Team FatBird Celebrate Singapore's 44th Birthday

A Thursday Evening By The Riverside

I-Run @ River Promenade, 30 July 2009

230

230

Yes! Another new milestone. Team FatBird registered 230 I-Runners @ River Promenade last evening, as runners in groups lapped up the 3km, 5km, 7km and 10km distances with enthusiasm and gusto.

Thanks to the team of run marshals and assistants we garnered on the spot, we were able to manage the record crowd. The Registration Desk & Drinks Management combined force did an excellent job of crowd management and drinks control. The gathering point just below UOB Plaza was bursting and spilling to the sides. The drinks have gone over the allotment, in spite of having requested for replenishment.

We are indeed encouraged by this growth of runners joining the I-Run @ RP, but at the same time would seek their understanding for our constraints as we breach our maximum capacity.

Let us take some time out next Tuesday to celebrate this encouraging growth of runners together with Singapore's Birthday, with a combined group run along the Singapore Riverside, coupled with a nostalgic journey down Esplanade.

Nike LunarGlide+ : A Team FatBird Review

The Nike LunarGlide+ was launched in Singapore on 1st July 2009. Team FatBird were one of the early birds (no pun intended) to bring them out for test drives and shoe trials, carried out over a period of 3 weeks from 6th July 2009 to 26th July 2009.

The Team gathered feedback and responses from our members as well as from runners who has had the good opportunity to try those shoes during the Nike Run SG and Nike-SHAPE Breakfast Runs.

This Team LunarGlide+ review will cover 15 different aspects, doused with a couple of feedback interviews conducted with trial users. Runners provided their feedback based on these components.


BACKGROUND SUMMARY
The Nike LunarGlide+ is the first running shoe to deliver both top-tier cushioning and as-needed support with the new Dynamic Support system.

The shoes make use of a cushioning system called the LUNARLITE SYSTEM which consists of a firmer and denser carrier foam and a softer foam core. The Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole is comprised of a lightweight cushlon foam core that sits within a firmer foam carriage. The foam core is cut to fit into the carriage at an angle creating a deeper cushioned lateral side. The medial side of the Nike LunarGlide+ mid-sole features a rear-foot wedge that has been contoured into the firmer foam carriage which provides stability on an as-needed basis.

The Dynamic Support system delivers great cushioning for neutral runners, as well as the necessary support for runners that over-pronate. This makes the LunarGlide+ appropriate for a remarkably wide range of runners.

Nike designed Flywire technology into the upper to provide the necessary support with a dramatic reduction in weight versus a conventional, overlay-based upper construction.

For additional technical information and specifications. you may refer to the Product Technical & Data sheets from Nike.


DESIGN
This “second generation” and upgrade of the Lunar Trainer series definitely has a marked improvement in the design and looks departments. The colours are vibrant, cool enough to be worn out onto the streets for the weekend :) It is definitely an eye catcher and attractive to runners of different age groups.

The Men’s version with the black upper and bright orange soles really stand out as being ‘macho’...outstanding and striking. The overall appearance looks more like a pair of sneakers than running shoes.

The women’s version of the shoe has a nice, soft beige/white upper with orange soles, giving them the feminine feel, but yet retaining the sporty image. The colour also makes it easy to match with a range of running attire.

PERFORMANCE
The mid foot sole has a light bouncy feel on light jogging, but turns firmer when landing squarely on the mid foot portion. It is designed as the workhorse for long distance endurance runs as well as for recovery runs.

The LunarGlide+ is lighter compared with other trainers. As such, it could be considered for use in longer distance racing, as well as for training runs such as tempo and intervals.

DURABILITY
The new outsole with rubber in high abrasion areas provide a certain level of durability to the shoe. It is built to last and it seems that the shoe is pretty hardy, and certainly looks and feels durable. There is no sign of wear and tear after quite a few consecutive runs or even after clocking a distance of more than 50km.

