Human Race Training Kicks Off

Nike Human Race Training 27Sep09

A 3-session group training program to prepare Nike runners for the Human Race on Oct 24 kicked off on Sunday morning, with about 70+ runners. Racers' Toolbox & Team FatBird were on location to lead the runners for a 6km paced run with LunarGlide+ shoes from The PlayGround @ Big Splash, ECP.

BriefingDynamic Warm-up

Nike EKIN Ming gave the opening, followed by Ben Pulham's dynamic warm-up; a group-photo session later, before Team FatBird pacers started the runners off towards the direction of MacDonald's and Chalets. Quite a number of familiar faces who have joined Nike training runs before, plus some new ones too. The pace was kept to comfortable levels, with the runners feeling the cushion and support of the LunarGlide+, as well as keeping track of the distance via their Nike+ Sportband.

Team FatBird (Human Pacers)

The experience of the runners with the ECP area, coupled with the cloudy weather, put them in a comfortable running posture without too much strain. Team FatBird front pacers kept to a steady and sustainable pace, allowing the majority of the runners to be able to run as a group...excellent. There seemed to more many more lady runners this morning....hmmm, signs of ladies taking running more seriously than the guys? hehe.

There were quite a number of enquiries about running shoes, injuries, and even training programs for half and full marathons...wow, such a diverse bunch. The Podiatrist was on hand to dispense expert advice on shoe-fit, different running gait, as well as injury-prevention. Racers' Toolbox provided good advice on performance enhancements and improvements to running form and posture. Team FatBird cheered and motivated the runners by running along and checking on their running form, pace, and even basic running techniques.

A good workout with The LunarGlide+

The Human Race trainees felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after the 6km, and were greeted with light refreshment and drinks. Many capped a solid finish, putting on their best for that finishing photo shot :). After the cool-down static stretches by Ben with Team FatBird, all were engaged in one of their favourite part of the training....the presentation of awards for Beaver, Running Techniques, LunarGlide+ shoes and The Human Race.

Most of the runners appreciated such group training runs to prepare them for races and running events. Good feedback from the runners for the LunarGlide+ shoes and the Nike+ Sportband attest to the fact that letting the runners try out the shoes and equipment provides a good first-hand experience and feel....good for Nike to offer more of such shoe and equipment trials for the growing base of new running enthusiasts. The Human Race!

The Photo Slideshow

OPERATION SUNBIRD: Kickoff Session (#1)

Sunbird Training Report #1 (FatBird Anthony)
Photo Slideshow (FatBird DO, FatBird Spencer)

On location At The FatBird Nest, The PlayGround @ Big Splash

It was the day many Operation Sunbird trainees had been waiting for; the kick-off of the 10-week marathon training program they had signed up for to prepare for their SCSM09 conquest. By 7am, 50+ runners had gathered at the FatBird Nest at The PlayGround @ Big Splash, all already armed with their first article on Heart-Rate Training.

Caught the early SunBirds for a group photo

FatBird Anthony gave a welcome address to introduce the background of Team FatBird as well as Racers' Toolbox, our official training partner for Ops Sunbird. FatBird David introduced the training team, before handing to Jonathan for the first sharing session, covering the essence of Team FatBird's FlightZONES(TM) System as well as tips on focusing on the upper body with the proper arm swing.

The Team FatBird customary group photo session followed, before the runners, some armed with HR Monitors and Hydration Systems, set off towards the sun at BaseBuild Zone. The BaseBuild will be the key element of this 10-week marathon training, and serve to progressively build up and condition the runners' abilities to complete the marathon in good form, hitting targeted timings as stretched goals. The trainers ran along with various groups depending on their comfortable paces, encouraging chit-chats and sharing for the 20km journey. The 21km trainees went for 15km this morning, and were looking good.

Focus Area #1: Upper Body

Along the way, we found that quite a number of trainees were not experienced in distance running, and many found it difficult to train alone, not to mention without the proper guidance, for such long distances. They were extoling the virtues of group training, all the while focusing on their upper body and arm swing techniques, with the trainers doing the checks and providing feedback. Coach Jonathan Fong, a previous Singapore triathlete, were soaking in the questions from the trainees and helping them along with sound advisory.

