Field Report By Anthony (aka DreamRunner)
The growing FatBird Marathon Pacers team gathered for the 5th session of the Marathon Training Program, starting from Changi Beach Park. There were a number of new Pacers joining us for the first time, and it was also the first time for many to try what we affectionately termed the 'Demoralizing Route'...hehe.
Ultra and Passion were there early to prepare the isotonic drinks...really appreciate their efforts. Niwas too went down to provide support...thanks. I gave a short brief of the 24km-28km distance we planned to run, before setting off. A few of our Garmins have gotten much attention from the other Pacers, and I believe more will be getting theirs this weekend? haha. Good to see outrider, Marcus and his team join us for this Pacer training....great.
I ran along with Helen and James along Coastal Road in approximately 6min/km pace, discussing plans for the 21km Pace Group. The weather was pretty cool, and James was indeed a steady runner. YN and her friend, Ah Beng and his wife, and a few other I-Runners have been consistently attending the Marathon Training sessions....they should do well this year. Once again, Ang was right with the front group of Feet, RoadRunner, acidburn and the faster ones. I was happy to stay with DO and the rest for the mid pack; those targeting 4hr-4:30hr. Jancy, Benny, Beverly, zco were running along with the 5hr-5:30hr runners.
The group doing 24km turned around at the Canoe Centre, while the rest of us going for 28km continued on. My Garmin recorded 14.5km when I reached F2. Took a quick break, and alerted the rest to turn back for 29km. The sun was up by the time we set off towards NSRCC, and it was blistering at the PCN towards Coastal Road. DO and I were running together at an average pace of 5:35min/km. Coastal Road was even more daunting on the way back, with its long straight. DO and I had a chance to chat and discuss many things....good to keep away the boredom. When we nearly reached Beach Park toilet, we spotted Benny, acid/Andy and Terry.
We waited at the toilet area for the rest to come in....having done 26km by then. With 3km to go, we had zco to run along the final 3km stretch. The grounds were much softer, with good shade, compared with ECP. The final 1,5km stretch was out onto the pavement and we braved the hot sun and elements to finally reach the end of 29.3km in 2hr54min (Garmin measurement). Thanks to Niwas and Passion who handed out iced-cold 100plus....wah, very *shiokzzz*. Timings for Pacers and trainees were recorded as we discussed the tough route we conquered this morning.
All felt tired, but were happy they completed this important part of Marathon Training. HophIng and SealBoon were very strong today, and I am sure they are on track for 4hr. Helen, James and zco even had sufficient resources to run back to where they came from. The rest of us went for a quick wash-up before settling into some nice fishball noodles and tim-sum fare. Overall, a very fruitful and effective training session. Good work, Pacers and FatBird Marathon trainees.
Distance: 29.3km__Time: 2hr54min__Pace: 5:54min/km
Photo Slideshow, courtesy FatBird Esther
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