April 16, 2011
Huntsville, TX - Gabriel and Perla Rodriguez made the 1,400 mile drive to La Porte, Texas, last weekend to visit their family. In the midst of the three-day trek, Gabriel managed to convince his virgin-ultra wife that she should attempt the 9th Hog's Hunt 50 KM.
And so, after arriving late afternoon on Friday and with little rest and sleep, Gabriel and Perla made the 75-minute journey at 4:00AM to Huntsville State Park. One Hundred and Forty Dollars later, they were registered for their first 50 KM trail run together.
The morning was a crisp 49-degrees, and the decision to invest in a pair of PETZL headlamps paid off, as the first thirty minutes of the run would be held in pitch black darkness over the sandy and rooty terrain. Joining the duet was long-time harrier and friend, the Financial Advisor, Chad James.
Chad James had won over his doubts of fitness, as he had DNF'd at the Houston Marathon earlier in January and was battling a hectic work schedule, newborn child, and a progressively degenerating neck condition. However, the trusty James was at the start line of his 50 KM trail debut as well.
At 6:00AM the gun sounded and the field of over 100 took to the darkness. Chad and Gabriel managed to run together early, sitting in the top five positions within the first mile. Chad was relying on an old Navy trick to develop night vision and had not opted for a headlamp. Out in front, about 100-200 meters was a Michael Adams, an experienced ultra veteran with a Western States buckle... and he meant business.
After two miles or so, Gabriel decided to venture off in search of Mr. Adams, but had decided not to make any moves until there was sunlight. Finally, a good thirty minutes into the run, Gabriel assumed the lead and forged onward, not feeling particularly engaged, as he had wanted to race the 25K instead of risk the 50K attempt.
At the first aid station at 4.5 miles, Gabriel held a comfortable 30-second lead on the field, with Chad sitting a surprising 4-5th place. At this point, Gabriel came across Perla moving into 2nd place in the female race, only 20-seconds or so behind the leader.
The runners then headed out on the perimeter to the 7.5 mile aid station, at which point Gabriel had to use the restroom, which allowed Mr. Adams to claw back into contention, as he entered the aid station alongside Gabriel. They then headed off for some serious and technical singletrack, on which Gabriel was able to extend his lead. By the 12.5 mile aid station, Gabriel had a commanding lead and after the first 25 KM split at 1:48:58, Gabriel had about a 5-minute lead on Adams. Surprisingly, Chad had moved into 3rd place overall and was looking intent on taking down 2nd place.
Gabriel continued to run easily, but not fluidly, as he was in no mood to run a 50 KM, but he was in the lead and right at course record pace (3:42:40). However, a CR would require an equal effort on the second 25K circuit and Gabriel was not sure if he wanted to push, as his goal was his track workout on Monday.
Perla, in the meantime was leading heading into the final homestretch towards the START/FINISH line of the first loop and made an errant right turn at an unmonitored turn, sending her off-course and eventually into second place behind Meredith Terranova. It was a lead Terranova would not relinquish.
For Gabriel to consider a run at the CR, he would have to be up at the 20 mile aid station, meaning he would need to run the next 4.5 mile segment under 30:00, since that is what he had covered it in the first loop. However, sans headlamp, this was doable and he came in at 29:00 and change, but his right leg was starting to falter, perhaps due to the rising temperatures and his lack of attention to fueling. So, at the 20 mile aid station he ingested a GU and some water, took a breath and started back the trail towards the perimeter.
Once on the perimeter he passed a silent and grimacing, obviously in pain, Adams in second place. Another runner had moved into third place, and Chad was now is fourth place, but looking pretty badly. His T-Rex arm action was in full-swing and he was staggering up the climbs. Gabriel told him to "break it down into sections, you only have 10 miles to go..." however, at the 20 mile aid station, Chad's day would be over, as the medical team did not allow him to continue in his haggard physical condition.
Mile 21 is when Gabriel's race took on a life of its own. His body was battling the sensation to run faster and then everything clicked and he was flying effortlessly down the trail, attacking every hill and just enjoying the sensation. He reached the 23 mile aid station with a 53-minute split... a split that took 57-min on the first loop and Gabriel knew it was going to be a course record run. Another GU and he was off... setting a course record and staggering 1:45:35 negative-split, 3:34:31 victory.
Perla continued her battle, surging with energy and settling into workmanlike rhythm. In the end, she would surprise even herself with her 4:36:19, second place finish, less than ten minutes behind the winner.
It was a great day for Maryland West TRC and a great debut.
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