The runners in my group did an average of 6min/km to the 10km mark, a very good pace at the BaseBuild Zone...evident in their smiling faces and their running form. The sun had come up by then, and those who did not bring hydration along found that their heart rates were drifting upwards, partly due to the weather, partly due to insufficient hydration earlier on. Because of the 70% workload at that zone, the runners were still able to moderate their paces and maintain good form. As the trainers moved up and down to speak with different groups of runners, it was heartening to know that all were doing their best to get into the correct zone.

A few runners told us that they didn't break too much of a sweat, and yet was running very steady, not panting and not drained off. It was the correct way of conditioning themselves progressively for longer distances and possibly harsher weather. They were all moving steadily, at times bored by the not-too-hard pace, but feeling very good, and not running slow at all. It was about 6:05min/km for my group for the last 5km. I got a few runners to prepare for cadence/leg turnover training by measuring their own cadence, something the trainees will learn and build up in the following sessions.

Hard Run? A satisfied flock :)

Back at The Nest, the Sunbird trainees were all happy at completing the 20km in good form, feeling the workout, but not totally drained. For quite a few, it was the longest distances they have covered. The 21km trainees too did very good 15km workouts. Isotonic drinks, bananas and apples were being served to replenish the trainees' energy. There were even mooncakes and kueh-kueh brought along by participants to share....wow, lots more eating for me....haha. I have to run more mileage at the FatTrim & BaseBuild Zones to truly burn off the calories and fat, and improve fuel efficiency.

Next session (#2) will see the Sunbirds experiencing slightly longer distances in a different environment, something which will help to build leg strength. We are expecting a larger turnout for the session, and preparations will be made to ensure sufficient refreshment & support to bring the Sunbirds through. Till then, do watch out for the training schedule, tips and advisory, as well as training instructions at the official website: OPERATION SUNBIRD - Your Marathon Destination, Our Race Preparation!

Pacers Training Session #3: The Downpour

Pacers Training #3 Report by FatBird Anthony

The Team FatBird Marathon Pacer training, started 3 weeks ago, was to do 26km last Saturday morning. I didn't sleep well the night before, and woke up feeling lethargic. I decided to try the new shoes to see if they would be suitable for marathon training and racing. A few new Pacers and first-timers showed up.....good to have finally met them face-face. Helen shared a little of her recent podium stories, the lighter moments providing a brightening start to what was a chilly, cloudy morning.

I ran along with various pace groups, chatting and feeling their comfort levels. Many of them were enthusiastic about their pacing roles, and were looking forward to more interesting activities ahead. We shared some of our previous marathon experiences, and how pacing would be so different from racing. I took a walk break at the 13km mid-point along Changi Coastal Road, before joining Bev, zco, Hoph and suan for a relaxing 6:50min/km pace.....this was the 5hr pace group and runners.

The new shoes provided ample cushion, although I would like even more responsiveness. It was light on the run, and landing on the sweet-spots were quite easy. TW and Beng were running side-side, enjoying one another's steady pace. I moved up to run alone and to try to feel the shoes and do some body-sensing. Although it was cloudy, with strong, chilly winds, I was feeling exceptionally thirsty....had to visit the toilet 2-3 times, on top of consuming my Gatorade mix.

I spotted Hoph in the final 1km. I ran behind him a little. Dark clouds were looming in the horizon. Then, it really poured. We were totally drenched, as we up the pace to head to the FatBird Nest. Some of the earlier finishers had already gone to wash-up or home. We were fortunate to be under the warm shelter of the Nest, although a hot drink to calm the chattering teeth would have been perfect...hehe.

Lots of chits-chats, coupled with mini group discussions continued till the rain abated, and then finally stopped. The sun came up again, as we cleaned up and cleared off from the Nest. Another good Pacer Training completed...Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!

OPERATION SUNBIRD: Registrations Are FULL!

Registrations are FULL!

Thanks for the warm response to this 10-week marathon training program.

Operation Sunbird Training is ACTIVATED! Those who have registered are reminded to settle your training contributions (refer to payment details in your confirmation advice/email) to have your accounts activated to gain access to the training schedules.

Since this training program aims to provide Run-For-A-Cause participants with sufficient training to complete the SCSM09, Team FatBird has reserved more slots for RFAC participants who can train for free, subject to availability and qualifications.

Please contact info@teamfatbird.com should you have questions or require assistance.

Team FatBird looks forward to training with you.

OPERATION SUNBIRD
Your Marathon Destination, Our Race Preparation!

