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 :)