Ops Kingfisher cum Nike-SHAPE Combo

Field Report by FatBird Anthony
LunarGlide+ & Shape Training Photos by FatBird DO

Women Power - Nike SHAPE Training

Because of Team FatBird's Nike-SHAPE Run Pacer commitments at 8am, we had to do a a faster Ops Kingfisher Pre-Ops Run this morning. About 30 runners gathered by 7am at The PlayGround @ Big Splash, ECP. Good to see familiar faces (many of whom had joined Ops NightHawk training sessions before) as well as new runners.

Kingfisher & Nike-SHAPE Pacers in Nike LunarGlide+

We have not started official attendance taking as more are still registering for the 6-week Program. The Team FatBird members were testing and trialing out the latest Nike LunarGlide+ shoes this morning, ahead of the worldwide launch of the much-talked about shoes next week. We started off as a group, and soon settled into various team running at different paces. I was moving at about 5min/km pace along with Spencer, YN, Eileen, DO, SorePalm, Yamsong, Aussie Gal, and a couple more. The LunarGlide+ felt real cushy, and I especially liked the soft upper....even at that pace, there was good breath-ability, and heat generated were well dissipated, keeping my feet cool.

Keonz, Eileen and a few others were blazing ahead. There was not much chatting this morning as we were running at a Tempo pace...hehe. Reached F2 toilet, 5.5km U-turn point, in 26min+. Took a quick toilet break, turned some of the runners back, before moving back. I had a good maiden experience with the LunarGlide+'s Dynamic Support System on the return leg when I was tiring a little....could feel the medial support on the inside coming into play to give a stable ride in spite of the tailing of my form.

There was as usual many groups of runners at ECP this morning, presumably doing AHM training, as well as their specific club sessions. The bladers were not out yet as it was still early. I ran back with Aussie Gal and Eileen for the final 3km. We finished the 11km in about 52-54min. By then, the Shape Breakfast Run was already taking Shape...hehe. 75 ladies showed up...hmm, more might come as race day draws near.

Steady-Pacey-Easy @ East Coast Park

Max, Wee, DO had already whipped out their cameras by then. Not sure how many babes were being photographed, but definitely our LunarGlides took a lot of their attention. The ladies liked the women's version for the added features and very nice design. Team FatBird's 8 pacers joined Racer's ToolBox to conduct the warm-up session for the ladies, before flagging them off for the 6km run. Spencer was already waiting at the 3km min-point to turn them back. It was nice running along with the ladies and encouraging them on, dispensing tips on breathing, running form, cadence, arm-swings, and various aspects of running. Team FatBird women pacers were out in full force to guide the SHAPE Run participants along....hmm, maybe they could be actual race day Pacers to pace and lead some of these women to achieving their 10km targets.

Team FatBird Women Pacers

The ladies were still running strong after the mid-point. I saw very few walking today, not even to take walk-breaks....thats good progress man :). These ladies were determined...many have bought new Nike cushioned shoes as they plan to run seriously. The finish at The PlayGround @ Big Splash was exciting as many of them picked up pace for the final 100m dash, still finding time to pose for our friendly photographers. Perspiration dripping and heavy breathing accompanied satisfying smiles of sense of accomplishment. Congratulatory hand-shakes and shoulder-pats ensued to motivate these SHAPE Run ladies for taking the training seriously to complete the good workout. Team FatBird is heartened to see the progress of these beginner and experienced runners alike, and are confident they will do very well on race day.

July 2009 will see the worldwide launch of the Nike LunarGlide+ with possibly shoe trial opportunities at the various Nike Run SG and Shape Breakfast Training Run sessions. Do make a date with us. Those who are preparing for the Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon in August will have to kick-start some serious training with the 6-week Operation Kingfisher Program offered by Team FatBird. Do sign up at the Kingfisher MICROSITE to get the full training schedules, news, media as well as your Kingfisher Trainers/Marshals.

Operation KingFisher: Training Week 1

Training Programme for Training Week #1 Now Available.

Visit http://opskingfisher.teamfatbird.com/training/trainingwk1.html for more details!

Sign Up for the training programme now if you have not done so!

Scenes from i-Run @ River Promenade. 25 Jun 09

Photo Slide By FatBird DO

Scenes from i-Run @ River Promenade. i-Runners running and working out in the mist of many happening River Festival's activities and nicely decorated bum boats cruising down the river.... Enjoys!

