After a great outing at the New Balance Real Run (NBRR) last weekend, Ops Sunbird launched into the second half of its structured program...moving back to ECP for the specific purpose of pace training with well measured distance markers and a good network of toilet amenities.
Yet again, the coming weekend was packed with popular races like the Newton Challenge and Adidas KOTR. Many of the Sunbirds were using the Newton Challenge as a time trial of sorts to gauge their endurance abilities to maintain marathon paces for 30km. As such, the turnout was more subdued with those turning up wanting to to do shorter workouts instead.
Maxifuel, the Sunbird nutrition sponsor was all set up to provide the second round of hydration support for Ops Sunbird, and were they a 'life-saver' on this very warm morning where we had the sun's rays beating on us mercilessly. The respective groups were to adopt target marathon paces for their 15km and 26km-28km respectively.
The challenge came when we returned back to ECP from Coastal Road where there was scant shelter and although our backs were then facing the sun, it still took a toll on us, especially those who have not brought along sufficient hydration. By the time we reached back to C4, a good 20-22km were covered by the FM trainees.
The cold and refreshing Maxifuel drinks brought renewed vigor to the runners who went on to finish another 4-7km depending on where they turned at the Playground and Fort Road sections. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were able to make their way for most of the distance, finally completing 28km-30km worth of marathon-targeted pace run.
With very little stoppages and a strictly measured workout, the entire training run completed within the maximum allowable time, bringing a nice wrap-up for training session #7. Pace training for the Sunbirds had gotten off to a good start, setting the tone for an effective 6 weeks of marathon pace training ahead.
There were ample bananas, isotonic and Maxifuel drinks left in spite of having had our fills, all thanks to the good arrangements of the logistics and hydration teams from TFB and Maxifuel. With the smaller group of trainees, there was a lot more interaction amongst the runners and trainers, allowing more sharing and feedback to be conducted than normal...overall a good training run of up to 30km, making many of the Sunbird participants very happy indeed. 
We look forward to maintaining the momentum by adding the challenge of hills and slopes at the next training, before bringing up the distances to 35km in prepararion for the big race on Dec 2 - Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS). Optimal pace training will kick in from week 9, seeking an uptick in pace management and sustaining optimal paces for optimal results...Operation Sunbird - Follow Our Pace, Win Your Race!
Photo Slideshow from FatBird CK Chin
