Sunbirds Forever!

.

The Evergreen Sunbirds, video courtesy Sunbird Joe Tan

Team FatBird commends and salutes the marathon spirit displayed by all Operation Sunbird (Team FatBird) Runners throughout the course of the 12-week training, with the crossing of the finish line in fine form and timing as evidence of your deserving Sunbird Certification. The SunBirds have ROCKED @ The SCMS 2010. We look forward to even better runs and performances in 2011. Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!

The Sunbird Memories, video courtesy FatBird AC Leong

Team FatBird thanks all Operation Sunbird (Team FatBird) marathoners for the nice memories we shared throughout the 12-week journey. May our friendships and team spirit continue on and be evergreeen. Let us take a fond journey back to great times we had! SUNBIRDS FOREVER!

Follow The SUNBIRD Journey HERE!

Gold Coast Airport Marathon Newsletter

Interested in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in Australia in 2011

Hello, It is that time of year when you start planning which marathons and races to do next year so you can organise travel, accommodation and holidays. The 33rd Gold Coast Airport Marathon to be held on 2-3 July 2011 could be on your list. You have either run the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in the past or have been interested in doing so. To give you all the information you need to plan your trip and to make the experience as wonderful as possible, we have put together the following easy steps: Step 1 - Read this Fact Sheet for Singapore runners interested in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon Step 2 - Read about Special Gold Coast Airport Marathon Travel Packages from Singapore to the Gold Coast (6D4N, 5D3N, Customised) by Scenic Travel Step 3 - Secure your Special Travel Package at current package prices with a S$200 deposit. You can do this at a Special Mini Briefing this Saturday (see details below) or by contacting Scenic Travel on Tel: 6226 3611 or email: scenic-sales@globaltravel.com.sg PLEASE NOTE - This is an option only and has been put together to make your travel experience efficient and fun. You can make your own travel arrangements if you prefer. Step 4 - Read about Operation Kookaburra Marathon Training organised by Team FatBird here Step 5 - Register here for Operation Kookaburra Marathon Training to secure your training slots. Training begins in March 2011 and is free for everyone who enters the 2011 Gold Coast Airport Marathon. Step 6 - Put your name down here to secure race entry into the Gold Coast Airport Marathon when online entries open in April 2011. Please note there are no limits on entry numbers so you will be guaranteed a race start. Go ahead and book your travel knowing that you will be able to enter when entries open in April. ..................... ...........Special Mini Briefing for you .......................This Saturday 11 December (1pm to 3pm) ....................................... ...Scenic Travel What will be featured at the Mini Briefing: Find out more about the 2011 Gold Coast Airport Marathon Past Gold Coast Airport Marathon participants from Singapore share about their Gold Coast race experience and preparation Find out more about the Operation Kookaburra Marathon Training Book your travel package with a deposit of S$200 per person to secure the booking at current package prices Support and assistance provided from Tourism Queensland in entering the Gold Coast Airport Marathon Please RSVP your attendance to Christine Chew at Tourism Queensland by Friday 10 December at christine.chew@tq.com.au Address for Mini Briefing: SCENIC TRAVEL PTE LTD 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #13-01A East Wing Singapore 310480 Thanks for your interest in the event! Hope to see you at the Special Mini Briefing on Saturday or please follow the Steps above to start your Gold Coast Airport Marathon preparations for 2011.

Sunbirds @ Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010

.

Sunbird SCMS10 Photo Slideshow, courtesy FatBird DO

Facebook Photos by Sunbirds Steve, Cindy, JacQ, Sam, Seow Yen, Pang, Frank

It was the mother of all marathons in Singapore. It was a culmination of the 12-week Ops Sunbird training program, and the Sunbirds being put through the final test. It was a race that we have trained hard for and looking to better PBs and achieve Marathoner status.

The Full Marathoner Sunbirds gathered at McCafe Orchard, while the Half Marathoners RV'ed at VivoCity. Lots of excitement in the air, along with the Christmas Lighting along Orchard Road and the promise of Universal Tours in Sentosa, made for a nice setting to this year-end marathon mission. Lots of cheers and shouts as the Sunbird Marathoners arrive, with many group snaps and handshakes of encouragement.

We walked as a group to the start line, making 'noise' along the way, guided by the leaders' whistle blows. Good that we assembled early, for soon, the sound of the horn for start were blown. Our various Sunbird Pacers were lined up with the respective participants, and execution of the pace went according to plan. There were also the Official Marathon Pacers we used as guideposts as we meandered through the many turns around the city area. The weather was cool for the first 2 hours, but then the challenges were thrown in from there.

