With 2 weeks remaining to race day, and the longest LSD covered last week, the Sunbirds gathered at ECP for their tapering module - reduced distance at race intensity. The respective groups put the FatBird Optimal Pace Plan to practice with some consistent group running along the busy corridors of the ECP.
Like with many of the practice sessions, and even on race days, the tendency to start off faster than intended was always there - especially with a large crowd of BMW runners putting in their final session of training run. With the assistance of the Sunbird training crew and pacers, most of the 'raring' trainees were reined in to preserve their fuel stores for the important task of sustaining the drop-off after 20km.
The HM Sunbirds did a good run, maintaining the Optimal Pace all the way for their 18km. The FM groups were also running consistently for most of their 29km, with the challenge at Coastal Road overcome with confidence. All Sunbirds were armed with proper doses of hydration and fuel, allowing them to keep on with the return leg when the sun was coming up.
It was an interesting morning of meeting so many fellow runners at ECP, most with a common objective of training well for the Dec 2 race. The Sunbirds returned to the start point in good time, with room for debriefs and some tips on recovery and injury prevention. They were also happy to collect their coveted Sunbird 'finisher' singlets, with a healthy majority qualifying.
The good news was that most of the Sunbirds are going into their final training run in a clean bill of health and in good form and high spirits. We look forward to the full-dress rehearsal and graduation from the Sunbird Program next weekend, and that will just leave us with more time to shop for our favourite race day shoes and apparel to go with our battle attire - Watch for the Sunbirds...here they come!