COMFORT LEVEL
The toe-box area is wide and roomy and is ideal for the Asian’s wider feet. It is not required for one to upsize for this particular Nike model to get a more comfortable forefoot fit.
The well padded tongue and heel area provides additional comfort. The feet are very pampered by the new well padded and designed upper. Furthermore, the upper of the shoes is a one-piece material which is soft and tender to the feet, reducing the chances of abrasions and blisters.

TERRAIN SUITABILITY
The generous heel and mid-foot cushion provides very good protection, especially running on the hard concrete path and on tarmac. The new cushion material absorbs the impacts and shocks from the hard surfaces very well. Given the ample cushion and dynamic support system, the Lunar Glide+ should be suitable not only to road, but also to trail and sand.

OUTSOLE TRACTION
The shoe gives a firm grip and offers good traction which should provide better holding on wet, slippery surfaces. However, it is by no means slip-proof.

CUSHIONING
As a trainer, it allow runners to land on heel strike as it provides enough cushioning without too much impact to their knees. The cushioned material definitely covers both heels & mid-foot with protection. It absorbs the impact from hard surfaces.

WEIGHT
The use of LunarLite in the midsole and Flywire in the upper allow for a dramatic reduction in weight compared to typical daily distance running shoes. The men’s Lunar Glide+ weighs just 300g (10.6 oz). while the women’s weighs a mere 245g( 8.6 oz). The shoe runs light even after 15km. It really gives the runner a chance to “glide”.

POINT OF LANDING
The LunarGlide+ work well for mid-foot runners, with ample heel cushioning for those transitioning to mid-foot landing. The new Dynamic Support system shatters the myth that runners must compromise by selecting between two industry-standard categories: stability or cushioning. It is able to fit the runner’s landing accordingly, and is even able to change with the runner’s form (more pronation) as the distance gets longer and the legs get tired .


FEEL OF THE GROUND
The sole is not as thick as other trainers, and feels just right. Perhaps due to the fact that it has both stability and cushioning support, they are suitable for both over pronator and under pronator runners. It will be good if future Glide+ version comes with even lower heel thickness which will minimise and reduce the tendency of landing on the heel area.

DISTANCE SUITABILITY
The Lunar Glide+ suit all distances, with it performing best for distances above 10km. However, some runners commented that the shoe may not be suitable for distances of more than 21km.

ARCH SUPPORT
The new Dynamic Support system allows the shoe to fit runners who are neutral to slight under or over pronators, thus reducing the need to compromise between two industry-standard categories: stability or cushioning. Neutral runners find that it fits their neutral feet very well, and even allow for the slight over-pronation in later parts of the runs when the distances get longer and they tend to over-pronate. Slightly under or over pronated runners feel that there is ample stability support from the shoe.

However, this shoe is not recommended for runners with flat foot.

HARDNESS/SOFTNESS
The shoe appears to be quite stiff, but runners who put on the shoe and ran felt that it was not as hard as what they had initially thought. Although the shoe is soft in general, it is sufficiently firm to provide a good level of responsiveness, which is required for good pick-up and feel.

VENTILATION
The soft seamless material on the upper make the shoes breathable, and dissipates heat quite well. It feels very airy and cool throughout even after running as far as 17km.


OVERALL RATING & CONCLUSION
It looks like Nike has a potential winner in the LunarGlide+, more so with its suitability for a wide range of runners from neutral to those who over pronate not too severely. The soft upper of the shoes has made them cool and airy to the feet, with a soft and plush wrap that make them such a comfortable ride.

The ladies had it good this time with special features (see below) built just for them, not to mention the very attractive design and colour of the shoes.

On the scale of 5, with 1 being very unsatisfied and 5 being very satisfied, the runners that participated in our shoe review gave an average of 4-Birds. In general, runners provided good feedback in terms of the shoe’s cushion/stability, design and comfort and its responsiveness
RATING: ****


FEEDBACK INTERVIEWS

Nike LunarGlide+ Trials, TFB Media News

SHOE TRIAL PHOTO SLIDESHOW

Ops Kingfisher Session #4: Time Trials

Training Report by FatBird Anthony
Photos by FatBirds Spencer, DO
Video Interviews by FatBirds YN, Keonz (In Production)

Kingfisher Runners @ Team FatBird's Nest

This was the day of reckoning for Ops Kingfisher. A record number of more than 70 runners turned up for Session #4, time trials and the second Newton Shoe trial. 35 had signed up in advance for the shoe trials, with a few more walk-ins...seemed like our partner KPI were prepared for the anticipated demand.

