This weekend past was the 9th installation since the marathon training series for Team FatBird started. The allocated distance was for between 32 – 35 km, with the 3:45 hrs through 4:15 hrs pacers taking on the longer distance.
The morning started off with excellent weather, with the sun rising slightly later than usual, and intermittent cloud cover blocking off the heat. There was a buzz of excitement in the air throughout the pacer team, and rightfully so. Today was the debut of our pacer training gear courtesy of Nike Singapore, and all of us were decked out in our spanking new training tops! This was in no small part due to Jancy’s co-ordination and dedication to turn up earlier to ensure that distribution of the gear went smoothly. Thanks Jancy!
At 7:10 sharp the sizeable group that had turned up went off, breaking into the various pace groups with Max leading the pace as the 3:45hrs pacer. It struck me there and then that everyone seemed to be really comfortable and strong now, and surely this must agur something better one raceday.
The run was nice and comfortable with the beautiful weather, and before long we arrived at Carpark F2, where the 5:00 group took our first toilet/water break. We lingered for about 2 mins before starting off again, and I announced to the group that they did not have to worry as we would be stopping for water at the last toilet before reaching Changi Coast Road.
Along the way I chatted with the various people in our group, and informed them of the plans Edwin and I (Deepcruiser was abroad, and Jancy was tapering for her marathon next week) had for the day – that our actual km pace was intended to be 7:05, but we would be running at approximately 6:45 – 6:50/km to buffer up for toilet breaks, and on raceday proper, to walk through waterpoints.
We’d then arrived at NSRCC, and Max, the 3:45hr pacer was spotted coming from the other direction – he was doing a shorter 20km distance as part of his taper for his marathon, and even at pace was looking really relaxed and strong.
En route back to the start/finish point, the weather turned slightly warmer, but there was an nice breeze blowing in from the sea front, so it didn’t turn out to be too bad. As I arrived most of everyone else was already back at the pavilion and happily having their refreshments, mingling around with each other. Before long ZCO and Terry, helming the 5:30 group came back looking strong too, and after a short break we had a short stretching session to soothe those tired muscles, before breaking off to clean up and head for lunch.
All in all a great day to be out running, and the camaraderie provided by Team FatBird pacers and trainess certainly added to the enjoyment.
Carpe Diem!
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