But first we had to negotiate another gruelling three-and-a-half hour morning training session.
Once again, it all started with our now customary 4km ride and it’s good to see a few of the coaches running to training in the early morning heat, just so we know they’re copping a bit of pain as well.
Training was a mixture of running and handball games, which are always tough because of the constant running that’s involved, as well as beach soccer, which provided a pleasant, but no less taxing change up.
While most of us have genuinely average skills, our Irish recruit Daniel Flynn was a stand out in the soccer matches (probably because of his extensive background playing with a round ball), as was Brogsy (Matthew Broadbent), who fancies himself as bit of an EPL talent.
Unsurprisingly Chad’s ball skills also translate to the soccer pitch and he found himself out the back scoring goals regularly.
Training was a mixture of running and handball games, which are always tough because of the constant running that’s involved, as well as beach soccer, which provided a pleasant, but no less taxing change up.
While most of us have genuinely average skills, our Irish recruit Daniel Flynn was a stand out in the soccer matches (probably because of his extensive background playing with a round ball), as was Brogsy (Matthew Broadbent), who fancies himself as bit of an EPL talent.
Unsurprisingly Chad’s ball skills also translate to the soccer pitch and he found himself out the back scoring goals regularly.
Is there anything he can’t do?
We were once again competing in our established teams for the camp with every win or loss adding to the overall training camp tally.
We were once again competing in our established teams for the camp with every win or loss adding to the overall training camp tally.
That feeling of not wanting to let your team down no doubt helped us all put another strong session in the bank, and it’ll give us a great base for the next three days, which are set to be even harder again.
In the afternoon we were left to our own devices.
In the afternoon we were left to our own devices.
Many of the boys took the opportunity to rest up, spending time at the hotel pool, or simply catching up on some 'shut-eye'.
The Day 3 half-day pretty much follows the same routine as last year and it’s a very good chance for those that are really sore to take a little time to recuperate in preparation for the pain to come.
A group of boys also headed to a nearby beach club for a bit of Dubai sightseeing, which really involved just relaxing their sore bodies in the pool.
Kane Mitchell rode a camel, and myself, Karl Amon, Hombschy and a few others tried our hands at bartering at the Old Town Markets.
The Day 3 half-day pretty much follows the same routine as last year and it’s a very good chance for those that are really sore to take a little time to recuperate in preparation for the pain to come.
A group of boys also headed to a nearby beach club for a bit of Dubai sightseeing, which really involved just relaxing their sore bodies in the pool.
Kane Mitchell rode a camel, and myself, Karl Amon, Hombschy and a few others tried our hands at bartering at the Old Town Markets.
The Dubai Gold Souk is renowned for its ‘fake’ and slightly less fake and longer lasting ‘genuine fake’ items.
I came away with a watch, while Karl unsuccessfully bartered down a shop owner for some cologne.
I came away with a watch, while Karl unsuccessfully bartered down a shop owner for some cologne.
It turns out the shop was a proper retailer and had fixed prices - good one Karlos.
The cab ride home was pretty cool with the sunset creating a beautiful orange backdrop for the obnoxiously large and odd shaped skyline that swells from the surrounding desert.
Anyway I’m calling it a day. See ya tomorrow!
Anyway I’m calling it a day. See ya tomorrow!
