:33:31] — Pacing, breathing techniques, and the power of Zone 2 training ("Boring is Best")
• [00:37:28] — The "Brick by Brick" philosophy applied to sports and business
• [00:42:38] — Experiences as a Tough Mudder Ambassador & competing in DEKA Fit
• [00:45:01] — Dubai and the GCC as premier destinations for world-class sports events
• [00:48:40] — Shoe & Gear Advice: Daily trainers vs. carbon-plated race shoes
• [00:50:22] — AI Questions: Looking back at fitness decisions and performance analytics
• [00:54:48] — The shift in Spartan Races toward shorter, accessible distances for families
• [00:59:39] — The rise of hybrid fitness: HYROX

🕔 Timestamped Chapters

Guest - Jayd

The Race Space Podcast | Hosted by RA George

Contact info for Jayd - Instagram @ jaaaaaaaaayd

USE Code: JAYD20 for a discount

• Upcoming event

• Tough Mudder - 31st October; register here
• Spartan World Championship at Al Wathba; register here

Episode details

What does it take to become more than an athlete and represent a sport as an ambassador? In this episode of The Race Space Podcast, RA George sits down with Jayd to explore Spartan Race, hybrid fitness events, and what it means to live the ambassador lifestyle.

From conquering challenging courses to building connections within the fitness community, Jayd shares insights into the commitment, mindset, and passion behind obstacle course racing and hybrid events.

Whether you're a seasoned racer, a newcomer, or an aspiring ambassador, this conversation offers inspiration and practical perspective on getting involved, pushing your limits, and representing the sport authentically.

• 🏃 Jayd’s journey into Spartan Race and obstacle course racing

• 💪 The challenges and rewards of hybrid fitness events

• 🏅 What it means to be a genuine sports ambassador

• 🎯 Discipline, consistency, and mindset on and off the course

• 🤝 Building connections within the racing community

• 🌍 Growing the OCR and hybrid fitness scene in the UAE

• 🔥 Inspiring others to take on new challenges

• 📣 Representing brands and events with authenticity

• 🏆 Lessons learned through competition and personal growth

• 🚀 Advice for athletes looking to get more involved in the sport

An ambassador does more than promote the sport — an ambassador lives it. Authenticity, commitment, and community are what make the difference.

Listen, get inspired, and discover what it takes to set the standard on and off the course.

🚨 Forge of Champions: Heat, Endurance, & Hybrid Mastery 

⚡️ Ambassador Panel Discussion: Mohammad Bazara & Layton Thomas

⚡️ Date & Time:  01st September 07:00pm - 08:30pm 

Host: RA George

Contact details - IG

Mohammad Bazara @mhdbaz Use Code - MOHAMMAD20 for upcoming races

Layton Thomas, @aytonthomass & @mafiamornings Use Code - LAYTON20 for upcoming races

• Spartan DEKA FIT - Registration link here

• Spartan Super and Sprint Al Ain 10th October Registration link here

• Tough Mudder - 31st October Registration link here

Summary

In this episode, we explore the journeys of obstacle course racing athletes and Spartan Middle East Ambassadors, discussing training, event preparation, mental resilience, and the future of the sport in the Middle East. In this episode, we explore the future of AI, training strategies, event planning, and the unique community aspects of obstacle course racing. Our experts share insights on how technology and community shape the sport and personal development.

Key Topics

• Athletes' backgrounds and journey into obstacle course racing

• Training strategies for OCR and hybrid events

• Event organization and safety improvements

• Mental resilience in challenging race conditions

• The role of brand ambassadorship in sports community

• Impact of race formats on athlete performance

• Use of AI in training and race preparation AI's impact on sports and training

• Community and emotional connection in OCR

• Peak performance identification and recovery

• Event planning and location selection

• Innovative training facilities and locations

Takeaways

AI helps in sports by providing intuitive, personalized insights.

Community and emotional bonds are irreplaceable by AI.

Listening to your body is crucial for optimal training and recovery.

