Ops Kingfisher #4: Running Inferno

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The weather forecast was for cloudy skies with late morning showers. The 70+ Kingfishers and Running Guides were all set to do their first full half-marathon time trial (21km) from the The FatBird's Nest @ The Playground.

Even as we conducted the route and pace briefing, there were droplets of rain coming down. After introductions to the various pace groupings, we started off as a group, with runners and RGs falling into their respective pace timings. The young army boys were out in force today, notably from the highly competitive units of 6DIV and 2PDF. We spotted many familiar faces, some whom were part of the army training contingents.

As we came back to The Playground after 3km, we were greeted by shouts of encouragement from FatBird Runners and friends. The army boys also started their training runs, and it was fun running alongside them for a bit. Soon, they zoomed ahead and left us in their trails. The sun came out from nowhere to beam mercilessly on us. Some of us did not have our caps and protection (no pun intended) and was staring at rising body temperatures.

Because of YOG boarding up, we did a slight bypass near the Sailing Centre to get around to NSRCC. The first 12km at the U-turn Point went rather well, with us maintaining the pace. However, the heat was really giving us a beating. With the increased 'cardiac drift', we were finding it hard to maintain the paces without feeling 'burnt out'. The Kingfishers were still looking strong at the 12km mark, but the paces were drifting away.

By the 15km mark, my 'unprotected' head was feeling the heat so much that I felt 'weak'. I had to make a pit stop at 16km, and then 18km to douse my head with water to cool down. I was forced to drop the pace to 15sec below target to continue ambling along. Many of the Kingfishers did not look like they were being affected much...continued to power ahead in the final 3km. I was just glad to finish, 5min off from target time.

We were so glad to be back in the shelter and shade of The FatBird's Nest. Most of us were just happy to complete the 18-23km distances, with timings about 10min off PB. Considering the conditions of the day, I would say the efforts were commendable. We were pleasantly surprised to see the majority of Kingfishers completing 21km or more, and most were able to maintain a sustainable target pace for at least 12-15km.

The overall performance at this first Kingfisher Time Trials was respectable, and credit go out to the dedication and commitment of the trainees who have built up a reasonably strong base. Those strengths will be confirmed in the next Pace Run in a week's time. Meanwhile, rest well and 'knead' off those kinks and tight muscles for a more supple form.

Running The Bay? FatBirds All The Way!
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