The 3rd session of Ops NightHawk had us start at our FatBird Nest, The Playground @ Big Splash training area. Because of the Twilight Run where a number of FatBirds were participating
in, the turnout was smaller with about 70+. However, the basebuild run today was by no means small nor easy; in fact it turned out to be one of the most challenging and toughest runs for many of the NightHawks.There was good space for the briefing on running form as well as the introductions of the main Pacer Groupings to the trainees. It was good that 70% of the runners were prepared with their own hydration, but still it was not sufficient to prepare them for the task at hand. The good thing about training within the ECP area was the numerous water stops and vending machines available for refuel and top-ups. The 2-3 loops of 8km this morning increased the mental and physical challenges by at least 1-2 notches up.
The various pace groups started with their respective BaseBuild paces, and were running as groups for quite a bit. Many of them have settled into the training by now, and are able to restrain themselves from starting out too fast or expensing valuable fuel resources too early. The initial conservative stances went a long 
way (no pun intended) towards their surviving the respective loops.It was nice to see the Twilight Runners putting in the finishing touches to their 'all night' ultra-marathon. As we pass the SgRunners and Running Guild (Organizers of Twilight Ultra Challenge) tentages, there were lots of activities and supporters cheering not only the Twilight Runners, but also shouting words of encouragement to the NightHawks and FatBird Runners...thanks for the support. The trainees often perked up when we pass Dalbergia Green, at times looking admiringly at the buffet spread that was laid out for the Ultra-Marathoners...sorry guys, you have to do more than 42km to be rewarded...something to plan for next time, yes?
Into the second 8km loop, all were still going strong, with the running form pretty intact. By the 13km mark, some of the HM NightHawks were reaching their threshold, and had to slow down
to avoid 'crashing'. The humid and warm weather certainly did not help to make things easier, and many of the water bottles and hydration systems were drying up. Some were consuming just plain water which did not help much at all to replenish the lost 
electrolytes. The FM runners were still moving on well, although some could feel the tiredness building up in the legs. Still, all were doing our best to 'body sense' and some effort was put in to maintain reasonable running form to bring us through to the final lap.We could see the happy faces of the HM runners when they finished the 2 laps and were going for the bananas. The FM runners put up a brave front as we moved on to our final lap, constantly reminding ourselves we could do it. The Pacers and
Running Guides were on hand to encourage the runners to continue with their paces as well as reminding them to hydrate and refuel. The pace has dropped somewhat by the 3rd lap as the runners grew tired. It was their strong mental tenacity that kept them going in spite of the soreness in the legs, knowing that that was all part of conditioning for the longer and harder runs ahead.
Most of the runners made the cut-off at 3hr10min, which was the training time allocated for the session. The sense of satisfaction was written on their faces as they completed the run, knowing that they have completed one of the more challenging runs, and are better prepared for even more challenges ahead. This mental and physical 'conditioning' will be important as we journey along the Road To Sundown. But for now, all NightHawks can take a short recovery to heal those soreness as the body is strengthened, all ready for the next challenge....and this time it will be in the Night. When Dusk Cometh, The NightHawks Will Awaken!.
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