Ops Kingfisher Finale: Ready For The BAY!

Training Report by FatBird Anthony
Photos by FatBirds DO & Spencer


It was the final session of Ops Kingfisher, Team FatBird's half-marathon training program for SBR/AHM09. Team FatBird's Nest at The PlayGround @ Big Splash was alive when a large crowd of over 70 turned up, with a number of first-timers and some running kakis from the Pacer Team and SAFRA Running Clubs. Eric Koa, Baldwin, Billy, Lucas and Team Run Fanatics also joined in for their final preparatory AHM training run. The weather was cloudy, just nice for a 15km tapering run at race pace....a final check of sorts for all AHM participants.

Annie with Team Run Fanatics

A briefing on race day preparations and the 10-15km route ensued, followed by the customary Team FatBird Group Photo, before setting off to the start line at 7.25am. The pacers and marshals led the start for the various groups, and as the km got consumed, the Kingfishers settled in their paces. I was maintaining 4:50min/km for the first 3km, before moving down to 4:53min/km after 5km. As I took occasional glances behind, I could see the 5min/km group just behind running steadily. Said hello to the regular runners at ECP like David Tay's group, Vivian Tang...didn't see Sumiko and Ronnie this morning. It was cloudy for the first 7km+ as we U-turned at the Sailing Centre.

In the second half, I ran along with the group of Silvia, annie, Jonathan, KS, etc. The pace then was 5:02min/km, and I was encouraging them to stick with it for the remaining 7km. It was heartening to see many of the Kingfishers progress and improve with the dogged focus and determination displayed through their consistent efforts put in. As the group pushed the pace and worked hard to sustain, I was reminded that it was just 6 weeks ago when they were new to the program, and were certainly running not as fast nor at such sustained and planned paces. With 5km to go, the group were tiring slightly and dropped back a little. I regained some lost time due to waiting and breaks to steady at 5min/km.

While waiting for the larger group to catch up, I had a nice but short chat with David Tay, Luke and the adiNation team on their plans for AHM and SCSM. Before long, I could see Silvia and annie's group arriving, and we continued on our way. The final 2km was fun as we pushed one another in an increased pace for a strong finish. Silvia was sprinting away, along with the new army runner. We finished the 14.7km distance in 1hr15min. There was a flood of runners finishing between 15-17min....wow, all very strong, and certainly race ready.

Back at The FatBird Nest, drinks and bananas were consumed along with discussions on race day preparations. Many were already thinking and asking about training for SCSM...wow. We gave them a heads-up on the Marathon Training Program the team will be starting in September, and those who have no races for the month of August would do well to maintain their LSD base to an average 18km-20km. All the work has been put in, and now is the time to avoid over-training and over-indulging in the distances. Take the time to rest, recover, but do shorter runs to keep the 'engines' ready.

We will meet on race day at The sunken Amphitheater, and move toward the start line of the Army Half Marathon 2009 to Run The BAY!