Marathon Pacers Training #2: 24km Trials

Marathon Pacers Training Report - filed by FatBird Anthony

With the last couple of months doing Ops Kingfisher and training for AHM, it has been quite a while since I did a run greater than 21km. I was looking forward to this 24km run with the Pacers at ECP. We bumped into some of the regular Team Fatbird trainees as well as some who were there for Ops Sunbird, which will start in the week of Sep21....these enthusiastic marathoners were just ready to get started with training....we asked them to be patient for another 2 weeks :)

Back to the Pacers running...good to see their enthusiasm and high spirits....just looking forward to build up a good distance base for them to fulfill their important mission. Keonz and DO dished out the requirements, and chatted along with the various pacer groups. I tagged along the 4:15h group for a bit, and then the 4:30h group. At the U-turn along Changi Coastal, I ran along for short bits with the other pace groups. The 5:00h and 5:30h groups were soaking in the blistering sun....wah, they didn't look like they were enjoying the sun-tanning....haha. I took that in my stride, and considered it good conditioning. Eng Pat and Beng were going strong, trying to rush out of the reach of the sun.

Had a word with David Tay and his team, who too were training hard. The sun would be good conditioning for David's race in Chicago in a month's time. Said hello to the other familiar faces of the adidas pacers. Near the ski area, Tekko, Molly and their group were getting their weekend long run in too.,...friendly waves abound. On the way back, I joined Nigel, Teck Wee, Beverly, Suan, Nicholas for a good 6:50min/km pace. Beverly was as usual complaining about the heat, sending me ahead to get some pocari sweat....haha. However, the mental strength of the group was great as always, allowing us to push forward. Teck Wee was thankful for the fuel-belt advice, and got himself the life-saver today....no more carrying bottles in one hand.

With 2km to go, Prata, myself and Nicholas got in front a little at 5:00min/km pace and completed the 24km run happy and satisfied. 100-plus and bananas were offered by Beng/Esther, the super-duper refreshment/logistics team....always a pleasure to see them handing out the drinks and smiling, especially after a hard run. There were exchanges of pointers and discussions among the pacers about their running form, endurance and tips on pacing. It was fun learning from one another, and I could see a crop of very good pacers forming up. Till the next TFB Pacer get-together, Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!

Running To Help Others

Within 3 weeks of being roped in by Team FatBird to Run-For-A-Cause (RFAC) at the SCSM09, Mohan had secured $10,000 worth of contributions to the Community Chest. He went on to get a second pledge card and has raised $15k to date. My Paper has tracked down the avid marathoner and now champion-to-be Charity Runner.

My Paper, Wednesday, 9 September 2009

Team FatBird looks forward to having Mohan join Operation Sunbird, a 10-week marathon training program to help RFAC participants train to complete their SCSM09 quest.

OPERATION SUNBIRD - Training With A Heart

I-Run Clinic: Running With Ease

Ops Sunbird: Train For The Cause

Team FatBird has launched a marathon training program to help prepare those that are Running For A Cause (RFAC) at the SCSM2009. Charity Runners of 10km, 21km and full marathon distances can tap on the 10-week marathon training (codenamed Operation SUNBIRD) to condition themselves to complete the race. There will be weekday runs in the city, as well as long weekend runs from Team FatBird's Nest in the East Coast Park area (The PlayGround @ Big Splash).

Run For A Cause: TFB Media Interviews

Team FatBird has been actively speaking with more runners to play their part in RFAC this year, and is heartened by their support and progress with raising awareness and well as securing pledged contributions for the ComChest.

The task at hand is to now prepare RFAC participants with marathon training and conditioning to accomplish the mission on race day.

Let us all do our part.....You Run For A Cause, Team FatBird will Train You For The Cause.

Sign up Run For A Cause NOW!

Operation SUNBIRD - Training With A Heart

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Team FatBird Marathon Pacers 2009: Kickoff

Marathon Pacers Training Report - filed by FatBird Anthony

After last year's success, Team FatBird started recruitment of the batch of 2009 Marathon Pacers for the SCSM09. The response for the 42km distance across the various timing groups were encouraging, although we could do with more applicants to pace the 21km distance.

We called up the Pacers for a kickoff run this morning, in preparation for a 12-week training program for them. 30+ turned up at The FatBird Nest, The PlayGround @ Big Splash in what was one of the more windy and cool mornings, after a bout of drizzle in the wee dawn. About half were 2008's pacers, 20% were pacees whom have benefitted in 2008 and have come on to contribute as pacers in 2009, and 30% are new runners to Team FatBird.