Happy Birthday, FatBird Spencer, AC and Edwin! Best Wishes from the Team. :)

Mind Your Body - Shape Breakfast

A section of the Nike-SHAPE Breakfast Run for June's 5km session at The Playground, ECP, was featured on Mind Your Body. Team FatBird's Jancy, YN, Jane were some of those shown leading the ladies on their 5km training run. Cool Stuff. Thanks to Dave Poh for touching up the photo from the papers.

Operation Kingfisher - Pre-Ops Training #2

Training Programme for Pre-Ops Training #2 Now Available.

Visit http://opskingfisher.teamfatbird.com/training/pre2.html for more details!

Sign Up for the training programme now if you have not done so!

Team FatBird Operations KingFisher

Team FatBird @ Nike Run Club SG 170609

Photos by FatBird DO

TEAM FATBIRD @ Nike-SHAPE Breakfast Run

Team FatBird is providing the Nike+ Pacers to lead runners participating in the Nike-SHAPE Breakfast Training Runs, a 8-week training program to guide both beginners and experienced runners to prepare for the Shape Run 09.

Photo Slideshow by Max

FatBirds @ MR25 X-Country Marathon 2009

Field Report filed by FatBird Anthony
Photo Slideshows by FatBirds Keonz, Spencer, Max & DO (as they roll in)
Location reporting by Team FatBird Media (FatBirds YN & Spencer)

Team FatBird runners @ Startline

The crowd this year at the MR25 X-Country Marathon was larger than those in previous years. Team FatBird members and friends were there to compete as well as support the runners. I planned to do 3 loops of 10.5km just to get my weekend LSD in...thus I did not register to get a bib. I started off with the runners at 7am, after a brief by Club President, Mark Dyson.

After allowing the competitive runners to run ahead, I ran at a non-competitive pace, pretty much alone. When we hit Northern Route, my Garmin shutdown, and there went my timing and heart rate measurements.....hmm, how would I keep motivated? hehe. Saw Mrs. RealRunner manning the water station at the junction of SICC/Pump House route...thanks. I completed the first lap in about 55min...pretty uneventful.

Saw the Tean FatBird crew of YN, Spencer, Charmane and more at the end of the loop, and posed for a nice shot. I went to keep the 'dead' HRM and watch in my car, before going on the 2nd loop. I kept to a rather slow, but steady pace....when I reached the golf course (about 7km mark), I spotted Eileen. She was running steadily. I went ahead to check with her if there were other ladies running in front. She mentioned that those in front were going for the team event. I ran along with her, and showed her the way around the 'tree roots' area. She got a minor sting by a bee, but recovered well to move on....she is one determined and strong runner. We completed the second loop in good time, and was cheered by the growing crowd of Team FatBird supporters.

While I stopped to take a kopi-O from Beng and Suan, Eileen ran ahead. I had a short chat with the rest of the TFB before proceeding to 'chase' Eileen. I did not notice any ladies behind her at that point in time. I caught up with her in the mid-section of Northern Route on the 3rd lap, and I proceeded to the SICC junction water point to wait. This time Yuji was there with his daughter. We chatted a bit while waiting for Eileen. Also spotted Senza doing her 2nd lap of personal training. Lexxus came by in his usual speedy form....a quick drink, and off he went again. Eileen showed up shortly, and had some quick gulps of water, before proceeding on. She was on course to be the first woman finisher.

Guided a 'lost' runner and Eileen along Sime Trail, and before long, we were on the 'tree roots' section again. The 3rd lap was finished well by Eileen to rousing cheers from Team FatBird. Time was 3hr18min for 3 loops. It was quite fun and interesting to see the group having so much fun. Many of them like Mashie, Keonz, June, DO, Charmane, cfred, Andy have already finished their 1-3 laps of training runs, and were resting and cheering other runners. I stayed behind after the 3rd lap, and wished Eileen all the best for the final lap. I heard from the team that Henry and Darren were on course for podium in the men's open category.

Oh Yes, Women's Open winner

After a short wait, Henry finally showed up. He finished very strongly in 3hr40min....a mean feat on such a challenging trail route. Loud cheers and interviews by Team FatBird Media greeted him...hehe. After some monkeying around and mock interview sessions, the second Men's Open runner came back. We too gave him some rousing cheers. It wasn't long before Darren came back for top 5 placing...wow, a good performance by the young lad. Melvin also did well to finish in top 10 position for Men's. Finally, someone shouted 'Eileen coming'. There she was, ambling back steadily. DO ran up to hold her hands up to finish victoriously in 4hr33min...Women's Open Champion.

