Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast! In Part 2 of our running episode for the Summer Series, we're pushing past the 5K and exploring the incredible world of long-distance and ultra running with Dr. Sara Talia, a family medicine doctor and New Balance Run Club Doha Coach.

Dr Sara kicks off by sharing why ultra running is as much a mental game as a physical one, highlighting that your biggest competitor is often yourself. She reveals the two biggest mistakes people make when stepping up their distances – not giving yourself enough time to prepare and building up mileage too quickly, and how to avoid them for a safer, more enjoyable journey.

We dive into the practicalities of going from a 5K to a half-marathon and then a full marathon, discussing realistic timelines and why variety in your training is essential. Sara also breaks down why running injuries happen, focusing on common culprits like overuse and tight muscles, and emphasizes the importance of consistent prehab and smart recovery (yes, sleep is key!).

Plus, if you're eyeing an ultra, Sara explains the key differences in training, especially when it comes to nutrition, hydration, and tackling varied terrain. She wraps up with invaluable advice on overcoming pre-race jitters and trusting your training.

Ready to conquer your next ultra? Listen in now!

Follow Dr. Sara on Instagram: @drtalia_sportsmedicine

Follow the New Balance Run Club Doha: @nbrc_doha

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Dr. Sara Talia
• Editor: Diya Vergis
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟

Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast!

For our Summer Series, we're helping you jump into a new sport, and this week, we're leaping into the world of running. And who better to guide us from zero to 5K than the incredible Dr. Sara Talia. She's not just a family medicine doctor; she's also a New Balance Run Club Coach in Doha and a former competitive middle-distance runner who even tackled the steeplechase.

This is Part 1 of our essential running guide.

Sara takes us behind the scenes of running’s global boom – did you know run club participation shot up by a whopping 59% worldwide last year? She shares her own journey, revealing how she balanced competitive athletics with a demanding medical career and why she's now so passionate about coaching others.

If you've ever felt intimidated by running, this episode is for you. Sara cuts through the noise, reminding us that running truly is for everyone. You’ll learn how to frame your mindset, set powerful intentions (not just goals!), and why consistency is your secret weapon.

We dig into the practical stuff too: how to take those crucial first steps, gradually build your mileage, and prepare for your first 3K or 5K. Plus, Dr Sara breaks down the must-do strength training exercises that will keep you injury-free and moving stronger, no matter your pace.

Ready to lace up and transform your running journey? Tune in now!

Follow Dr. Sara on Instagram: @drtalia_sportsmedicine

Follow the New Balance Run Club Doha: @nbrc_doha

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Dr. Sara Talia
• Editor: Diya Vergis
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟

We’re back with Saudi record-holding freediver Nada Alrasheed for Part 2 of our Summer Series deep dive exploring not just how to freedive, but why the ocean is worth protecting.

Nada takes us through some of her most unforgettable underwater moments from growing up by the vibrant reefs of the Red Sea to diving in the icy waters of Norway alongside humpback whales. She reflects on what it means to share space with marine life and how these encounters have shaped her passion for conservation.

We talk about the reality of sharks (not the Jaws version), why the ocean needs our protection now more than ever, and how simply witnessing life beneath the surface can shift your perspective. Nada also shares what’s next on her diving bucket list, the strength of the global freediving community, and the athletes and stories that continue to inspire her.

If you missed Part 1, go back and start there - then come along as we dive even deeper.

Follow Nada on Instagram: @nada_underwater

🎧 Listen to Part 1 of this conversation here

🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset

• 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond
• 📸 Instagram: @themettleset
• 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn

Credits:

• Host: Dawn Barnable
• Guest: Nada Alrasheed
• Editor: Diya Vergis
• Produced by: The Mettleset

🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

Dawn