Team FatBird's kingfishers gathered at The FatBird Nest from 6.50am for registration, and soon there were lots of chatting and sharing amongst the crowd. We conducted the pre-run briefings at 7.15am, followed by the customary Group Photo shot. There were quite a number of fast runners, coupled with quite a few new faces too....The FatBird family is really growing fast :)

Kingfisher #4 Pre-Run Briefing

4 Pace Groups were offered to the 21km runners as guide posts, and the U-turn was at the traffic junction just before crossing to the Park Connector to Changi Coastal Road. After flagoff from the start-point near 7-11, the pacers soon took their respective paces. Keonz and Max went ahead to cover the 1:30-1:45h group. DO and I paced the 1:45-2:00h group, although we were more running at the front pace. Henry covered the pace nearer to 2:00h. Yamsong, Wee, Darren and about 20 runners were in our group. There were about 20 runners in the 2:00-2:15h group, led by Jancy, Spencer and YN. The remaining 25 runners joined the 2:15-2:30h and 10km groups led by Terry, Beng and Esther.

The 1:45h group settled into a steady 4:54min/km pace after 2km. There were many army running groups all along the way, many of them doing AHM time trials too. Eugene was spotted taking down timings for his unit. There was a large OCS (Officer Cadet School) team as well. They were looking at the large TFB running groups as well, distinction being that there ware quite a number of babes and uncles in our groups, compared with their mainly young hunks only groupings....haha. WE made the halfway point at the traffic junction in 4:55min/km average pace. The caucasian gal was leading the way. Darren was at the turning point showing the way. Quite a number of new runners were just behind...wow, all doing not bad, about 5:05min/km pace.

The way back was quite ok, maintaining 4:55min/km pace. I had moved up slightly and was ahead for most of the way. When I passed the Chalet area, the World Harmony Runners (WHR) were gathered for one of their stops. A number of people shouted for me, and I waved and clapped for them. They are doing an 18km run for world peace and harmony...for a good cause. I had joined the WHR in 2006 and 2007. It was a real experience running and stopping at various religious and historic places to spread peace and harmony.

With 4km to go, and the heat from the emerging sun, my pace dropped to a 4:56min/km average. I was feeling winded...and slowed down to a more tolerable speed. There were a couple more TFB runners at 5min/km pace not too far back. The Newton Cushion Racer I wore held on well, remaining light throughout. With a bit more running, I finally reached back to the Nest and start point in 1hr40min...not bad for a 21km, and a little faster than the 5min/km pace I had to do. Robert, Sham and the KPI team were already at the end point welcoming the runners back.

Freshening Up @ FatBird Watering Hole

It was a good time trials for all the Kingfishers, with quite a number doing their Personal Best (PB) for the 21km and even 10km distances. All were in high spirits, despite the heat and the thirst. The 100plus we brought along were depleted in no time. We will need to replenish the FatBird Watering Hole fund soon to cater for more isotonic drinks and bananas to runners. The Kingfishers were happily chatting away and sharing experiences with one another. It was not till 10am that most started leaving. Many of them had the satisfaction of knowing they will complete the respective distances they have signed up for with confidence, and quite a few quietly gunning for PBs.

The next 2 weeks will see us tapering to 18km, followed by 15km for the 6th and final session, holding on the same targeted pace. A final Newton Shoe Trial session will be conducted at the 6th training session....do check for the schedule HERE. Team FatBird Shoe Reviewers will be posting up video interviews and feedback from the runners who have tried the various models of the shoes....watch for that and the Team Reviews as well.

Link To Team FatBird!