We did a 18km @ marathon pace for the respective pace timings, mainly to get a feel of what was required, as well as having a chance to chit-chat and get-to-know-one-another on the run. ECP had a lot more bikers than runners this morning, what with the just concluded AHM, and although SCSM09 is coming up, it is still early for most to rev their engines...hehe. Keonz and Henry did a fine job of running up and down and guiding the pacers, while the more experienced TFB runners were running alongside and chatting with their respective pace group runners. Because it was just for the pacers, the group was maintained to that smallish group, and the atmosphere was pretty cozy.

I finished the run with the 5hr pace group in a real easy 2hr, after which was followed by more chatting over 100plus and bananas. The dedicated microsite for Pacers will be set up by next week, and Pacers will be able to plan their training schedule and track their weekly timings. This will also be the first time the Pacers will be introduced to heart-rate training via the TFB FlightZONES System.

The weeks ahead will be interesting as we get to know one another better, as well as finding our comfortable race day pace. Since the key objective of the Pacer is to motivate and bring the runners across the finish line in targeted timing, the Pacer will not be going for Personal Best, and will be running at a comfortable 15-30min off his/her PB. This will be something that the Pacers will be conditioned and trained to do over the next many weeks.

Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!

OPERATION SUNBIRD: Team FatBird's Marathon Training Programme LAUNCH!

LunarGlide+ Training Run #4: A Fitting Finale

Training Report by FatBird Anthony
Photo Slideshow by FatBird Jancy

Section of the LunarGlide+ Trialers...more >>

It was a fitting finale to the 4-session LunarGlide+ Training Runs on Sunday Morning. Alvin & Sacha from Nike, Ben Pulham from Racers Toolbox, Team FatBird Pacers along with Coach Gana's team got together to organize and lead more than 60 runners for the 5km run in the latest Nike cushioned trainers, the LunarGlide+. After having gone to Bedok Reservoir and the Asian Civilizations Museum for the earlier 3 sessions, we were happy to be back to The PlayGround @ Big Splash.

LunarGliders all set for the Slide & Glide

It was good to meet with familiar faces, as well as a number of new runners. There seem to be many more who have yet to try out the LunarGlide+ and experience its cushioned properties and dynamic support system. Team FatBird was out in full force to pace the runners for the 5km run toward Burger King and back. There were ample shoes for all to try, and the feedback from the runners have been good for all the four shoe trials sessions, as evident in the reports of good sales figures of the Glides+ coming from the retail outlets.

Gliding with the Pacers

After a good round of stretching and generous prizes given out, the runners were chatting with the coaches and pacers about the upcoming Human Race as well as using the LunarGlide+ for half-marathon and full marathon running. A number of the runners have signed up for the year end SCSM09 and were planning to use the LunarGlide+ for training and racing. With dark clouds looming, the organizers quickly packed up, and as the runners and trailers bid farewell, the pacers assembled at the nearby HK Tim Sum Cafe for some very good carrot cake, ‘Wu Kok’, Porridge-Noodle set, and other tim sum delicacies.

Team FatBird LunarGlide+ Pacers

As we discussed about Team FatBird’s upcoming Pacer and Marathon Training Programs, the skies opened up. We felt cozy inside that restaurant, and as we sipped on our coffee and tea, there was a certain sense of satisfaction with the smooth completion of yet another Team FatBird pacing project. There was also anticipation of more training and projects that lie ahead as we prepare for more training sessions for The NorthFace100 Trail, The Human Race, and the mother of all marathons, The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 09.

Let us Slide, Glide and enjoy the Ride.

Team FatBird Trail Running

It rained the past 3 nights, and we were expecting muddy trails at the Macritchie Reservoir (MR) Park this morning for the Team FatBird 20km Trail Run. Not expecting a large turnout, we were surprised to see about 25 turn up by 7.10am. Saw a few running groups starting at the MR New Cafeteria area, including MF runners, SgRunners and MR25 Runners. Some of the corporate teams training for trail runs and marathons were at MR too.