The Half Marathoners faced many slopes within the Sentosa grounds, while the Full Marathoners had to contend with the heat in the Marina Barrage area, as well as the 'human wall' that began from Sheares' Bridge. Many runners were hit by cramps and dehydration from the 28km mark, and even the faster runners had to crawl to a walk at the Sheares Bridge area.

The Sunbirds displayed sheer determination and character in tackling the challenges, and were duly rewarded with a sterling set of results in SCMS 2010. Many Sunbird PBs and maiden Marathoner status were established. There were a number of PB improvements by more than 30-90min.

The New Balance-Ops Sunbird tent were abuzz with Sunbirds, FatBirds and friends, offering congratulatory messages, sharing of the route and weather challenges, getting refreshments and recovery to the bodies of the warriors. The Sunbirds & Pacers were in line for their special pampering massage to knead away those very tight muscles and ease off the tensions from the battlefield. The hospitality tent provided a good shade away from the intense heat from the midday sun, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our race as many were just happy to seek comfort in the tent with great company. Thanks to New Balance for all the support during the 12-week Ops Sunbird training and on race day.

Team FatBird would like to express our thanks and appreciation of the efforts and support provided by the Ops Sunbird Marathon Training & Pacing team, training with, guiding and helping the Sunbird participants to their target completions on race day. We are proud of the entire Team FatBird Marathon Pacers team for successfully achieving our SCMS10 Training and Pacing objectives.

Team FatBird commends and salutes the marathon spirit displayed by the Sunbirds throughout the course of the 12-week training, with the crossing of the finish line in fine form and timing as evidence of their deserving Sunbird Certification. The SunBirds have ROCKED @ The SCMS 2010. We look forward to even better runs and performances in 2011. Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!
.

The Sunbird Warriors: See You @ The Start Line

The Sunbird Warriors, video courtesy Sunbird Joe Tan

All Systems Checked. Fuel Up 100%. REDCON 1 Activated!
Let us give these Amazing Operation Sunbird warriors our loudest cheers of GO, SUNBIRDS, GO!

We Are Ready!

Follow The SUNBIRD Journey HERE!

Operation Sunbird 2010: GRAND FINALE

.

Photos by FatBirds DO, AC

The weather was great for a fitting finale of Operation Sunbird 2010. After 15 sessions of on-the-ground training runs and many more on-the-side meetings for gear, food, and get-togethers, the Sunbirds were all ready to go for their final LSD as a full-rehearsal for The Singapore Marathon (SCMS) on Dec 5.

More than 130 Sunbirds turned up bright and early (before 7am), and immediately got down to catching up with fellow team-mates and collecting their Sunbird race singlets, a symbol of their having successfully completed the 12-week Sunbird Marathon Training Program. Many immediately don the 'finisher' singlets for team and group photos.

This part of training is always the most enjoyable since the hardest and most challenging runs would have been done, and those who are still standing would feel a sense of achievement of having gone through the mills and survived....yes, the Sunbirds are all survivors of the 12 weeks of progressive mileage buildup, often times contending with the unpredictable elements, with many going beyond themselves at times to complete the tasks at hand. They deserve all this respect for having gone through the training program, notwithstanding having to just touch home on race day. Qualifying Sunbirds will be recognized with a nice Certificate Of Attendance to recognize the effort and commitment you have put into the training sessions.

Families and friends of the runners were also present to celebrate the occasion with many photos for the family and team albums. A special word of thanks to the family members who have supported and provided encouragement to the Sunbirds in their training, having to bear with their early morning runs, and being back only when the Sun is at high noon. Thank You.

After final briefings for race day preparations and meet-ups, the various timing groups were flagged off with Marathon Pacers and Sunbird Runners in tow. It was an impressive sight to behold as we saw the various groups flying in formation, and moving as one towards a common goal. The happy faces with broad smiles and easy breathing told of how far these Sunbirds have come, and the sense of achievement were evident in the way they ran, and the pride they held with their chins up high. The sunny, but cooling weather made for a fitting run-past along the 13-18km route, sharing the same runway with many of the other running groups and friends.