Consistent scheduling and location planning improve event engagement.

Unique locations like Al Kutra Yoga Center can elevate race experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI and Community in OCR

00:15 Introduction of Athletes and Event Overview

01:21 Athletes' Backgrounds and Journey into OCR

02:25 AI's Role in Enhancing Sports and Training

03:10 Evolution of Fitness and Race Experience

05:06 Community Building and Emotional Connections in OCR

05:40 Recent Race Experiences and Event Feedback

07:30 Safety and Organization in Races

08:10 Identifying Peak Performance and Recovery Signs

09:42 Training for Different Race Demands

11:56 Event Planning: Fixing Dates and Locations

12:15 Transitioning from Endurance to Explosive Power

13:20 Resilience in Extreme Conditions

14:49 Role of Ambassadorship and Community Influence

15:47 Training Facilities and Location Recommendations

17:10 Overcoming Race Challenges and Mental Toughness

19:16 Lessons from Near Failures and Injuries

20:03 Future Ultra and Spartan Events in the Middle East

22:26 Discipline vs Motivation in Training

24:17 Advice for Beginners and Aspiring Athletes

25:33 Celebrity and Athlete Predictions for OCR

27:29 Preparing for Races in Extreme Heat

29:57 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

32:51 Integrating OCR Training into Iron Man Preparation

35:16 The Impact of Specific Race Zones on Performance

36:21 The Future of DECA Teams and Race Formats

39:38 Race Day Strategies for Hot Weather

42:22 Use of AI in Training and Race Preparation

📜 THE AMBASSADOR PLAYBOOK: Beyond the Fire Jump 🔥 | Spartan ⚔️ DEKA 🏋️ Desert Racing 🏜️

⚡️ Spartan Middle East Ambassador Panel: Justine Welch, Artem Kremko & Nisha Alagha

⚡️ Host: RA George

Contact info

• Justine Welch @ustine1616fitness
• Artem Kremko @trustkrem
• Nisha Alagha @fit.by.nisha.dxb

• Spartan DEKA FIT - Registration link here

• Spartan Super and Sprint Al Ain 10th October Registration link here

• Tough Mudder - 31st October Registration link here

  🏆 2026 Abu Dhabi Spartan World Championship Weekend Registration link here

🏆 Topics: Spartan Racing, DEKA FIT, OCR, Hybrid Training, Endurance, Heat Management, Hydration, Nutrition, Mindset & Coaching

🔥 In This Episode: Justine, Artem and Nisha share their personal Spartan journeys, how they got into OCR and DEKA, the challenges of training in the UAE heat, overcoming mental barriers, preparing for races and what it really means to represent Spartan Middle East as an ambassador.

💪 Key Discussion Points:

🏃 How Justine, Artem and Nisha started their Spartan journeys

🧠 Overcoming fear, self-doubt and mental barriers

🔥 Training and racing in Dubai’s extreme heat and humidity

💧 Hydration, electrolytes and managing fluids during races

⚡ DEKA FIT training and preparing for the different zones

🏃 Zone 2 training and building endurance for DEKA, Hyrox and ultra racing

🏋️ Combining strength, running and hybrid training

🥵 Managing fatigue, recovery and recognising overtraining

🥇 Race-day preparation and achieving peak performance

👟 Choosing the right footwear for different types of races

🤝 Building the OCR, Spartan and fitness community in the UAE

👑 What it means to be a Spartan Middle East Ambassador

🎯 Yancy Culp — Spartan DEKA Co-Creator & Senior Director — asks the panel about celebrating fitness for ALL levels and how DEKA can encourage beginners to start their fitness journey

⚡ How DEKA can make fitness more accessible to people who are new to training

🌍 The future of Spartan and DEKA events across the Middle East

🏆 Upcoming Events Discussed:

⚡ Spartan DEKA FIT — 26th September at Coca-Cola Arena Registration link ⁠here

🏃 Spartan Super & Sprint — 10th October in Al Ain Registration link ⁠here

🔥 Tough Mudder — 31st October Registration link ⁠here

🏆 Spartan World Championship — Abu Dhabi

 🔥 The Unbreakable Circle: Heat, Grit, & Mindset for Desert OCR & Hybrid Fitness

🔴 Ambassador Panel Discussion: Haythem, RO, Abdullah & George (Host) 

Instagram handle - haythemhosny audiomonkey, abdulla_alfadhul black__incarnation

Ambassador's code for the upcoming DEKA FIT event at the Coca-Cola Arena

• Haythem20
• Roshan20
• Addulla20
• George20

💯 Register for DEKA FIT Dubai @ Coca-Cola Arena here

Follow Spartan Race Middle East

• Spartan Race Middle East - spartanmiddleeast
• DEKA Middle East deka.middleeast
• Tough Mudder Middle East toughmuddermiddleeast
• Spartan Run Club on Starva here

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & THEMES

The Reality of OCR: Grit, Guts, and Community

What does it actually take to be "unbreakable" in the Middle East obstacle course racing scene?

In this episode of The Race Space Podcast, RA George sits down with Spartan ambassadors Haythem, Roshan, and Abdullah. From brutal injury comebacks to surviving the scorching heat of the Liwa desert, they reveal what goes on behind the scenes of the sport—and why raw passion always beats an influencer paycheck.

🔴 The Reality of "Unbreakable": The panel didn't sugarcoat the sport. Abdullah sharing his brutal story of tearing both lats during a Trifecta weekend, Roshan fighting through a three-disc herniation, and Haythem literally crawling on all fours in Liwa perfectly encapsulated the mental grit required.

🔴 Ambassadors vs. Influencers: A powerful segment where the guys emphasized that they do this for the pure passion and community, not a paycheck. They act as the literal backbone and face of the brand in the region.

🔴 Constructive Feedback for Spartan ME: Abdullah dropped some excellent, candid truth bombs about wanting the organization to expand demographically beyond just the UAE to reclaim its true "Middle East" tour status, alongside a call for a clearer, structured ambassador program. Roshan also threw a massive plug in for wanting an Ultra event in the region.

🔴 Tactical Takeaways: Great conversational value for listeners—from the importance of specialized footwear (shoutout to Hoka) and compression socks to the hilarious "what not to do" nutrition tips (like Abdullah's warning about pre-race iced Americanos).

🔴 Subscribe to The Race Space Podcast on Spotify so you never miss an episode!

🔥 Episode Overview

In this episode, R.A George sits down with Hussain to talk about mindset, sustainability in fitness, Spartan racing, hybrid training, and the difference between passion and talent.

From being an extremely skinny child to becoming a Spartan ambassador, Hussain shares the lessons that shaped his journey — and the mindset that fuels his performance.

Upcoming Spartan DEKA event - Use code Hussain20

2026 DEKA FIT Skydive Dubai - Register here

Hussain Alessa’s IG- coach_hussain

Fit Story - YouTube channel here

Fit Story - @fitstiry

DEKA Strong 13th March T27 Roadshow here

DEKA Strong 14th March Spirit Level here

🧠 Key Topics Covered💡 Powerful Quotes🏃 Spartan OCR & DEKA Insights🎯 Advice for Beginners

Key highlights:

• Why most people gain weight during Ramadan (and how to avoid it)

• Sustainability vs extreme dieting

• The turning point that made Hussain become a coach

• Passion vs being “good” at something

• How Spartan racing builds mental resilience

• The 3-second mindset rule before any obstacle

• Favorite obstacle (Monkey Bars) & most hated (Spear Throw 😅)

• Why discipline beats motivation every time

• The danger of obsession in fitness

• Hybrid fitness vs traditional training

• Preventing overtraining with proactive deload weeks

• How to find your peak performance zone

• Why mindset is something AI can never replace

“You’re capable of more than you think.”

“Discipline over motivation — any day.”

“Fitness should complement your life, not take over your life.”