Our plan was to cover about 20km of the revised MR25 30km Progressive Run route to be held next Sunday. The Northern Trails were not that wet and muddy, as we ran in single file up and down the slightly undulating terrain, exiting the trails in about 20-24min as a group. Unlike last week, we did a right this time towards Island Club Road and out onto Thomson Road. This is the first time many of us ran this stretch...I found it interesting. From Thomson Road, we entered Lower Pierce Reservoir (LPR) Road , and it was familiar territory from there. Introduced to the flock the start point of the aniMILES, took a quick hydration break, before proceeding along Old Upper Thomson Road (OUTR).

We waited for a short while at the Upper Pierce Reservoir Rd (UPR) main gate for the group, before moving up and down the famous slopes of UPR. The group got a good workout from the slopes, and we practiced the fine art of slope-climbing and breathing steadily, along with a steady running posture. It was enjoyable to say the least. Another much-appreciated hydration break at the UPR toilets, before we proceeded across the dam to the point where the fence to SICC was erected earlier this year. A light drizzle brought cool relief to the group who had done 10km+ till then. With the return back along the same way we came from, we broke into small groups and started to run OTOT. We braved more slopes on the way back, and after more steady chugging, we were back at the UPR main gate. From there, it was a single file along OUTR, back along Casuarina, and then LPR toilets once again.

With 6km to go, the flock did not rest for too long, but instead ran ahead strongly back to Island Club Road, and then to the entrance to Northern Trail. The rains got heavy at that point. We decided to push on into the trails where we could get some cover from the heavy rain droplets. That remaining 4km stretch always proves to be a challenge for returning runners, especially to those who are new or not quite used to the trails. In the end, all made it back to the MR Cafeteria start point with a sense of achievement and satisfaction in having completed a rather gruelling 21km mixed trail run. Isotonic drinks and bananas were consumed with gusto, and some were sprawled on the ground, soaking in the wet feet and mud-caked shoes, savouring the feeling of ‘being in the moment’....ahhhh, that’s the kind of feeling one gets when being consumed by a flow of blood and endorphins through the body....some call it runner’s high....haha

After some nice chats about running shoes and trail running, we had a good wash-up, before sitting down with a cuppa and meeting the Team FatBird NorthFace100 Running Team. We have selected 5 runners to run at the NF100 under the Team FatBird umbrella this year, and were checking on their progress as well as training and support requirements. We were informed that the NorthFace Training Run held for the participants (at Rifle Range Road) attracted 80+ participants....excellent! TFB NF Training Crew was at hand to explain the training as well as support for the TFB NF100 Runners. We had a nice round of discussions and sharing, before leaving at 11.30am. A very nice Saturday morning spent with nature at the trails. Team FatBird will incorporate this route as one of the training sessions for our SCSM09 Marathon Training Program. We will be back!
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LunarGlide+ Trials @ Asian Civilizations Museum

Trialing Run Report by FatBird Anthony
Photo Slideshow by FatBird DO

Nike LunarGlide+ Trialers @ ACM

It rained the night before from 2am. By 7am it was all clear for what would be a refreshing morning run for more than 60 LunarGlide+ shoe trialers at the Asian Civilizations Museum lawn. As the shoe trial van pulled up with the range of Men's and Women's LunarGlide+ shoes and the new Nike Sports Band 2.0, The ACM Lawn was being set up for registration with refreshments.

It was great chatting with the largely new crowd of shoe trialers, and getting to know their experiences with group runs and the current running shoes they were using. 8 pacers and marshals from Team FatBird were on hand to dispense information and guidance to the runners on the LunarGlide+. Coach Ben Pulham from Racers Toolbox and Coach Gana with his team were present to provide advice to runners on good running form, and training techniques for improvements to speed and performance.

Team FatBird Pacers with Nike Runners

Nike's EKIN Ming gave a good overview of the LunarGlide+ shoes, as well as show the key mechanisms that have made the LunarGlide+ one of the best-selling cushion range for training and racing for distances up to a full marathon. Ben, with the support of Team FatBird, gave another interesting round of dynamic warm-up routines....Group Photos with the riverside backdrop followed, and then we were flagged off for the 4km run. The runners were full of enthusiasm as they enjoyed the scenic and serene riverside run, about 20 of them using the Nike Sports Bands to track their pace and distances. A couple of fast runners moved ahead with Spencer and YN showing them the way. Terence, Beng, David covered the mid pack, while Esther, Jancy and Anthony swept from behind.

What A Ride!

