Saturday, December 31, 2011

Operation NightHawk 2012 - The Coming!


Signed up and all prepared to do well at the Sundown Marathon 2012?
Looking for a tried and tested structured training program to help you Beat The Sunrise?
.

Operation NightHawk Runners Celebrate @ Sundown 2011


Team FatBird is happy to announce the return of the highly successful Operation NightHawk, a 12-week Marathon Training Program to help marathoners compete and complete The Sundown Marathon.  Riding on the successes of the team’s marathon training and pacing operations since 2008, Team FatBird is thrilled to bring the " Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race" philosophy to the 2012 Sundown Marathon.

The Operation NightHawk Program encompasses Team FatBird’s 12-week FlightZONESTM Marathon Training conducted by a team of experienced Marathoners and Pacers leading and guiding the training run sessions.

A comprehensive Training & Pacing Program, packaged with NightHawk training and race day apparel, special kit-up and equipping offers, race day hospitality service and certificates of achievement, await those who successfully register for one of the limited training places.

Visit the Ops NightHawk Page for more information on the Training Programme & Schedule.

Registration Opens in Mid January 2012.

For queries and indication of your interest for Operation NightHawk 2012, send an email to training@teamfatbird.com with your Name, Email, Contact

PS:  NightHawk Training Program 2012 will not come packaged with Sundown race slots.  Please register for your Sundown race slots HERE to take advantage of the early-bird pricing.


About Team FatBird:
Team FatBird is a congregation of highly passionate runners who are experienced in distance running from 10km to full marathons. Empowered with the necessary experience and expertise, the team excels in the areas of organising and leading group runs, providing marathon training and pacing services. For more information about Team FatBird, its running and training activities, please visit www.teamfatbird.com and Team FatBird facebook.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

FatBird Festive Greetings


Let's celebrate this Christmas with 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves and a bottle of fat bird brew!


Wishing all FatBird runners, partners and friends a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!  Cheers!
Christmas and Holiday Cards Pictures, Comments, Images, Graphics, Photos

Christmas Coundown 2011




Saturday, December 17, 2011

Circle Line Weekender #4: The Finale



Facebook Photos from AC LeongCK ChinTan Kim Lai, Winston Koh

Fun-loving company and great weather made for a fitting FINALE to the SMRT-FatBird Circle Line Weekender Runs [Session 4].  After overnight showers, the morning was blessed with cool weather as the Circle Line Weekend runners gathered at the final MRT station (Pasir Panjang) - we have yet to start/end from in the whole series of SMRT runs.


A number of first-timers as well as previous Weekender runners showed up to explore the Science Park, Kent Ridge Park and Horticulture Park vicinity with Team FatBird marshals playing "tour-guides" :)  We ran past the famous duck-rice along Buona Vista (Winding) Road, leading on to the foot of Kent Rige Park/Vigilante Drive junction.  There's nothing like group photos to mark out key points along the journey, and enjoying good breaks along 'breath-taking' parts of the course.


Feeling good, the majority chose to go a slightly longer route to the end of Winding Road, turning into end of Science Park 2, where air-conditioned toilets and water-coolers awaited.  From there we were led along a small access path round the gym into the flaura and fauna of Kent Ridge Park.  Many of the runners enjoyed the breakfast menu of 1km slopes around the mini-park, soaking in the smells and sounds of the forest.

Having conquered the slopes, group finisher poses were struck, before ascending to the top of the Park for another toilet-break.  More scenic views were enjoyed, before we were taken along the wooden Canopy Top overlooking the vast Colonial housing estate of 'The Canterbury.  Many of the new ones vowed to run that comparatively flat 5km course in the Canterbury one day, as we trotted up to Bukit Chandu Reflections passing the hillside apartments - The Peak. 