“Most limits exist in the mind before they exist in reality.”

• You don’t need to be elite to start

• Focus on running comfortably + grip strength

• No excuses — you can train with minimal equipment

• Every obstacle is won or lost in the mind first

• Focus on the bigger picture

• 9/10 right is better than chasing perfection

• Recovery is part of training

• Sustainability beats short-term intensity

Hussain Alessa is a certified trainer, Spartan Middle East Ambassador, and podcast host dedicated to making fitness accessible and sustainable. His mission is simple: help people become stronger — physically and mentally.

🔥 Spartan Middle East Ambassadors Panel –Shadi Nasser, Jason Castillo + Fahad Taqi + RA George (Host)

Join George in this power-packed episode of The Race Space Podcast as he sits down with Spartan Race Middle East Ambassadors Shadi, Jason, and Fahad for an inspiring panel chat ahead of the iconic race at Bab Al Shams (April 19).

USE DISCOUNT CODE : FOR 20% Discount

- SHADI20

- JAYSON20

- FAHAD20

-GEORGE20

***For Night Discount 30% use the following codes*** NIGHT ONLY

- SHADINIGHT30

- JAYSONNIGHT30

-FAHADNIGHT30

-GEORGENIGHT30

Spartan Race Middle East - 19th April event - Sign up here Spartan Race The Arena, Bab Al Shams - Dawn 'Til Dusk

• 
  
• Super 5km + 20 Obstacles

Contaxt details for panel members

Shadi Nasser: IG @shadijehadnaseer

Jason Castillo: IG @masterjayson

Fahad Taqi : IG @Fahad_taqi

RA George (Host): IG @black_incarnation

💥 Expect stories, insights, laughs, and serious OCR wisdom from the best in the region!

🏁 Topics Covered:

• Meet the Ambassadors – Personal stories from Shadi, Jason, and Fahad on how they got into Spartan Racing
  

• Most Memorable Races – From brutal 26km challenges to emotional fire jumps and team-based achievements
  

• OCR as a Metaphor for Life – Overcoming physical and mental adversity on and off the course
  

• Advice for First-Time Racers – Training tips, hydration, gear suggestions, and mental preparation
  

• Family and Community Vibes – How Spartan racing becomes a lifestyle, with even kids joining the movement
  

• Spartan Race at Bab Al Shams – Expectations, new obstacles, gear recommendations, and heat preparation for the Dubai event
  

• Hybrid Fitness & AI in Sport – Thoughts on HYROX, DEKA, and the role of AI coaches in training
  

• What it Means to be an Ambassador – Responsibility, passion, and impact on the local fitness community
  

• The Iconic Fire Jump – The emotional moment that symbolizes every Spartan’s journey
  

• Post-Race Rituals – Recovery routines, cheat meals, and how Spartan racing becomes a family tradition

💬 Key Quotes:

“Spartan is not just a race—it’s a lifestyle.” – Shadi

“Just sign up. That’s the first step.” – Fahad

“Being an ambassador is about inspiring others.” – Jason

🎧 Listen if you:

• Are racing on April 19 at Bab Al Shams

• Want to hear what OCR life is really like

• Need motivation to do your first (or next!) Spartan race

• Love stories of grit, teamwork, and personal growth

• Want gear tips, race prep hacks, and post-race rituals
  

🔥 Final tip: Just sign up. The first step is showing up. The rest will follow. 🙌

📲 Follow us on IG: @theracespacepodcast 🌐

🎉 Don’t forget to rate, follow & share with your Spartan crew!

Episode Title: “From Marine to Fitness Maverick: Cyrus Rustom’s Game-Changing Fitness Revolution”

Host: 🤖 AI Review
Guest: 🥊 Cyrus Rustom, CEO of Boxica & Director of The Crucible Athlete

In this unique AI-powered review of The Race Space Podcast, we dive into the fascinating conversation with Cyrus Rustom. From his incredible journey as a Royal Marine Commando to becoming a fitness pioneer, Cyrus shares how he redefined inclusivity and performance in the fitness world.