As the Sunbirds recorded timings for their final test run and received their specially-designed pace bands, they crossed the bridge of The FatBird Nest, looking forward to a good race next weekend. All doubts and concerns about completing their respective marathons were wiped off at this Finale session. All that remain will be the 'skills' and 'conditioning' they have built up to accompany them to the battlefield. On race day, they will not run alone; the Sunbirds will fly in groups, guided by their Pacers and fellow pace-mates, with the sole objective of crossing that finish line in fine form. The Sunbirds are ready, and we can hear echos of 'GO, SUNBIRDS, GO!' in the air. And to that, we give a confident and resounding reply of 'Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!'

Facebook Photo Albums from Mohan1, Mohan2, JacQ, SC, Dan, DO, AC
.

Ops Sunbird #10: Tapering Begins

.This is the period where all Sunbirds have been looking forward to...having done the longest training runs in the past 2 weeks, this weekend would have us begin to taper down and yes, rest and allow the body to recover some. The SCMS Race Expo also drummed up excitement in the lead-up to the Dec 5 race day, and many runners are already planning and signing up for marathons and ultra-marathons in 2011. That said, Team FatBird have also launched Ops Kookaburra to train runners for Gold Coast Marathon and also planning for Ops NightHawk to prepare runners for the Sundown Marathon 2011.

The sun was out early this morning, but compared with last week, the air was cooler and there were hints of wind along the running route. Having just come out from last week's experience, many Sunbirds were mentally and physically prepared for this morning's 24-28km run at target race pace. Most were careful not to 'rush' initially, taking their time to settle into pace and run as groups. A number of the Sunbird Running Guides and trainees were doing the Penang Marathon as their make-up (understatement) for this morning's LSD.

A few Sunbirds rightly opted to U-turn for 24km, choosing to run a good 24km distance rather than 'pushing' for the longer 28km. The front groups went on to do 28km, but even they were taking it at race pace, which set the correct tone for this tapering training. The Happy Group spent quite a long time to get some sun-tan and sugar-cane juice, but they looked cheerful (as usual) when they completed the 26km.

It was a good morning of training, and aside from a few reports of muscle-tightening, and muscle aches, the Sunbirds are generally fit-to-complete the Half and Full Marathon at SCMS. As advised by the trainers, this is the time to rest and let the body and legs recover from the toll of the past 10 weeks. The toughest part of the training and conditioning has been completed, and this is the time to lower the overall mileage by lots, and put in a couple of short runs at tempo and race pace to keep the engines well-oiled. Flight SUNBIRD SB10 flew great and had a smooth landing this weekend.

Thick and Thin 2010

.

Team FatBird is proud to be a partner and supporter of this amazing program:

Thick and Thin 2010
Climb Mt. Everest and K2 with Dan Mazur
Surf Indonesia and Hawaii with Jackson English
Save Lives with Dr. Dave Jenkins of Surf Aid International

Event site: www.equatoradventures.org

Get your tickets TODAY!

RUN GOLD COAST 2011

.

RUN GOLD COAST

Running the Gold Coast Airport Marathon – be it for fun, for relaxation or achieving your personal best is a shining moment for every runner ! The fast, flat course runs next to the beautiful white, sandy beaches and Broadwater of the Gold Coast. And July is the perfect time to be on the Gold Coast for your run - the air is cool, crisp and refreshing !



OPERATION KOOKABURRA

Tourism Queensland, in partnership with Team FatBird is pleased to present “OPERATION KOOKABURRA”, a marathon training program designed to prepare runners to compete & complete the 2011 Gold Coast Airport Marathon.


A 6Day/4Night RUN GOLD COAST travel package will also be launched at the Singapore Sports Expo 2010.

For more information, please visit the “Gold Coast Airport Marathon” Booth C4 during the Singapore Sports Expo from 19th -21st November 2010.


Special Meet-Up Sessions @ SCMS Race Expo

Dates : Friday(19th Nov), Saturday (20th Nov) & Sunday (21st Nov)
Time : 2.00pm-4.00pm
Booth : C4, Gold Coast Airport Marathon booth
Singapore Sports Expo 2010 (SCMS Race Expo)
Venue : Singapore Expo Hall 5

Hear from Gold Coast Airport Marathon representatives, Team FatBird and seasoned marathoners as we share with you more information about OPERATION KOOKABURRA & “RUN GOLD COAST” travel package.

Email your queries and/or indication of interest in OPERATION KOOKABURRA to OpsKookaburra@teamfatbird.com, stating Name, Contact, Race Category.

