Due to the Newton Run happening at the ECP, we made a change to our running routes for Weekend #7 to cover the Labrador Park and Keppel Marina areas instead. A much smaller turnout as expected since many were using the Newton 18k/32k Challenge to time trial and test out their recent training buildup - the good news came with many of the Sunbirds did very well at the Newton race.
The respective Sunbird groups started off from SAFRA MF at Marathon Pace (MP) under cloudy conditions. The plan was to avoid the hills and use more of the Labrador Park-Keppel Marina area to do pace runs.
We hit Labrador Park in good shape, and as we progressed into Keppel Bay area, the sun's rays were beating down on us with a fury - fortunately, all Sunbirds were well prepared with sufficient hydration to sustain pace and stay with their respective training groups.
The HMers did 1 6km lap of the LabPark-Keppel Marina-Keppel Island combi while the FMers completed 2 laps. The run through Keppel area was the real challenge as the sun's rays were 'burning' and 'melting down' many of our runners.
It turned out to be a good 60-90min of heat conditioning before we proceeded back out from Labrador Park to head back to SAFRA Clubhouse. It was yet another 5km of undulations under the heat before finally reaching the end of part 1.
Most groups were drained by the whole run, and to avoid any incidents of heat sickness, we cut short the distance at the trainees' requests. Still, the training objectives were 80% met, which we are glad to take as we managed to maintain MP throughout the entire LSD.
After a quick refuel with isotonic drinks and bananas, the Sunbirds were dispersed ahead of training time, all too eager to get a nice cool shower or rest in the cool comfort of the air con indoors.
We look forward to Week #8 where the Sunbirds will be attempting our 2nd 30km+ at Marathon Pace. Till then, its time for a good Rest & Recovery procedure to soothe those tired muscles and 'hot' bodies.
The Sunbirds Are Conditioned For Heat!
Facebook Photos from FatBird Chin
