Sunday, January 11, 2015

Cool Weather Kick Off for Ops Falcon 2015


It was a great start for the 80+ registered participants at the second edition of Operation Falcon 2015, 12-week marathon training for the 2XU Compression Run.  The weather was cool and windy as the early birds gathered at C4 ECP Shelter for registration as well as sizing of their eventual finisher race singlets.


A warm welcome was extended to all Falcon participants with the usual training and route briefings before starting the run at 7:25am...of course not without taking the customary group photos.


Although the 2XU Compression Run only offered up to Half Marathon categories, Ops Falcon has also included the Full Marathon training program to cater to those who are doing overseas marathons like the Taiwan and Saga Sakura Marathon.  


A good portion of 40% first-time FatBird trainees mingled well with the rest of the 'sesoned' FatBird trainees, under the watchful eye and friendly encouragement of the ever dependable Team FatBird Training Crew.


This being the kick off training, the HM and FM participants completed a no-frills 13.5km and 21km at BaseBuild pace respectively, allowing for the newer runners as well as others who have taken a short break from exercise to consolidate a good base before moving on to speedier paces.


There were good chit-chats and words of advice from the Falcon trainers with the trainees, allowing for healthy engagement and interaction which will set the tone for a smooth and enjoyable 12 weeks of training ahead.  The newer trainees adapted to the pace and conduct of the training rather well, with very little hiccups along the way.  


All the HM categories completed their runs by 10am and were given a debrief by the Falcon Trainers explaining the concepts of Team FatBird's FlightZONES and PowerFLIGHT training systems, as well as set expectations for the remaining weeks of training.  


The FM participants completed their runs by 10:30am to rousing cheers and applause by fellow trainees in strong form, partly attributing to the immaculate weather this morning.  There were quite a number of satisfied faces especially among the newer participants who are starting to appreciate the kind of structured training Team FatBird offers.


After the honeymoon start of the first session, the Falcons will move on to bigger challenges from week #2, starting with some high intensity tempo intervals sandwiched by 2 trail portions at next weekend.  It will be something interesting and we are sure many will be looking forward to have yet another great workout.


For the many runners who have signed up for 2XU Compression Run, Run350 and other Marathon races in Q1 2015, you are invited to start training with the Falcons to achieve your race targets and New Year resolutions set just a week or so ago.  You can sign up for limited slots of this high-value 12-week marathon training program HERE, and start enjoying the benefits of structured training and steam ahead in the New Year!

The Falcons Soared To A Cool Start!

Training Photos By FatBird Chin