There's an easy way for you to link your web sites and blogs to us!

Simply copy the html codes below and paste them to your blogs or websites!

1. Link to Team FatBird's Blog

<a href="http://www.teamfatbird.blogspot.com"><img
src="http://sites.google.com/site/teamfatbird/Home/blog.jpg"
border=0></a>

2. Link to Team FatBird's Facebook Group

<a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22195493122"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/teamfatbird/Home/fb.jpg" border=0></a&gt

3. Link to Team FatBird's Fan Page

<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Singapore/Team-FatBird/89850829432"><img src="http://www.teamfatbird.com/opskingfisher/img/fb-fan.jpg" border=0></a>

4. Link to Team FatBird's Photo Gallery

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/teamfatbird"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/teamfatbird/Home/gallery.jpg" border=0></a>

Running For A Cause: SCSM09 Feature

Barely had Mohan signed up for his 78th Full Marathon (42.195km), he was approached by Team FatBird member, Terry, to do his bit for charity. After a brief explanation, he readily committed to this noble act of Running For Charity – The SCSM09 Run For A Cause (RFAC). This year's RFAC beneficiary organization is once again Community Chest Of Singapore.

Run For A Cause (RFAC) Participant, Mohan

By the next morning, Mohan had already rallied very strong support from his friends and colleagues to give him the booster he needed to get his RFAC drive close to the $3k mark...wow...will he hit $42.195k to match the 42.195k distance? Well, it may just happen, given the strong reception to the Run For A Cause that Mohan has been receiving!

The 78th Marathon for SCSM09 RFAC

Members of Team FatBird was at Raffles Place on July 16 for the launch and roadshow of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009 (SCSM09). We were there to lend support to ComChest, beneficiary of this year's Run For A Cause. Team FatBird will be opening up this ‘Marathon Training With A Heart’ Program (Project CharityPelican) to RFAC participants like Mohan, working together to target completion for distances of 10km, Half-Marathon and the Full Marathon.

In the following weeks, we will be featuring other Team FatBird supported RFAC participants to review their training progress as well as the support they have been getting for this year’s RFAC.

Sign up Run For A Cause NOW!

Project CharityPelican – Marathon Training With A Heart!

.

Ops Kingfisher Session #3 - Pace Training

Training Report by FatBird Anthony
Photo Slideshow by FatBird Spencer
Video Interviews by TFB Media (FatBirds YN, Keonz)

Kingfishers @ Team FatBird's Nest, The PlayGround @ Big Splash

More than 60 Kingfisher runners gathered at Team FatBird's Nest for week 3's training. With just 4 weeks to go before race day, all were prepared for the start of pace training for the 21km distance. FatBird DO gave a briefing of the pace training and the various pace groups (1:30-1:45h led by Keonz, 1:45-2:00h led by Anthony and DO, 2:00-2:15h led by YN, Spencer and Jancy, 2:15-2:30h led by Terry and Beng). FatBird Esther led the 10km running group. FatBird Keonz provided a good overview of the route and U-turn points for the 10km, 13km and 18km distances.

Training & Route briefing @ Team FatBird's Nest

With endurance base-building done, we started off running at our optimum sustainable pace. There was noticeably less runners and groups at ECP this morning, although the army groups were still out in force to ramp up their AHM training. Keonz was in front, followed by Choon, Han and Darren. I stayed behind at an average 5:03min/km, gradually dropping it to 5:00min/km by 6km. There was a group slightly behind...possibly 5:15min/km pace. zco saw us near the Food Centre, and joined the 5min pace group for a bit.

I had with me my Ultimate Direction hydration belt with Gatorade mix, dispensing the need for any water stops, allowing continuous running. I was feeling ok all the way to NSRCC (9km mark). The front group took a quick break from the water sprinkler, while I turned back without stopping. As we passed the various pace groups, we cheered for them and informed of the U-turn. It was nice to see the various TFB groups running at pace and acknowledging one another as we pass. I had dropped the average pace to 4:58min/km by the time I hit F2 carpark. The weather was humid, and the sun was rearing itself with strong rays.

