It started to drizzle in many parts of the island early in the morning, but that did not stop many of the Kookaburras who were adamant on getting down to ECP for what would be the longest day LSD for us before the Gold Coast Airport Marathon (GCAM). A few had to wait 20-40min for the rain to ease before being able to get transport, and they even brought along umbrellas for good measure.
It was still dry at the ECP gathering point, although the sky looked threateningly dark. Just coming off the back of the Sundown Marathon, coupled with the dark gloomy skies, a smaller group of 
50 Kookaburras gathered for our second-longest training run. The trainees were merrily chatting about their recent marathon experiences, discussing about Gold Coast preparations, and those qualifying trainees were happy to collect their uniquely-designed Ops Kookaburra training top.A quick route-briefing and group photo later, we headed off towards Fort Road in what was windy and cool weather. It was a good opportunity to test our abilities to sustain target pace and intensity. 30min into the run, the rains came fast and furious. Since we were already warmed up, it felt good as we continued with our paces, the rain pelting on our faces and bodies. Many of the cyclists and walkers took shelter, giving us full access to the usually rather congested pathways. Some portions of the pavements were quickly flooded, making it some sort of long distance ‘Steeplechase’ training for us…haha.
The cooling effects of the rain gave some sort of simulation of the possible weather in Gold Coast, although this was much wetter and still warmer than what we can expect at GCAM. The Kookaburras were enjoying ourselves as we covered the distance with pleasure, with nary a feeling of fatigue in the legs, made possible of the cooling effects of the rain and wind. We were happy to see other running groups out there running with gusto, some of them looked like the army runners training for AHM, while others were fellow FatBird Runners out there having their recovery runs and some Sunday fun :)
The rain continued unabated for most of the run, making it one of the longest time I have spent running in heavy rain. The Kookaburras eventually completed distances of 12km through to 33km, all at race pace intensities. It was a good indication of the kind of intensity and paces we can sustain given cooler weather, 
surely a welcome change from the normally hot and humid conditions we train in. The temporary Nest (gathering point) were flooded when we returned from the run. The support crew did a good job of bailing the baggage as well as digging mini trenches around to keep the water out. The runners felt good and rather refreshed after the LSD, and we would have gone for additional distance if not for the continuing rain...and it was still heavy after two hours of our run. The isotonic drinks were not in high demand, but the bananas did go very well as replenishment and fuel source after the good workout.
With this long run under our belts, we now look forward to the longest LSD this coming weekend before we enter the tapering phase, a time for recovery and adaptation to all the hard training we have put in over the many weeks. Short of a few minor injuries and general tiredness from recent long races, the Kookaburras looked to be in good condition to do well at GCAM in a month’s time, The excitement is brewing as we have a large contingent of 200 runners from Singapore going down under, looking to race and have fun together. Time now for us to get the shopping of running gear and making preparations for this overseas race, known to be one of the fastest and most enjoyable marathon courses in Australia.Laugh Kookaburra Laugh Kookaburra, Gay Oh Running Can Be!
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