As luck would have it, the gates of Bukit Chandu were just opening, as if to welcome our group of FatBird runners into its history-filled compound of war memorial artefacts and graphic murals.  We spent 15min absorbing the quiet ambience, before setting off for home base, before someone requested for a 'tour extension'.  Since we had some time remaining, we were led on a mini detour to Horticulture Park via the 'mini-Lombard' walk of Singapore, and getting more 'breath-taking' views and photos in.  
The final run-down Pepys Road provided the 'floating in cool air' feeling as we ended the finale session of the Circle Line Weekender series in very good form, and all wondering if we had really covered 11km....for it felt like only 5km to many of us - even the new runner who had never ran beyond 6km was surprised to have done the whole distance without breaking much of a sweat...last heard she felt ready for a Half Marathon in 2012 :D


As we collected our goodie bags, many of the runners expressed that they had enjoyed these Circle Line Weekender series that have brought us to the new MRT stations of Labrador Park, Telok Blangah and Pasir Panjang, and allowed us to visit so many scenic running spots in the West such as Labrador Park, Mt. Faber, Canterbury Estates, Telok Blangah Hill, Henderson Waves, Kent Ridge Park, 99-Winding Rd and more.


We would like to thank SMRT for this nice initiative, and for the participation of the estimated 250 runners in the 4 runs, for without which this series would not have been so happening and enjoyable.  Following on from all these healthy and 'fats-burning' workouts, Team FatBird would like to wish all happy festive feasting of Christmas and New Year goodies.  Cheers to all SMRT-FatBird Circle Line Weekend Runners!

Reports & Photos of earlier Circle Line Weekenders
Circle Line Weekender #1
Circle Line Weekender #2
Circle Line Weekender #3

Monday, December 12, 2011

Poll: Kookaburra 2012 Finisher Top

The Ops Kookaburra 2012 finisher vest is given to participants (trainees/guides/crew) who successfully complete the 12-week training program to prepare for Gold Coast Airport Marathon (GCAM).

Based on 2011's popular design, we are seeking inputs from GCAM runners for the colour combinations we would like to have for the 2012 cohort.

Vote for your Ops Kookaburra 2012 finisher top now!
Each person may vote for 2 options max.

Ops Kookaburra 2012
Team FatBird Training



CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR Ops Kookaburra Training


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Circle Line Weekender #3: Telok Blangah Station


 

Facbook Photos from Jerry SeahSusie Lim, CK Chin, Mike Kang, Ngatimin 

After starting out from Labrador Park station for the first 2 sessions, the 3rd session of the SMRT-FatBird Circle Line Weekender Run started at the Telok Blangah Station.  70+ Runners turned up on a cloudy and windy morning, many who were joining in the run for the first time.  As the SCMS had just ended, some of the runners who had earlier registered were still recovering and thus had to give this weekender a miss.


A number of the runners took the Circle Line MRT to arrive at the start point, with many of them having come to Telok Blangah station for the very first time.  We were able to start the run by 7:40am after a quick briefing and group photo.  As with many western weekenders, hills were the order of the day as we first started towards Mt. Faber Hills via Morse Road.  The breath-taking sights were absorbed by the runners as they chugged steadily up the rather hilly terrain.  All welcomed an intermediate photo stop mid-way through the climb, before conquering the second half after the rest.

Many nice group photos were taken at the top by our official photographers Chin and Jerry.  We took the steep Kampong Bahru slopes down, before maiking our way through undulating Telok Blangah Way for a 5km stop at SAFRA Mt. Faber Clubhouse for a water/toilet stop.  There were lots of chatting and getting to know one another while waiting for the rest, with the weather still remaining so cool many of us wished it was the same during SCMS. 

After the break, about 20 went back via Henderson Road, while the rest of us proceeded along Depot Rd towards Horticulture Park, and then taking mini-lombard walk to the top of Kent Ridge Park.  We finally made our entrance into Kent Ridge Park after two previous aborted attempts due to fatigue, this time experiencing the 1km slope circuit that the place is known for.  The serene surroundings made for a good place for quiet hill intervals training, and some of the runners planned to be back on their own for some 'ninja' training in the not too distant future.