TFB Media Crew on location, The Sand Pit, FatBird's home

With 3km to go, I closed the gap to run along Han and Darren, before moving up to maintain the 4:58min/km pace to finish in 1hr29min. Wee and his friend was already at the end, cheering the runners. We had a good chat, while cheering the returning runners. Arthur and YN looked very strong, as they finished the 18km at The PlayGround. We assembled back at the FatBird Nest to get iced-cold 100plus and bananas....heavenly. A number of enquiries about Run For A Cause (RFAC) Charity Running, as well as FatBird's plans for pacing and marathon training for SCSM09.

Ops Kingfisher #3 Participants, TFB Media News

SCSM09 had just been launched on July 16, and all the runners are already getting excited, gearing up for this big event. Team FatBird should be having 1-2 Marathon Training Programs to help the many SCSM09 runners and RFAC participants. Session #4 of Ops Kingfisher next Saturday will be a full-dress rehearsal of sorts, with a 21.1km Time Trial and Newton Shoe Trials. It will be a good opportunity for all FatBird runners to gauge their likely achievable completion timings. So we will expect to see more Kingfishers next weekend.

Follow FatBird's Beat, Achieve Your Feat!

A Letter From Community Chest (ComChest)

17 Jul 09

Mr Anthony Sum,
Chief FatBird
Team FatBird

Dear Anthony

Please express my appreciation to members of your TEAM FATBIRD.

I am grateful for the tremendous support for ComChest at the launch of Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009 on 16 Jul 09 at Raffles Place.

I could see the great enthusiasm they all have; in approaching the many runners who were present to support and sign up the Run for a Cause pledge cards.

Many runners, including the guest-of-honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, were glad to see the familiar faces of FatBirds. And this had certainly contributed to the great success of the day.

Once again, thank you for the great support. I know I can count on the "FatBirds" to do their share for charities

S C Lim
Hon General Secretary
Community Chest

SCSM 2009: Run For A Cause

Field Report by FatBird Anthony
Photo Slideshow by FatBird DO
Video Interviews by TFB Media (FatBirds YN, Keonz)

Team FatBird @ SCSM09 Run For A Cause

Members of Team FatBird was at Raffles Place this morning for the launch and roadshow of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009 (SCSM09). We were invited to lend support to ComChest, beneficiary of this year's Run For A Cause.

Decked out in ComChest tops, we were on hand to speak with the many runners who were interested to do charity by way of running the marathon. Many of them were enthusiastic, however with some concerns of how they would be able to complete the rather long 42.195km marathon distance.

SCSM09 Launch & Roadshow

Team FatBird will be developing a marathon training program to help prepare these Charity Runners of 10km, 21km and full marathon distances for the big race day. There will be weekday runs in the city, as well as weekend runs from Team FatBird's Nest in the East Coast Park area (The PlayGround @ Big Splash).

When the Team arrived at the ComChest tent, there was already a snake of about 200 in the queue for the race opening. There was a larger turnout of runners and visitors for this year's show. After the official launch, we had a busy time of telling race participants about Run For A Cause and Team FatBird's support for the program.

ComChest's SC Lim was making introductions about plans for Run For A Cause this year, and how Team FatBird will be helping with the training of the Charity participants. The running community was very supportive and welcomed the initiatives taken on the ground to help charities through the promotion of healthy lifestyle and sports.

TFB with SPS Teo Ser Luck

TFB Media was also on location to conduct interviews of participants and officials about their experiences and feelings of the SCSM as well as encouragement from them for runners to do their bit for charity by way of active participation in such healthy sports activities.

Met many familiar faces, many runners from the various FatBird-led running groups like the I-Run, Nike Run SG, AHM Training Groups. The 150 faces of the SCSM09 were also present to soak in the festivities...Mohan, IMD, CatWoman, among others. Jade Seah and Joanne Peh were also present to lend some glamour to the largest marathon event in Singapore. There were also running kakis and friends from the various running clubs like SAFRA Running Club, MR25, SgRunners. It was one melting pot and gathering of all the running groups and community....very exciting indeed.