Victory Smiles @ MR25 X-Country Marathon

It was a great outing for all, and we were heartened to know that these runners who have been so much a part of Team FatBird have come back strongly with solid victories. Team FatBird is so proud of them, and would like to congratulate all of them for courageously completing the challenging MR25 X-Country Marathon...special mention to Henry Yang, Eileen Yap and Darren Goh for finishing in the posdium standings.

On site reporting from Team FatBird Media

The Team FatBird support crew (FatBirds Spencer, YN, Jane, Max, Keonz, DO, Beng, Suan, Charmane, cfred, Samantha, June, Andy) did a tremendous job of providing food, drinks, photos, encouragement support to the participants....they did an outstanding job....3 Cheers for them! A word of thanks and appreciation to the new committee and volunteers at MR25 who have painstakingly put this marathon together with the limited resources available....I would rate this a very successful trail marathon...*kudos*

Team Fatbird's 1st Anniversary BBQ - Photo Memories

Photo Slideshow by Max

Sundown 2009 Photo Memories

The Team FatBird Sundown 2009 Photo Album is ready for viewing.
Please contact TeamFatbird@gmail.com (Subject: TFB Sundown 2009 Photo Order) if you are interested to order softcopy high-res versions.

Sundown 2009 Album 1

Sundown 2009 Album 2

Scenes from i-RUN @ Changi Business Park

Team FatBird resumed the leading and marshaling of i-RUNs at Changi Business Park this May. The initial few sessions saw just 10-15 runners. This evening saw a lot more runners, 3o+ turning up. We took them round the more scenic 3km-5km around the Business Park, and all enjoyed the run, not to mention the good dynamic warm-up and yoga-patterned cool-down stretches. We hope to see the number of runners at CBP progressively increase over the next few months.

TFB @ Nike Run Club SG

Photo Report from FatBird DO: The Nike Club Run took us from the NikeTown shop in Wisma Atria through some of the happening city streets to the Scenic and Beautiful Botanic Gardens.... Enjoy!

Sundown Marathon 2009 - Mission Accomplished!

FatBird Sundown Support FR filed by FatBird Anthony
Contributing Photos by Mashie Samantha, IronmanDreamer, Renohtaram, FatBirds DO & Jancy

Team FatBird Sundown Runners and Support Crew

We did something special this time. I was part of the Team FatBird Support Crew for this year's Sundown Marathon. Team FatBird (TFB) had a number of runners (FatBirds Terry, YN, Spencer, Keonz, Charmane, Beverly) and many of our NightHawk trainees participate in the 10km 42km and 84km races. While the runners were tapering and making final preparations for the big race, the Support Crew swung into action to assemble the team of volunteers to crank out the support plan to provide refreshments and motivation to the runners from the 27km mark of Bedok Town Park Shed and the 32km Mobil/Shell station after Tampines Ave 9.

The Roving TFB Media Crew

With the creative minds of Terry, YN and the EDM team, we even had nice 'I Love Running...' tops to wear for the occasion. Many of the runners loved the Tee and have been asking about them....but that is a topic for another day...haha. DO, Max and Jane went down to the start point at Changi Point 6pm to collect the needs bags and wave off the 84km Ultra-Marathoners. The weather was warm and humid...it rained at various parts of Singapore, but stopped shortly. At about 8.30pm, the Bedok Town Park support crew arrived, and by 9.30pm, gave their first reports of runners that have passed....the first 84km runner passed that 27km in 2hrs....wow! Henry/RoadRunner3 reached in a fast 2.5hrs.

Team FatBird Night Hawk 10km Finishers

By the time I reached start point at 9.30pm, there was a heavy human jam. The 10km runners were just finishing their runs (started at 8pm), and were choking the bridge that led to Changi Point. We bumped into phoenix and the NightHawk 10km runners of Rose, Careen, Irene and the gang. While queuing for free yoghurt, the gals were excitedly sharing their first night run experience and how they conquered the distance in good form and timings. Before meeting the 42km runners for group photos, we went to welcome back Ultra-Marathoners finishing their first lap....met so many familiar faces.....cheered all of them. Chun, Henry and a few of the NightHawkers did a fast sub-4hr 1st 42km...wah!

