Operation NightHawk: Pre-Ops Recce Mission

.I received a call from one of the human recce elements in the morning about a slight delay. A few of us were already en-route to the Rendevous (RV) for a recce mission in support of Ops NightHawk 2010. It was supposed to be a pre-dawn insertion of a few early elements to look for all the passages and routes of what would be the longest distance in Ops NightHawk.

We finally set off just before first light, and headed towards PONY axis (Thomson Road). This is a major dual carriageway, with rather heavy movement of traffic. We had to keep within our boundaries on the pavements and walkways. As we passed The LongHouse, we saw a large assembly of iron ponies (bikers) getting ready for their rehearsals along PONY. With their helmets and colourful outfits, it is almost difficult to make out any familiar faces.

After about 4km, our small recce group turned towards Casuarina and then along the OUTR winding axis. We spotted friendly elements in the form of the aniMILES who gave us waves of acknowledgement as we pass one another along the winding passageway. The flora and fauna along the OUTR provided an aura of calm and coolness, and along the way, there were always action and movements by the groups of monkeys doing their rounds. We minded our own business, and focused on the mission at hand.

The MANDY axis (Mandai Rd) was a dual carriageway full of heavy mobile columns. We kept to the paved walkways over an undulating terrain. The sun was out in full force by then, but we kept to our bearings in front. When we reached the Crematorium check-point (CP), it was 13km. We RV'ed before proceeding forward to the Wildlife Reserves (zoo). By the time we reached the turning point into TIGER axis, leading to the zoo, it was already 16km. One of the recce commander turned back earlier for a shorter distance. Through the ups and downs to the Reserves, we finally made it to the water point (U-Turn) for a break and re-grouping. I took a packet of carb rations which provided the fuel for the rest of the mission.

The return along MANDY axis was more hilly, and coupled with the strong sunshine, that slowed the recce elements down. Instead of going further up MANDY, we did a turn towards HYDRO axis (Seletar Reservoir area) for extra cover and to minimize the signature. That would make for a good Main Supply Route (MSR) for the troops. The thick tree cover along HYDRO afforded the team with good shade, and that helped to cool our brains to some extent. The rear guard decided to branch off to a bypass, while the front guard proceeded into the HYDRO feature point and then had a quick CP break. From there, we proceeded on to RV with all the elements at the final CP at LPR.

After 30km of recce on foot in the heat, the recce force was rather drained. It was good that we had refuel of hydration, with some supplement of private rations. The final 4km back to start point was just one of focus, speed when not under the cover of shade and observation, and breakaway of the front guard. By then, PONY axis was choked with traffic, which made movement difficult. Knowing that the final CP was near, the recce force's morale was high as we put mind to matter, driving those tired legs forward to eventually complete the mission in 3.5hrs.

Back at the start point, we bumped into a few friendly forces who were doing their own rehearsals and training missions in the forest. We had a mini debrief with the group and all agreed that the 35km route would make for a good Night Mission during Operation NightHawk. Doing it at night would make the journey more bearable, as well as conditioning the troops for D-Day (Sundown). Overall, a very successful recce mission, and thanks to all recce elements who came. There will be a few more recce missions before the launch of NightHawk, and we will be activating the recce forces again soon. Meanwhile, we are at REDCON 3 Status. When Dusk Cometh, The NightHawks Emerge!

Post SCSM09 Celebrations for Marathon Pacers & Sunbirds

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Team FatBird Post-SCSM Celebrations, Photography by David Ong

It was a dinner of magnetic proportions. The organizing committee comprising of FatBird members Terry, YN, Keonz, Spencer and Sunbird Trainees Rose, Cathelin, Joey, Hock Chye and various supportive FatBirds and Sunbirds worked hard to make it happen. A gathering of FatBirds, Ops Sunbird trainees and the marathon pacers to celebrate the good performances of all at the SCSM09.

Operation Sunbird was a combination of our earlier training experiences of Operation NightHawk (training program for Sundown 2008) and Operation Kingfisher (training program for AHM). The Sunbird program incorporated a very structured 10-week FlightZONES system, comprising of heart-rate training, running form and posture mechanics, along with nutrition and hydration tips, dispensed and delivered by a dedicated training team of coach, trainers and pacers.

We were heartened to see the Sunbirds, many whom were relatively new runners, progress from 10km through to completing their first half-marathon and full marathon with very respectable performances at the SCSM09. We salute their perseverance, determination and the willingness to put what they have learnt into practice, culminating in those outstanding performances at the SCSM09.

We congratulate and celebrate the successes of the Marathon Pacers. The group of 50 men and women who unselfishly sacrificed much of their weekends to undergo a 12-week intensive training program, learning pacing techniques, pace training with the SunBirds, and running with the pacees for that 3-session Run With Marathon Pacers program. The Pacers did a stellar job of bringing not only the Sunbirds, but many other SCSM09 participants to their dream and goal finishes. Accolades and compliments continued to be heaped onto the Pacers weeks after SCSM09. You can read some of them at the Marathon Pacers’ website.