Team FatBird & ComChest co-operation

By the end of the day, we had registered a healthy number of Run For A Cause participants. Quite a number of FatBird Runners signed up as Charity Runners, and FatBird Suan even brought in close to $500 donations by the end of the day...*kudos*. We will continue to create awareness and encouragement for participants for this worthy cause for Charity, even volunteering Team FatBird's Marathon Training Program, in a bid to encourage more to run for charity.

Let us all do our part.....You Run For A Cause, Team FatBird will Train You For The Cause.

Sign up Run For A Cause NOW!

Project CharityPelican - Training With A Heart

.

I-Run @ River Promenade Record SMASHED AGAIN!

Team FatBird continued with its record-breaking streak by smashing the barely 1-week old record attendance with an UNPRECEDENTED turnout of 211 runners at the I-Run @ River Promenade this evening. There was nary a can of 100plus nor a bottle of Ice Mountain left at the end, with a number of runners happy to go back to their nearby offices and coffee-shops for extra rounds of refreshments.

I-Run @ River Promenade on 14July09, courtesy FatBird DO

It was a satisfying run for many of the new-comers, first-timers and seasoned I-Runners alike, caught up with the Group-running atmosphere and pacing by Team FatBird run marshals. The 5km distance alone saw 90+ runners, followed by the 7km, 10km and then 3km runners....an indication of the popularity and competencies of the mid-distance groups of 5km-7km.

This Group-Running wave bodes well for the local running scene, especially ahead of the launch of the largest running event in Singapore, The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM09). Is this an early indication that attendance at this year's SCSM09 will see a record turnout? We shall wait in anticipation as official registration opens this Thursday, July 16.

Meanwhile, we too await news of more drinks and logistics support for this growing I-Run community....will we see attendance hitting 250 runners in one session? It remains to be seen :)

Follow Our Beat, Achieve Your Feat!

Ops Kingfisher #2: TFB Media Interviews

Team FatBird Media were on location at Team FatBird's Nest in the SandPit, The PlayGround @ Ground to conduct a series of interviews for Ops Kingfisher Session #2.

Film Direction & Productions by TFB Media - FatBirds YN and Keonz. Enjoy!

A preview of the Team FatBird Nest, and the hosting of Ops Kingfisher

Chief FatBird tells us more about the essence of the Name and Program for Ops Kingfisher

FatBird Jancy gives a first hand review of the Newton Shoes' performance in the wet and wild conditions @ Ops Kingfisher #2

Ops Kingfisher Session #2 - Showers Of Initiation

Field Report: FatBird Anthony
Photos Slideshow: FatBirds DO, Spencer, Max
Video Interviews: COMING SOON from TFB Media

Ops Kingfisher Session #2 - Newton Shoe Trials

It was the first Newton Shoe Trials at Team FatBird's Operation Kingfisher, in a series of 3 planned for the Kingfisher 6-week Half-Marathon Training Program. We also established a sheltered FatBird Nest at The Sand Pit at The PlayGround @ Big Splash. The organizing team was at The PlayGround from 6.30am to set up the Newton Shoe Trials with our Ops Kingfisher partner, KeyPower International. Runners began streaming in at 6.45am from all direction to assemble at FatBird Nest. A total of 65 runners turned up, not bad for a weekend training session. 40 runners had signed up for the shoe trials, and most were trying them for the first time.

We conducted a briefing on the new FatBird location at ECP, the training cards, aspects of the training session, introductions to members of the Kingfisher Training Crew and the 8km-15km training routes. A few group photos later, we started off from the entrance to The PlayGround at 7.30am. The 21km runners were grouped into the 3 broad-based pace timings in this 2nd week of endurance training. There was a 8-10km group which went at their comfortable pace, led by FatBird Esther.

