By the final days of my Dagestan MMA camp, the intense training rhythm had become my new normal. Between wrestling, grappling and new friendships, I realised the hardest part might not be adapting to Dagestan — but adapting back to normal life.

Somewhere between sparring, an injury, Sulak Canyon and unexpected friendships, Dagestan became more than an MMA camp. With less internet and less noise, I started enjoying the simple rhythm of training, exploring and being alone with myself.

The second day ç was one of those days that reminded me exactly why I came here. I woke up around 7 AM and had a simple breakfast: oats, kefir, honey, and walnuts. Enough fuel for what was waiting for us. At 10, Arsen picked us up. We headed toward Eagles Gym and from there drove to Tarki-Tau for our running session. No Warm-Up. Just Run. I’m used to the usual runner routine. Get out of the car. Warm up. Move around a little. Maybe start with an easy jog. Not here. We got out