Amidst the run were lots of exchanges and sharing of information about the LunarGlide+, Sports Bands, running form and techniques, recent races like the Shape Runs as well as the upcoming Human Race in Oct. The runners crossed the bridge to Robertson Quay to applause from some supportive visitors and marshals on the other side of the river. There was a group of runners setting off for their morning run then, and they were impressed with the rather large group of Nike runners in fluid motion.

Run Pacer leading the way

It wasn't long before we were back at the ACM lawn, welcomed by cold drinks and bananas for a good morning workout. Satisfied runners shared their experiences and feedback about the LunarGlide+ as well as the Sports Bands. Many found the LunarGlide+ to have a light-feel and good responsiveness, giving them the ability to run at a faster pace than what they were normally used to. The Dynamic Support System provided a good sense of balance, and the traction qualities of the shoes worked pretty well on the slightly wet grounds (after the overnight rain). Ben provided a good round of cool-down, with Gana and David taking more photos of the runners in action.

Nice cooling-down after a satisfying run

The whole event was rounded off with an interesting quiz-with-prizes session. A newly-coined 'Beaver' award from Nike was given to the most determined and enthusiastic runner, and Team FatBird's Anthony had the honour to hand that out. Ben Pulham gave out the prizes for correct answers to his training tip on increasing running speed, while Ming and Gana gave out the grand prize of a pair of LunarGlide+ to the lady who correctly answered the Dynamic Support and special sole qualities of the shoes. A happy bunch indeed! There will be a final session of the LunarGlide+ shoe trials next Sunday at The PlayGround @ Big Splash. All will be encouraged to sign up early for the Nike RUN, and we should be having yet another interesting outing then.


Let It Slide, Let It Glide, What A Ride!
The Nike LunarGlide+

The Singapore Bay Run/Army Half Marathon 2009

Race Report by FatBird Anthony
Photos By DO, Melvin Jnr

Team FatBird Runners @ AHM2009

I had 2 good days of carbo-loading leading up to this yearly 21.1km race, the Singapore Bay Run/Army Half Marathon 2009. Team FatBird Runners donning their TFB Running Tops gathered at 5am at the Esplanade sunken amphitheater. We had a few group photos, before proceeding to the start line at 5.10am. The few of us guys were frantically trying to locate toilets, and was aghast to find that the public toilets around the area were closed, and there were long queues at the porta-loos. By the time we were done, it was 5.20am. We managed to squeeze through but we were quite far back from the start this year.

Team FatBird & friends @ AHM2009

As we were trying to inch ourselves a little further up, the MC suddenly announced that the race had started...a good 5min before the pre-determined 5.30am flag-off. A minute elapsed, and I was not moving much. I started my Garmin 405 as we walked towards the ChampionChip mat. By the time we crossed the mats, another minute went by. The initial 3km was one of braking, slowing down and weaving around the bunched up pack, who were running at about 6min/km pace....shucks! There was a clearer opening as we ascended the Sheares Bridge. I took the opportunity to break free and moved ahead to make up for lost time. The pace then was 5.45min/km....fwah!

As I passed familiar faces and Team FatBird Runners, I gave them the thumbs up and told them to 'Keep It Up'. I was trying to make up for 'lost' time, and did not have the luxury to chit-chat too much, not that the runners wanted to talk anyway....haha. Everyone was focused, and all I heard at that early morning hour were sounds of breathing, footsteps pounding the roads, and the sloshing of water as we passed water stations. As I had my fuel belt with me, I skipped the first 2 water stations to avoid getting in the way of the crowd.

By the time I entered Fort Road, about the 7km mark, I had brought the average pace down to about 5:05min/km....ok, time to take a breather...hehe. As I trotted along, still trying to find ample space along the narrow pathway along the ECP, I passed Li Lian, and then YN....both were doing very well. Up to 9km mark, I spotted Han Low, and then Silvia, Cheow. They were all on track for 1:45min/km up to the 12km mark. Then Lexus ran past at fast speed....oops, he must have been caught by the earlier start, just like Ben Swee, who had earlier caught up with me at Fort Road. After a breather, I had to increase the pace to bring it down to a sub 1:45hr target...Han and Cheow were maintaining too. Then spotted Roonz and aerosolcan, very steady pacing. Anna was around the vicinity as well.

