Operation NightHawk 2014: Off To A Roaring Start

Operation NightHawk got off on very firm footing on 9 March with an excellent turnout of new and returning runners for Team FatBird's 12-week night marathon training program to prepare for Asia's most exciting night marathon, the Sundown Marathon Singapore.

The skies were clear and the weather just nice for a morning Long Slow Distance (LSD).  As this was the kickoff session, we spent a bit of time briefing the trainees about Team FatBird's FlightZONES system, training schedules, training locations, pace groupings and various housekeeping procedures.

While there was a good crowd of new trainees, we were heartened to see many returning FatBirds, a number fresh from their recent Falcon 2XU Compression and overseas marathon exploits.  Their good performances from those earlier training operations have spurred them to come back for more of the group training and pacing that have kept them so motivated and able to deliver at marathon races.

This being the first session, we started off with a light menu of BaseBuild long run, with the intention to bring various participants of differing abilities and experiences to a more level playing field within each respective pace groups.  Occasional advice and tips were dispensed by the trainers and pacers, but generally we were focused on identifying what was needed to help the NightHawk trainees meet their respective Sundown Marathon goals.  

If there was a need to change groupings, or just to be better equipped for distance running, or just some minor corrections of running form and sometimes paces, our experienced team of trainers and pacers were on hand to give guidance and motivation.

The sun did come on pretty strong midway, but it provided a good 'jolt' to the NightHawks that weather changes mid run could affect ability to keep sustained paces, and that adopting proper hydration habits can help to provide the additional edge during training, resulting in efficient hydration and fuel management that is so important for race success.

The first training session ended within 2.5hours, which is the maximum time we set for completion of this first weekend LSD in order that all are not overly taxed, and yet providing sufficient 'time-on-feet' exposure to all.  Moving forward, we will be progressively increasing distances and paces, including quite a number of night training sessions for better conditioning of running a Night Marathon.

The NightHawks Got Off To A Roaring Start!

There are still a number of Operation NightHawk training packages with come with training and finisher tops, special equipping discounts, in addition to the comprehensive 12-week night training program of weekly training schedules and tips - Check It Out HERE for details and Registration!

Facebook Photos @ FatBirds CK Chin & Meng Kiat