Briefing at The FatBird Nest, Sand Pit @ The PlayGround

The runners' spirits were high, especially with the cool, cloudy weather and the new shoes that many were trialing. As usual, ECP was strewn with many running groups, esp. those from the army units training for the AHM. Fatbird Keonz led the sub 5min group, while DO and I was with the 5min group, Sylvia, Eline, Annie, Darren, Horus, jeregoh, yamsong, and a few new runners. We maintained our pace quite steadily. Again, it was fun bumping into friendly and familiar faces, and it was nice to see all the brightly coloured green, yellow, blue Newton shoes running along. My green Racer allowed me to keep to a steady 5min pace....after 2 weeks of use, I am able to manage the shoes to give me the optimum ride at a sustainable speed.

There was another race from F2...all guys....likely to be from the army units. I gave them some cheers and encouragement, before stopping at the Sailing Centre toilets together with Darren to U-turn the FatBird Runners. All were running strong, maintaining solid pacing. FatBirds YN and Spencer kept the 5:30min/km group tight and they ran in high spirits. Terry, Beverly, Suan, Beng, Marcus, Amy and a big group were at 6min/km pace. Just as I started on the return leg, water rained down on us heavily. As there was no lightning, we continued to run. The cap I left behind at the start point was sorely missed as the rain water drenched my whole head and beat on my face with a vengeance. It was more than a year since I ran in that kind of rain, but I was enjoying the challenge and the opportunity to test the drainage qualities of the Newton.

Many runners and visitors to the ECP were taking shelter in the Pavilions along the way. I was impressed that FatBird Runners continued unabated in the rain, and they even seemed to be enjoying themselves...all smiles, with heads held up high :). I met Henry again along F2, and further up, I was pleasantly surprised to see Rose chugging along in her Newton. She didn't seem affected by the rain at all, and even had a fluid momentum in her motion...nice. By C4, I was running along with Dave Cawley, Horus, and a number of others in the 5:15min pace. Nice chats with all of them...by then, the rain had gotten light, and the shoes felt dry. We made a steady push for the final 1km to end back at FatBird Nest, The Sand Pit....15km in 1hr15min for my pace group.

We had Accelerade protein-enhanced sports drink today, along with bananas for the hungry runners who had worked hard. Many were excited by their Newton experience, especially by its light-weight, fast-paced and good-drainage features. Those who did not have an opportunity to try them will surely look forward to the next shoe trials in a fortnight. The rest will look forward to chalking up good attendance at Kingfisher and getting their Team FatBird Training Card. Team FatBird Media was on location to get interviews from the runners and trainers. KPI was most helpful in setting up the shoe trials as well as dispensing advice and tips on the use of the Newtons.

Showers Of Initiation

We are appreciative of the The PlayGround team, who not only provided a nice MEETING POINT for Team FatBird, but also joined in the run and meet with the FatBird Runners. It was so much fun that many stayed on till 10am. Overall, it was a very smooth training run cum shoe trials, all in spite of the inclement weather, which actually provided very good conditions for stress training and testing of equipment and shoes....thanks to Robert, Sham and the KPI team for the support. We now look forward to Kingfisher #3, where paced training groups from 1hr30min - 2hr30min will be provided to run along with runners according to their targeted 21km completion time.

I-Run @ River Promenade Record SMASHED!

191

Yes! A RECORD 191 I-Runners @ River Promenade this evening (07 July 2009).

Team FatBird was breathless . We may surpass the magical 200 turnout for a weekday run soon :)

Thanks in part to the Straits Times article RUN FREE, which has helped raise awareness of all the group runs to help develop a healthy lifestyle among the working class and students. Keep them coming!

Source: Straits Times, 27 June 2009

.

Nike-SHAPE Breakfast Run 05July

Photos by FatBird Spencer

Team FatBird was bright and early for the 5th run session of the Nike-SHAPE Breakfast Run. That 7km distance was the longest in the series of 6 runs. 70+ women turned up, many having the chance to try out the newly launched Nike LunarGlide+ shoes....could see so many happy smiles. The weather was cool, so the gals had a field day running in 3 distinct large groups along East Coast Parkway.