Confident FatBirds @ Sundown Start

At 11pm, there was a hive of activity, with everyone full of excitement. Lots of group and team photos taken with the Team FatBird Sundown posters....nice! Before we knew it, it was time for the 42km runners to assemble for the midnight start of the Sundown Marathon. For a change, I was outside of the start pens waving at and taking pics of the runners. We spotted many familiar faces....gave them the thumbs-up and words of encouragement. The horn sounded at midnight, and it took a full 5-8min for all the runners to run through....there were so many of them.....a record turnout.

Team FatBird Support @ Bedok Town Park

Team FatBird Support @ Tampines Park Connector

FatBird DO and I proceeded to get ice before meeting the FatBirds at Bedok Town Park. FatBirds Jancy and Beng have been giving status reports of their location. We reached that TFB main support location at 1am, transferred some supplies to Beng's car, and then married up with Esther and her team. Beng, Jancy, Suan and Li Lian moved on to the next TFB Support Point at the Tampines PCN.

It was 'happening' at the Bedok Town Park with the SAFRA MF gang, HDB supporters and TFB supporters congregating. Soon, we spotted Benny Goh running at high speed....wow, he was in second position at that time of the Ultra 84km, and with the final 15km, was on target for a 7h+ finish....excellent. The TFB crew briefed me that the first person was tiring, and that Benny had a good chance to overtake. At 1.33am, the first 42km runner passed the location....that was a sub-3hr pace.....damn fast. He looked Middle-Eastern, doesn't look local Singaporean.

The friendly FatBird Support Crew

We cheered for the next few Ultra Marathoners that came by, and then more of the 42km marathoners. Keonz went by in top 10 position, and was blazing ahead. Most of these front group of runners did not require much aid, although they were appreciative of the loud cheers and applause provided. Max set up a nice photo-shoot location, snapping the runners as they ran by the TFB Sundown 2009 Poster...shwee! Our TFB runners like Spencer, YN and Terry all came by strongly. The front lady Ultra Marathoners came by at 2am+....Jeanette Wang, followed by another lady, then there was Lai Chee....they were just 5min apart.....the chase and race were hotting up. By 3am, the stream of runners grew to a heavy buildup...many of them asked for deep-heat rub, and we soon ran out of supplies. Tan Swee Kheng ran by in top 5 for the women Ultra.

The Ultra Marathon 84km Runners....15km to go!

We clapped and cheered, served refreshments to familiar faces and those in need for the next 2 hours. It was busy time from 3am to 5am, and the stream of runners just kept coming. We gave out jellies, iced milo, sng paos....all very popular items. Although they looked tired, most of the runners kept pushing on, with many taking just a short break at our station. We advised them to move on so as not to 'fall asleep' at that important stage of the race. As DO and I were about to displace to the start point at 5am, Ultra and his 84km pacers came along, then followed by tnancy and Jodan. Jancy called from Tamines to say supplies were low, and reported that YN, Spencer and Terry had passed. I told her Ultra and the 84km runners, including Bev and FIL reached our point in Bedok.

Night Hawk Ultra Marathon Top Finishers

We reached back to the start point at 6am. Terry and gang had already completed their 42km earlier and were washing up for the 8am Shape Run Training sessions....haha. Wee and Chun spotted us, and we took some nice finishing photos. Chun did a very good 8hr+ 84km and Wee did a very satisfying 9hr+ 84km....both achieving their respective targets set out when they joined the TFB NightHawk training. Many of the Team FatBird runners did very well too....it was heart-warming and satisfying to know that all our trainees achieved what they set out to do, from the newbie 10km runners all the way to the hard-core 84km racers.

A successful maiden voyage....well done!

Congratulations from Team FatBird go out to Benny Goh who claimed the Men's Ultra-Marathon in record time, Jeanette Wang who blazed to record time for the Women's Ultra-Marathon, Yong Lai Chee who was just a mere few minutes behind in second. Cheers to Lesley Tan who finished 3rd in the Women's Marathon...also to Sumiko and Vivian who came in first in their respective 10km team events.

Operation Night Hawk - Mission Accomplished! Already, we are planning for our next Training Program for the upcoming Army Half Marathon. Meanwhile, we will be taking a well-deserved rest, and taking time to reflect on our Nighthawk Training Program, the memories, trials and jubilations, as well as how we can improve for even better training sessions for all FatBirds and friends in future.

Dusk Has Cometh, The Night Hawks Have Emerged!

Till Sundown Marathon 2010 :)

I LOVE i-RUNNING With Team FatBird

Photo Slideshow by FatBird DO

i-RUN @ River Promenade, 28 May 2009