Whether it’s building a welcoming community with Boxica or creating fair and exciting athletic challenges with The Crucible Athlete, this review explores the transformative impact of Cyrus’s work on fitness enthusiasts and competitors alike.

Contact details

Cyrus Rustom is a fitness entrepreneur and former Royal Marine Commando. As the CEO of Boxica, he has built a thriving fitness community in Dubai. Cyrus is also the visionary behind The Crucible Athlete, a competition designed to redefine athletic performance and inclusivity.

Date: January 25, 2025

Location: ADNEC Center, Abu Dhabi

Registration: https://competitioncorner.net/events/14766

Subscribe to The Race Space Podcast on your favorite platform.

Episode Title: From Battlefield to Peak Performance: Overcoming Challenges and Championing Change – Cyrus Rustom’s Fitness Revolution

Host: George
Guest: Cyrus Rustom, CEO of Boxica and Director of The Crucible Athlete

Contact details

Episode Overview

This episode of The Race Space Podcast features the inspiring journey of Cyrus Rustom, a former Royal Marine Commando who transitioned into a leading figure in the fitness industry. Cyrus is the CEO of Boxica, a fitness community that emphasizes inclusivity, and the visionary Director of The Crucible Athlete, an event redefining athletic competitions.

Cyrus shares his personal story of resilience, his decision to prioritize passion over monetary gain, and how his military background shaped his approach to fitness and entrepreneurship. He also delves into the creation of The Crucible Athlete, a competition designed to test raw athletic performance across foundational movements, eliminating skill-based advantages.

Cyrus Rustom is a fitness entrepreneur and former Royal Marine Commando. With over 17 years of experience in the fitness industry, he has built Boxica, a thriving community-focused gym in Dubai. As the Director of The Crucible Athlete, Cyrus is committed to creating innovative events that challenge athletes to push their limits and showcase their true potential.

Date: January 25, 2025
Location: ADNEC Center, Abu Dhabi

Registration: https://competitioncorner.net/events/14766

Subscribe to The Race Space Podcast on your favorite platform.

Participants: Spartan OG Ambassadors from the Middle East

Sign up for Spartan Trifecta in Dubai here - https://race.spartan.com/en/race/detail/8646/overview

Use the codes below to get a 20% Discount

🏁 Introduction🔑

Key AI-Generated Takeaways:

1. How It All Began 🏃

2. Challenges and Achievements 🏆

3. Mental Toughness & Motivation 💪🧠

4. Preparation & Gear Insights 🎒

5. Being a Spartan Ambassador 🌟

6. Unbreakable Spirit: What It Means 🥇

7. Advice for Newcomers 🚀

8. Looking Ahead: Upcoming Dubai Trifecta 📅

AI-Generated Episode Overview:
Using Notebook LM by Google, this episode was crafted to highlight the inspiring stories of six Spartan Race ambassadors from the Middle East. Their narratives reflect diverse careers and personal journeys in obstacle course racing (OCR). Through AI-powered analysis, we explore how they began their Spartan journeys, conquered challenges, and embodied the Spartan spirit.

AI-driven insights emphasize how obstacle course racing has evolved into a global phenomenon. In the Middle East, Spartan Race has fostered a community of resilient competitors. This AI-curated episode spotlights six exceptional Spartan Race ambassadors whose stories of overcoming obstacles and achieving personal milestones exemplify the Spartan spirit.

🤖 Final AI Reflection:
Through AI-driven storytelling, this episode captured the resilience, growth, and determination of Spartan Race ambassadors from the Middle East. Their experiences remind us that Spartan is not just a race but a lifestyle rooted in grit and personal transformation.

🔔 Stay Connected:
Subscribe for more AI-powered podcast reviews showcasing stories of endurance, mental toughness, and the unbreakable Spartan spirit. Ready to face your next challenge? Sign up for the Dubai Trifecta and ignite your Spartan journey! 🏅