Lots of cheers and support from the people around, many wondering if there was a race going on. With all the gals finishing strongly at the end, there is no doubt that they were all prep-ed for the Nike-Shape Run....this coming Sunday's 6th and final 5km run session will be a tapering for their big day ahead....we are hoping that Team FatBird Pacers might be deployed on race day to give these brave ladies the motivation and inspiration to complete their race in good SHAPE.

Operation Kingfisher Week #1 - The Science Of Running

Field Report by FatBird Anthony
Photo Contributions from Daniel Wee, FatBirds DO & Spencer
Video Interviews by TFB Media (FatBirds Keonz, YN)

100+ runners have signed up for Operation Kingfisher, Team FatBird's 8-week program to prepare runners for this years SBR/AHM. After 2 weeks of base-building runs, 40+ runners gathered at The PlayGround @ Big Splash this morning...good to see many familiar faces, participants of Ops NightHawk and i-Runs, as well as new faces who have joined in TFB's training programs for the first time.

The Kingfisher Training Team was decked out in Newton Running and 2XU to put the Science Of Motion to some trials and testing. After wearing the Newtons for a few weeks, the team is ready to bring these fast-running shoes for training and race-day use. After registration and the customary group photos, we set out for the 13km distance in 3 paced groups...5:00-5:30min/km pace led by FatBirds Keonz, DO, Anthony; 5:30-6:00min/km pace led by FatBirds YN, Jancy, Spencer and 6:00-7:00min/km led by FatBirds Beng and Terry. The weather turned clear and the morning sun reared itself soon after we launched.

Han, Choon, Wee, Darren and about 4 more paced Keonz at 4:40min pace up front, while Yamsong, Silvia, Daniel, Yong and 5 more went with DO and Anthony at 4:55min pace. There was a larger mid-pack group, and then Charlene, Amy, SC and the rest went with Terry. We maintained a very steady pace throughout, albeit a little faster than target for the initial 5km. All did a U-turn at the first toilet after F2; everyone looking cheery in spite of the fast pace put on. The Newtons held up well, with their striking colours and design standing out.

FatBirds Spencer and DO were cheering the runners and taking photos as they turn at the 6.7km mid-point. Eileen and Ang joined us midway after they had done their 25km and 21km runs....they are already thinking of the TNF100 Trail Race in October...haha. I joined Raymond and Min for the remaining 5km at about 5:25min/km pace.....they were getting strong, no doubt....by race day, they will surely go below 2hr. Zhi Lei and her friend was also keeping up quite well with Benny's group at around 6min/km pace.

TFB Media interview of Ops Kingfisher Participants

We were pleasantly greeted by Clarence with his dual camera and the large zoom lens at the final 500m stretch. The main group finished the 13km within 1hr15min, with a few doing 11km. We had 100plus and bananas support for the thirsty runners as reward for a good workout. More photo-taking by Clarence for the team and group as we posed by the seaside. TFB Media was also on hand to interview the team and trainees about their first session of Operation Kingfisher. It was a nice launch to the program, with more participants expected for the coming week #2 schedule....and Newton Shoe Trials to look forward to.

Running The BAY? FatBirds will show You The WAY!

Nike LunarGlide+ Launch Shoe Trial 1st July 09

Team FatBird was on hand (and legs) at the Nike Running Club (Nike Store @ Wisma) to take the 20+ runners out on a 5km run to trial the newly launched Nike LunarGlide+ shoes. Sacha and Ben gave a good introduction to the key features of the shoes, and left the rest to the LunarGlide+ to do their actual 'running' :)

As evident in the photos, the Nike Runners had a swell time, and many gave good 'first-leg' reviews of the shoes. It seems that Nike has a potential winner in the LunarGlide+, more so with its suitability for a wide range of runners from neutral to those who over pronate not too severely. The ladies had it good this time with special features built just for them, not to mention the very attractive design and colour of those runners.

Let It Slide. Let It Glide. What A Ride!
The LunarGlide+