Team FatBird Pacers & Sunbird Overture, courtesy Keonz Quek

The evening saw Team FatBird celebrate and had fun, to reward ourselves with some good nutrition and hydration, for the sweat, tears and good effort we have put in. We would like to take this opportunity to thank training partner Racers Toolbox, training venue partner, The PlayGround @ Big Splash, Sunbird Coach Jonathan, our Team FatBird training and support crew, our Marathon Pacers training and support crew, for making Operation Sunbird a tremendous success.

We would like to congratulate all Sunbirds and Marathon Pacers for accomplishing our SCSM09 mission. You all ROCK!

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FatBird Weekender: Scenic Northern New Year Run 2010

Weekender Report by FatBird Anthony
FatBird Photo Gallery by FatBird DO
Run Photography by Reuben, acleong, Joe Goh

FatBird Weekender @ Scenic Northern New Year Run 2010

Team FatBird kicked off the New Year with a combined Scenic Northern group run with The Northern Runners as part of the FatBird Weekender Run series. With the 80+ reservations for the run received, we were expecting a good turnout for this fun 16km run. It was certainly nice to meet many familiar faces, the Northern Runners, FatBird Runners, SAFRA Yishun runners, SgRunners, as well as many new faces who were joining in such runs for the first time. By 7.15am, there was a gathering of close to 100, listening attentively to the welcome by FatBird DO and the route briefing by Joe Goh.

After the customary group photo, the runners set off merrily towards Yishun Dam. That route brought back fond memories of all the scenic runs and SAFRA Time Trials held there, including various night sessions of recce runs for Sundown Marathon preparations. The Running Guides and Route Marshals were doing a fine job of guiding the runners, as well as explaining the sights and scenery of the area, making may of us feel like tourists on a local tour of the Northern Region...hehe....great stuff. We waited and gathered at the end of the Dam for a group photo shot, before heading for the next objective, Yishun Park. The nice thing about such fun weekenders are the non-rush format as well as the easy pace that all were running at. No one was rushing, and there was never a threat of anyone getting lost or being left behind.

The queue for the water fountain was orderly as the Park saw the descent of our large group of runners. The sun was up, but we were enjoying the cool shade of the large trees, sipping off our water bottles and hydration belts, while at the same time monkeying around and cheering for more runners coming in. More group photos followed, and when all had their fill, we proceeded to the Yishun Bottle Tree Park. I have been to the Sembawang Bottle Tree, but the Yishun version was new to me. I liked the serene surroundings of the pond amidst the small huts and young trees...even the bottle tree was a miniature version (compared to the larger ones in Sembawang...we should visit that one day :)) All the runners felt particularly smart as they neared the Tree Of Knowledge, with some even prancing around and caressing the tree for good measure...haha

www.bottletree.com.sg

More information download from the 'Running Guides' and well wishes amongst the runners later, we proceeded on to the final destination after the shouts of 'Huat Ah' to signal our wishes for good health, knowldege and wealth. Passing through a couple of army camps, excitement grew as we neared the famous Hot Springs of Sembawang. Many of the residents of the Yishun and Sembawang area have heard about the Springs, but have not had the chance to visit. The marshals guided us along a walkway surrounded by some army facility, and before long, we were greeted with groups of people seated around taps and pails, steam emitting, with the strong smell of sulphur. Some of us immediately got down to action to soak our feet. Armed with towels, the ladies were wiping themselves with the hot spring water, supposed to cleanse and smoothen their skin....no wonder the ladies were happy.

Cathelin was getting a slapping 'massage' by the resident Shifu of the Springs, and she seemed to be getting good results. Rose was sufficiently impressed to give it a go, and she really received hard and loud slaps and smacks...haha. The Sunbirds were frollicking in the pails filled with steaming hot water, screaming whenever someone got some blessings of the sulphur-smelling water. I joined in the fun, and went to work with Beverly, soaking our feet in a nice pail. The regular Springs people were happy to receive such a large crowd of enthusiastic visitors, although they looked at us with some curiosity and apprehension at first. The eggs that were carried by the 10 runners got boiled and made into breakfast for the hungry runners...I didn't get to sample the cooked eggs though....well, we shall bring more the next time ;)

Sembawang Hot Springs

We spent about 30min at the Hot Springs, before making our way back to SAFRA Yishun ClubHouse. The ladies had a real good 'spa' treatment, and some even freshen and combed their hair before leaving. Feeling so refreshed and energized, we all chatted merrily and covered the remaining 3km with ease. A total of 16km were covered in a most relaxing manner, although some excesses of the festive season were definitely dissolved, and the cardio strength would have been enhanced no doubt. A section of the runners have washed up and were already waiting at the food centre across SAFRA Yishun. After a quick wash-up, more of us went over to have our carbo-reload, occupying at least 8 tables.

We spent more time chatting about the day's adventures, and plans were already being laid for the next FatBird Weekender in the Eastern Trails. It will be another fun adventure to look forward to in February. The marathoners who have signed up for Sundown also got some updates from us on leveraging on the Run-Round-Singapore (RRS) and the Ops NightHawk Marathon Training Program in March...the more we shared, the more excitement built up. It was not till noon before we spilt off from the food centre.

It was a great run overall, thanks to the meticulous effort put in by Joe, Charlene and the Northern Running Group. We look forward to working with them for an even nicer and bigger run in The North, and meanwhile, the route-recceing continues...stay tuned for FatBird Weekender @ the Eastern Trails in February :)