See you, mate !

..........

.

Sunbird Marathoner Volume 5: The Sunbird Road

The Sunbird Marathoners, video courtesy Sunbird Joe Tan

Sunbird Road, take us home,
To the place, we always train,
Eastern Flats, Mountains West.
For The Win, Sunbird Road!


Check Out More SUNBIRD Videos HERE!

Ops Sunbird #9: The Longest One

.

Sunbird Photos #9 by FatBird AC
Facebook Photos #9 by Sunbird Jacqueline

It was planned as the longest run in the 12-week marathon program, before tapering comes in ahead of race day. A large group of Full-Marathon Sunbirds and Pacers started earlier at 6am in a bid to complete the targeted distance of 36km before the sun comes up. The main group assembled at The Nest by 7am for the morning's briefing before setting out for the longest run in the Sunbird Program.

A number of Sunbirds were donning the training tops which they worked hard to 'qualify' for. Because the main group was smaller, we were flagged off as a group and immediately got down to testing out the FatBird Optimal Pace Strategy. The sky was cloudy, but the air was still and very humid. As usual it felt comfortable maintaining the pace for the first 10km. After a number of pace training sessions, the groups were able to fall into place easily, with the trainees running alongside Pacers & Running Guides in tandem.

The bigger groups are in the 2:30h Half-Marathon and 4:30h-5:30h Full-Marathon distances, with the 2:15h Half-Marathon and Happy Group (6:00h) making up the second largest group. The long stretch at the Coastal Road provided the 'mental challenge' of the day. At the U-turn shelter, many of the runners were already feeling the effects of the heat and humidity. Coupled with the long stretch of road and the rising heat from the sun, the target paces were taking a hit on the return. Recovery from last week's 33km were not really complete, and that added on to fatigue for many of us. It was a good challenge from then on to complete the longest run in trying conditions.

Visits to the toilets along ECP were the order of the final 10km, as the runners were dousing their heads with water in bids to cool down the over-heating engines. Walk breaks were thrown in to help bring down rising temperatures, which led to paces dipping by 15sec-30sec/km. The good base of the runners allowed them to continue moving on, albeit slower; such were the strong mental attitudes of the Sunbirds to want to complete the mission, regardless of the hardships being faced in the final kilometers. This will go towards building up the resilience and strength required for completing a marathon, even in difficult conditions.

The peak challenge of the day was having to go another 3km (after 33km) at The PlayGround support point. After taking iced-cold Gatorade and 100-Plus, with fruits and cakes to boot, it made for very strong resolve to want to finish the final bit. Many of the Sunbirds did complete 36km, with the bulk of the Full-Marathoners completing 32-33km. This must have ranked as one of the toughest run experienced for the Sunbirds to date, and congratulations go out to all who completed 18-21km (Half-Marathon) and 30-36km (Full Marathon).

With the longest run accomplished, we can officially declare Tapering to begin, surely good news to all of us who have put in so many long runs for the past 10 weeks. It will be a time of recuperating from all the stress and tiredness, including injuries sustained from the high mileage during training. All Sunbirds are encouraged to R.I.C.E. and go easy on the bodies from now, and to avoid doing too much ahead of race day. Preparations and stocking-up on race day essentials should begin to sufficiently prepare ourselves. Full-dress rehearsals will be conducted the final 2 training sessions to rehearse and iron out final kinks, and putting race day armor to final tests. The most important now will be to review the past training sessions and build up a good mental state for race day. SUNBIRDS ARE READY!
.

Ops Sunbird #8: For The Win, Sunbird Road

.

Sunbird Photos #8 by FatBird AC
Facebook Photos #8 by Sunbird Jacqueline

The rain in the middle of the night chased away the slight haze that was accumulating in the evening. The early birds at The Nest had to roost for a bit longer as the rain continued unabated. By the time the main flock arrived, the rain had trickled down to 'run-able' levels, and the large turnout in spite of the rain was the only surprise of the morning....it could be that all have been preparing to put in their longest training LSD to date, and have been preparing for the past week in anticipation...so a little bit of rain will not a dampener in our spirits be.

Then there was the glee in collecting the Sunbird training top which the trainees have worked hard to attain, with a few parading their new 'feathers' and some even wore it for a dry-run..hehe. Group photo-taking was in parts as there weren't sufficient distance to capture the complete group. With already a few 'Pace' sessions in the bag, we started off as a group and had the various pace teams with their trainees fall into place within 1km. Aside from the run-walk strategies to be practised, there were minimal start-stop sessions and marshaling on the ground as all were adamant to run through their respective paces for as much as we could.

