Operation Sunbird 2010: GRAND FINALE

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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
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