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It was the 10.10.10 weekend of races. It was unclear if it was due to the double-hills challenge facing the Sunbirds, or the need to rest ahead of the multiple races this weekend, that the turnout dwindled to about 70.
Nonetheless, those who came were not disappointed with the challenge that laid ahead. First up was a breakfast menu of
Labrador tunnels, after paying a visit to the Dragon Tooth for a touch of good luck and safety for all the trainees. For most of the Sunbirds, this was a maiden experience to relish, interspersed with cool shade amidst flora and fauna, coupled with some down slopes and flat terrain for good breathers. 4-5 sets of the 1.4km loops later, all were feeling the effects of the 'tough' workout, with the hot and humid conditions to contend with.
We were pleased that the Sunbirds conquered Hills Challenge 1 with respectable grit and attitude. Although many were hoping that Hills Challenge 2 would be somehow called off or forgotten, they were still armed with positive mindsets when it was declared that all would
proceed according to plan. A few half-marathoner trainees even had the gumption to continue with the full marathoners for the hills march.
By the time the 2nd Hills RV point was reached, we could see that the trainees had ran their hearts out, as evident in the huffing and puffing, albeit in reasonably good runing form....good that they
were putting the tips into practice even when the going was getting tough. When the signal was called for commencement of Hills Challenge 2, there weren't any signs of regret nor hesistation from the Sunbirds' faces.
Away we went for a couple of merry-go-rounds in the 1.6km hill loops. There were many walkers sighted taking lesisurely strolls down the MF slopes. They were looking on curiously and respectfully at the Sunbirds striding steadily up the hill slopes. Many of them made way for us to pass, and we could hear whispers and gasps of 'wah...what are these people doing running up these slopes in such hot conditions?'.
We relish hills training not only for the benefits they afford us, but also the opportunities for us to develop good running form and to feel the 'Hill Runners' High' when we 'take a breather' at the high points and stride steadily downslope....the feeling is just so good! By the second loop, I was already feeling hungry from all the hard work...haha. A quick check with the rest of the runners confirmed that we had indeed worked very hard, and could not go beyond 3-4 loops without feeling the negative effects of 'overdoing it'. It was music to the runners' ears when we declared a
cutoff of 3 loops, and heading back to the end point via a shorter, albeit not necessarily easier route.
Business at the end-point drinks station and the bananas were brisk, feeding the hungry and thirsty Sunbird trainees. With this session under their belts, the Sunbirds would have gone yet another step forward in terms of strengthening their mental and physical base for the marathon. We did not see much walking during the whole training, and most did more than the minimum required number of hill loops...a commendable effort, with just the right kind of attitude for success.
Sunbirds Complete Flight, Double Hills Delight!.
