OSB11 Week #2: Rolling Hills & Trails

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Photo Gallery from FatBirds CK Chin, AC Leong

A few days before the slated training run of 14km-26km along trails and rolling hills, the Ops Sunbird 2011 Pacers & Running Guides were already concerned with marshaling and guiding the 150 trainees, comprising of about 80% who were new to the MacRitchie Reservoir (MR) Park enclave. With special attention paid to key junctions and following a strict Basebuild pace for each of the 4 groups, they were able to pull off a splendid job of bringing all the Sunbirds back within regulation time...excellent!

To many of the Sunbirds, MR was a place they would normally go for strolls along the nature reserve, or visit the Tree Top Walk. This morning, most of them had their maiden runs, and a long one at that. Some of the Sunbirds claimed it was one of the toughest challenges they had to go through, but were pleasantly surprised they conquered the fear demons and did very well. By 7:15am, the majority had already arrived, registered and were ready for the training and safety briefing. Each of them had the good opportunity to meet up with their respective Pace/Run Group leaders for a get-to-know-one-another and a short brief of the routes.

As the trails were narrow, the Sunbirds kept to one side in accordance to good trail-running etiquette, allowing other runners to overtake on the right and those running from the opposite direction. By the time they exited the 4km Northern Trail, most Sunbirds decided to pull back the pace as they uncertain of what else might lay ahead. They were glad to hit the roads, and were able to cruise along at their training pace all the way to Casuarina Road. The HM folks turned back and found that the return was a lot more challenging than the initial 7km, when their lungs and legs were a lot fresher. The FM continued from Casuarina and moved onwards to encounter the rolling country of UPR. Those who were able to make it earlier headed for a breather along the 3km to-fro aircond route.

Group 1 did 2 laps of aircond route, while Groups 2 and 3 managed 1 lap. The return back along those rolling hills was not something many relished, but nonetheless, they did well to get out of UPR pretty much intact. There were nary a sign of walking, just making intermittent toilet stops for water. As expected, the walking started on the reverse upwards along Island Club Road...that is one that will stretch even hardy and experienced runners. The Sunbirds' resolve was very strong, and they too overcame that with gumption.

The final 4km back along Northern Trail posed more challenges of rocky ground and rolling terrain, especially when they had already covered about 18km-22km up to that point. The training pace was maintained well throughout, and within 3hrs, the Sunbirds had completed their second long run, an accomplishment they can be proud of for sure. It was nice to have all gathered on the wooden platform for a debrief over isotonic drinks and bananas. Because of the Kit-Up briefing we had to attend, we concluded the session by 11am, much to the delight of the tired birds :)
Congratulations to all who made it back through this challenging trail and rolling hills combo! The Sunbird Pacers & Guides were in good form, showing the way and motivating the trainees to complete the grueling course. The Sunbirds have moved one notch up, and will get only stronger going into weeks #3-4 of training.

Sunbirds, Sunbirds, All The Way!

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