The last-minute route-change due to the weather added an interesting dimension to the session, with the various pace groups passing one another several times, cheering and encouraging one another. With the many pairs of eyes, there were a lot more motivation to keep running and focusing on achieving the training objectives. The weather was cool and breezy for the initial 2 hours of the run, which helped us glide through the first 15-22km on target pace. It was only when the sun came up did it put on a slight challenge to those 'warmed-up' wings. The Half-Marathoners were definitely enjoying themselves while the Happy Group was in fine form and cheery mood this morning. As we watched the various Sunbird pace groups running in formation, the notion of 'Birds Of A Feather Flock & Pace Together' seemed so apt a scene painted across The ECP.

The entire flock completed the run within flight limits of 4hrs, registering good improvements in pace and distance conditioning. Although the aches and muscle-tightness were apparent (as always in such long distance runs), most of the Sunbirds have completed their longest runs to date, and the endorphin levels were way high in a number of the birds. As we move into REDCON 2, it is most important to RICE from the long run and keep the engines well-oiled and systems maintained. Any tightness and defective parts would have to be treated and reconditioned. As we prepare ourselves for the longest run in 7 days, all Sunbirds are advised to rest, hydrate and fuel-up well.

Sunbird Road, take us home,
To the place, we always train,
Eastern Flats, Mountains West.
For The Win, Sunbird Road!

.

Ops Sunbird #7: Recovery & Adaptation

.

Sunbird Photography by Pacer Toh

In spite of the weekend activities, 100 Sunbirds turned up for the recovery and adaptation phase this weekend. There a quite a number of runners who have returned to ECP, with a couple of running groups seen in action, preparing fervently for SCMS.

The briefing was started on time and kept to the essentials of pace training and pacer introductions. All were ready to do their thing, and on the flag-off, headed out for their 15km, 26km and 30km of steady-paced LSD. The weather was fine, with a tad of sunshine, albeit with a fair amount of humidity.

The runners started out more conservatively this morning, allowing them to build up and maintain a sustainable pace throughout the run. It was evident throughout the run that we were getting stronger and running with a plan in mind. The run was made more interesting with chit-chats and seeing familiar faces and friends, all focused on committed to their respective training plans. The finish was 'sweet', with many supporters and photographers at the end point welcoming us back.

At this stage of training, incidents of tightening muscles and aching feet were more evident as the mileage increases and the 'conditioning' is built up. With 6 weeks to the big day, all Sunbirds will be bracing themselves for the longest run in 2 weeks and beginning to incorporate the Optimal Pace Strategy into their marathon build-up. We have now to diligently do the
'after-run homework' to keep the engines well-oiled and in good condition to. We now prepare ourselves for the second-longest LSD in the program next.
.

Ops Sunbird 2010 #6: Haze Subsided, Pace Beckons

.

Sunbird Photos by FatBird AC Leong

After weeks of base building, the Sunbirds embarked on marathon pace training with clearer skies in the midst of all the haze advisory and PSI hovering the the unhealthy ranges just two days back. With distances from 17km-30km, many of the trainees were happy to be able to put in their LSDs in the progressive run up preparations for the year end marathon.

The respective pace groups were flagged off after the brief on running form as well as introductions to the concept of pacing and the respective pace groupings. Since many were new to the concept, there were many instances of starting out too fast in the first half of the run, resulting in high positive splits for the end results. Still, many did very well to complete the challenging second half, all thanks to the solid base we have built up thus far.

A number of the pace groups kept to steady paces, and were already running as a group in this beginning stage of pace training. It was also noted that all the Sunbirds finished their entire run within the 'cut-off' and although tired, they looked like they still had reserves in the 'tank'.

With most of the major races out of the way, more Sunbirds will be back next week to ride the paces and gear up for the next phase of long run conditioning. With just 6 weeks remaining to the big day, there's lots more work cut out for the Sunbirds to be fully prepared in optimum condition; that we are confident that all Sunbirds will be able to start out on race day in good form and all ready.

Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!

Ops Sunbird 2010: Blazed The Hazy Hills

Twas was the final PowerFLIGHT session in Operation Sunbird...a final rendevous with the MF hills, a favourite amongst the hardened FatBird trainees in the base building phase of the 12-week marathon training program.