It was still dark as I turned out onto Mountbatten Road. The distance marker earlier showed 13km. I saw Roentgen doing a steady 4:58min/km pace....wow, this guy had really improved heaps since his one year stay in the USA, running with the local clubs and all. I was feeling quite alright at that point, and decided to move ahead. The drinks stations were great this time around, with the marshals coming out and handing out cups of isotonic and plain water. I drank mostly on the run to save more time...hehe. With 6km to go, the crowd had thinned, and I was able to move about quite freely. Some of the slopes were a welcomed change for me to capitalize on the different styles of running. The Newton Racers I had on were behaving well, with good ventilation...not much heat generated, and I didn't really feel them at all.

With 5km to go, I passed Johnny and then caught up with Lai Chee. She seemed to be conserving for the final push....so I moved up to a group of guys and ran alongside for a bit. There were 2 slopes to tackle, and a few were slowing down. As I moved forward, there were more girls up front...wow...a pleasant surprise to see so many more strong lady runners this year. When we entered the F1 Pit area, it was just down to 2.5km....time check showed 1:30hr. Knowing that I have made up most of the 'lost' time, I slowed down to soak in the sights and sounds of the 'happening' cheerleaders and the final push for the 'rear' runners of the competitive army units. I could see Donald from MR25 taking count of his runners, and then followed by Eugene further up.



As I turned back to Esplanade Drive, I was in the mood for some photo taking...ran past Tekko who was there snapping away, but he just missed me...haha. There were a couple more photographers snapping away, and from a distance, we could see the army boys and friends cheering and welcoming the runners. Since I had some reserves left, I decided to pick up the pace, overtook another 10-15 runners, and crossed the finish line in 1:42:30....the nett time should be 1:41h or so. James Lua was just behind me, and we also saw Lim Lian Hock. It was nice catching up with James as we proceeded to get our finisher medals. Darren (1:40), Spencer (1:41), Keonz (1:30), Max (1:28), Aaron (1:33), Teck Hou (1:33) and many of them had already finished. After grabbing a 100plus, I went back to the finish line to welcome back the finishing runners....YN (1:49), Silvia (1:52), Li Lian (1:52), Eileen (1:52), Yong (1:56), Zhilei (1:59) & Max (1:54), June (2:01) and many TFB runners who did so well.

SAFRA Mt. Faber Running Club @ AHM2009

DO and I then joined the SAFRA MF group for more photos, as well as catch up with running friends and kakis. Jackie (1:34), Melvin (1:32), WenLong (1:26) and many of the SAFRA Runners did extremely well. Colleen and William had a nice outing too. Jaime and Ong were still not too well to run, as were a few other runners who took up the responsibilities of being cameramen and supporting crew :). Thereafter, we proceeded to the Cenotaph for the 9am Team FatBird Group Photo sessions. Lots of runners had already gathered by then, many sharing their trials and tribulations of the AHM2009 experience...many like Amy, SC Lim, Wai Pong did very well at their maiden half-marathons. Berno, Han, Eline and many more new FatBird Runners achieved personal bests. We waited till 9.15am for the 10km finishers who started their race under the blistering sun at 8am. Rose and her team did well to finish the race under trying conditions.

Overall, it was a great outing, although the initial human-jam and earlier start did put a small dampener on the good overall organization of the entire AHM2009. Till AHM2010!

When You Run The Bay, FatBirds Will Yet Show The Way!

Nike LunarGlide+ Training Run #2

Shoe Trial Run Report by FatBird Edwin

Photos by FatBird Esther

The EKIN giving a brief to the enthusiastic group

Nothing beats a Sunday morning with runners, new shoes, smiles, red tents and the big swoosh everywhere! Yes, you’ve guessed it! The Nike Shoe Trial, featuring the LunarGlide+.

Team FatBird was at Bedok Reservoir to mingle with the enthusiastic crowd to have a go with the latest Lunars. With a turnout of about 20 strong, the Team FatBird route marshals had a cozy run.

The weather could not have been better at the Bedok Reservoir. With the Army Half Marathon going on concurrently, it seemed like we had the whole place to ourselves! The run route was also perfect for shoe enthusiasts to push the limits of the LunarGlide+. Having fought our way through sandy terrain, we managed to kick in some hills to maximize the experience of the Lunar’s dynamic support, before calling it a day.

Cool down after a satisfying run

Fruits and drink provided by NIKE, got us all pumped up for the next shoe trial at the Asian Civilization Museum. We’ll see you there!