Another group of 15 went back on their own via Science Park, while the rest of us went back up to Kent Ridge Park to pay a short visit to Bukit Chandu Reflections - a war memorial of sorts with nice sculptures of soldiers and cannons amidst the hilltop enclave.   Those who were visiting for the first time were enjoying their photo-taking as well as learning about some of the history behind the place.  As time was getting short, we had to make a hasty descent down Pepys Road onto Pasir Panjang Road.  From there, it was 1.5km back to Telok Blangah station for our well-deserved goodie bags - the fan to cool ourselves with, the sweets to replenish our depleted glycogen and a few crayons and pen to write our trip report with :)
A nice pose with SMRT staff later, we proceeded to reward our growling tummies at a nearby Prata Stall just below the foothills.  A slight drizzle allowed us to stay on longer to enjoy our teh tarik interspersed with lots of discussions of the recent race adventures of SCMS and even Racing The Planet series.  A fun-filled morning, a fruitful 8-15km run through quiet scenic terrain, followed by runner-bonding made for a satisfying Sunday Weekender. 


We look forward to the 4th and final session of this Circle Line series next Saturday, where we will explore the 99-winding road, Science Park and Kent Ridge Park...post-race food was suggested to be at the famous duck rice stall along the winding stretch.  We hope more will join in the final run to end 2011 with a big bang.  Register and RSVP your attendance HERE for this free run, and get yourself one of the interesting Circle Line goodie bags.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011


Full Marathon Sunbirds @ Orchard Road
Half Marathon Sunbirds @ Vivocity
@ Start Line Photo Credit: RunSociety

Sunbird Photo Montage from Azhar

Facebook Photos from AC Leong, Mohan, Frederic TohEsther TaySusie Lim, Tan Kim Lai, Alex Tai, Azhar

The Sunbirds gathered at McCafe Shaw House 3.30am for their final test of the year, the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) 2011 race.  All were decked out in their Sunbird finisher tops or FatBird running gear, along with their favourite racing shoes.  By 4:00am, we assembled for the customary group photos with the beautiful Christmas lighting as backdrop.


A few of us almost missed the start due to the very wanting baggage check-in facilities this year.  I just made the start line in the nick of time, but the gates were all closed for the sub-4hr bibs and it was by sheer good fortune, that I managed to slip in from the side after spotting some familiar faces.  The previous night's heavy downpour has made the roads slightly damp with a tinge of cool air, although it was still rather humid.

The 3:45h and 4:00h Official Pacers with their balloons were just in front, with the rest of the Pacers a block down.  Met familiar faces and had some exchanges and well wishes before the horn went off.  It was rather tight for the first km, and when we hit F1 Pit area, it was rather dark but we could spot the 3:45h pacers just ahead.  Johnny, Benjamin, Han Chee and Kwee Teck were running along and chatting, intending to keep the 3:45h pacers' balloons in view.


There seemed to be a lack of distance markers throughout, making it more difficult for us to gauge pace and ground covered.  We entered ECP at 12km to darkness.  Visibility was not that good at that early hour, with few spectators around.  Our group was able to sustain a 5:20min/km pace going by the ECP service road all the way past F2 and slightly ahead for the U-Turn.  On the return we were able to spot oncoming runners as we gave waves and thumbs up of encouragement to one another.  Our group thinned down as we reached MacD ECP with the 3:45h moving ahead.  We were able to overtake more slowing runners by the 28km mark as we maintained our pace.


Soon we entered the difficult segment of Marina Barrage, the seemingly endless road with no shade (fortunately there was cloud cover at that time) and without any scenery.  There were only the runners...very few supporters along that difficult stretch.  The Tiger Balm Active team were out in force to hand our deep-heat cream to those who were cramping up with tightening muscles.  Bolt came up just a while earlier...a pleasant surprise to see him.  We had a buffer of 10min for sub-4hr, and we should be able to hit our targets as long as nothing unexpected like cramps or the wall showing up.  Kwee Teck and Melvyn were also along that stretch.


The Half Marathon (HM) Sunbirds met up at Harbourfront Vivocity at 5am for their race out from Sentosa at 6:30am.  This year we have a flock of well-trained and strong HM Sunbirds, many of them doing their maiden HM to boot.  In spite of the choc-a-block conditions at various parts of the race, and the numerous slopes the HM runners had to contend with, the majority of Sunbirds finished this challenging 21.1km in good timings and Personal Bests (PBs).