A rather thick haze hovering around the PSI range of 50-70 for the past 2 days have put a slight dampener to many runners and outdoor enthusiasts in the island, but nothing too much to stop our Sunbird trainees raring to go for a hard workout of hill repeats. Into the 6th week of operations now, the trainees were all familiar with the training proceedings and just went out to do their respective training objectives alongside their team mates and fellow Sunbirds.

The end results spoke volumes of the progress these trainees have made. Compared with earlier time trials and PowerFLIGHT hills training sessions, many of the trainees have grown strong enough to do an extra 1.6km lap within regulation time, and still felt good and not too overworked. With the strong base under their wings, the Sunbirds are now ready to move into the next stage of training to build up more consistent paces that commensurate with their newly developed abilities.

As we bade the MF hills goodbye and thank it for the fond memories we have had during the Sunbird training sessions held in the area, there was a sense of satisfaction and 'high' that we have conquered the fears and doubts we have had when we first embarked on those seemingly challenging slopes and repeated bouts of workouts on the cardio base and leg strenth. We are pleased to observe that the Sunbirds have progressed well and triumphed the MF hills with flying colours.

FatBirds & Sunbirds @ NBRR '10

.

Team FatBird Photography @ FatBird DO

It was touted as The ultimate X-Terrain Challenge. Team FatBird incorporated The New Balance Real Run 2010 as a key time trial in Operation Sunbird. It was to be mid-point gauge of the trainees in the 12-week Sunbird marathon training program. We are glad to announce that all the Sunbird trainees passed with respectable timings in spite of the challenging terrain and humid weather posed to them.

Our group met up at 6.15am just outside The Changi Aviation Hall for final race preparations and group photos. The runners were in high spirits, and have made good pre-race preparations. Because of the 'heat' and the lack of 'cover' along major portions of the route experienced in previous NBRR years, the runners were quite apprehensive of getting 'roasted' yet again. Many of us came prepared with cap and shades this morning, and the Sunbirds have been given prior notice to be 'mentally' prepared for the heat as well.

The 15km was promptly started at 7am. After a short stretch of tarmac road, we hit a stretch of undulating sand trail that ran for 4km. This portion posed a nice challenge to runners who have normally run on roads, and a number of us pulled back slightly after realizing that the undulating terrain were to continue for a good few km. The Changi Coastal stretch offered some shelter and a chance to take a breather and get on with a more steady pace. After the U-turn at 8.5km, it was fun to see the larger group of runners coming in and cheering one another on. There were shouts of encouragement and acknowledgement that rang through that lusher and shadier stretch of road.

The sand portion at Changi Beach drained quite a fair bit of reserves from us. Fortunately, it was just 3km to go when we climbed out from the very puffy white sand. I was happy to see supporters from SAFRA Tampines and their generous offer of Sng Pao...thanks Shirlyn. The final 2.5km along that long straight road back stretched us both physically and mentally. Our shades came into good use here, and it helped us to feel cooler somewhat. '

Spotted the front pack 10km runners overtaking, and with 1km to go, we maintained our paces to finish what was quite a pleasant race for many of us. Spotted Sunbird Irene Sy who were there cheering and taking photos. Sunbird JacQ Foo was on hand to snap FatBird Runners crossing the finish too. Ashley, Johnny, Alan and a few other Sunbirds came in. Quite a bunch of Sunbirds came back before 1hr30min...well done. We cheered each of our runners as they cross the finish, and congratulatory messages with finishing snaps were taken for the memories. By 1hr45min, 80% of the Sunbirds had come back, and we were causing a din, cheering and shouting for the returning runners.

All the FatBirds & Sunbirds returned by 2:15h to join the flock already resting and getting 'cooled' in the air-conditioned Aviation Hall. FatBird Sweeper Mohan did an outstanding job to make sure that no bird or JieMei was left behind. A commendable performance by the Sunbirds, with many giving very positive feedback and responses to the race. The x-terrain challenges were tackled with properly planned start-off pacing, hydration and fuel strategy along the way, including run-walking the difficult beach portion. The Sunbirds passed with flying colours on their first time trial as a group, and we look forward to bringing the strengthened pace to our hill and pace training for the final 6-weeks leading to the year-end marathon. Sunbirds Tackled REAL, Towards SCMS We SAIL!
.