As the Full Marathoners (FM) exited Marina Barage, Bolt stayed with me as we manouvred Heartbreak Bridge.  We were able to run up this year, albeit slowly.  However, we were confronted with the human wall of 5km, 10km and 21km runners at the 39km mark, really testing our tired legs.  We expended lots of precious energy telling the runners to keep to the side, and also weaving around them when they refused to move.  By the 41km, we were spent, and just wished we could continue to the finish without the need to stop.  It was a real challenge even up to the finish line - the crowd was so thick we could hardly have direct access to a full lane for that great finish to the shouts of supporters.


Nevertheless, we finished in very good timing, esp. for the Sunbirds who completed their maiden HM/FM and those that shaved many minutes off their PBs.  With the harrowing baggage experience in the morning, I proceeded to War Memorial (a distance away) after collecting my finisher tee and medal.  Then it was to the NB-Sunbird Hospitality tent to meet with all the Sunbirds and Pacers, who had very good results in spite of the challenges of weather and crowd control.  Overall, the Sunbirds benefitted from their 12-weeks of training to complete their respective Marathons, with a number completing their maiden marathons in good timings.  The Sunbirds have now passed the test, and will be elevated to the Marathoner status.


After poring through reports and feedback from runners, comparing finishing times of elites and amatuers alike, it seemed that this year's SCMS was more challenging than previous' due to humid conditions and congestion. The Sunbirds as a team have done very well to overcome the odds to complete this challenging HM/FM. Whether it was our maiden marathon, or PB'ing by massive 60-90min, or just bettering our time by 1min, or simply overcoming challenges during the race, we are all champions at this SCMS.




We congratulate all Sunbirds for your commendable performances, and look forward to training and running alongside you again soon. Have a good recovery and rest, celebrate with friends and family, enjoy the festive season, while planning for your marathon adventures in the new year.  This wraps up a successful Ops Sunbird 2011, and we wish all Sunbirds the best in their future marathon adventures.

Operation Sunbird 2011 - Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Ops Sunbird 2011 FINALE



Photo Slideshows from FatBirds CK Chin,  AC Leong

The weather was great in what was one of the largest turnout for Ops Sunbird in this FINALE session.  Sunbirds were bright and early to collect their SCMS race packs as well as Sunbird finisher vests for a full-dress rehearsal of 13km-18km at ECP.


Everyone was chatty and happy that we have come this far with a good base, and relatively injury-free.  The spirits were high as each of the pace groupings took turns to pose for photos with their respective pace guides, many whom have spent the larger part of training together.  It was a challenge to fit all in for a group photo, and thanks to the Team FatBird photographers, we had a good final hurrah!


The 100Plus boys were there to provide hydration support and encouragement for our final training session...thanks guys and gal :)  The respective groups started in waves of 15sec apart, to put their respective optimal marathon paces in for the final test-flight.  It was a nice morning with relatively cooler weather than last week's, and all Sunbirds were just enjoying relaxing moments before the big day.


All the groups were back by 10am, well hydrated with 100Plus, supplemented by recovery drinks.  After some final questions and checks for race day, the group dispersed by 10.30am...as the Sunbirds made their way out from ECP, they looked well prepared for a good race next weekend.  Team FatBird congratulates all Sunbird participants for successful completion of their marathon training for SCMS 2011, and wishes them a fruitful outing on Dec 4.


As we sit back, relax, and enjoy the final week of taper, we are reminded of why we run and subject ourselves to the trials and tribulations of marathon training. Let us enjoy a short video (credit FatBird Joe Tan TT) in appreciation of all Sunbirds for sharing this journey with Team FatBird and we hope all of you have had a blast of a time getting to know more runners, learning, sharing, suffering, enjoying, laughing, tearing, makaning, drinking, and being crazy at times in these 12 weeks.


All the best for SCMS11, and remember, 'the journey is the reward - stay Running, Stay Happy!'


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