Reading, PA - And so, Gabriel embarked on the journey to Reading with his Grandmother, Abu, his wife, and his three daughters... onto Reading, PA in 2hrs+.
The drive was uneventful, but soon enough it was time to get serious. Gabriel went out on a reconnaissance warm-up, learning that the start would be half a mile on road, and then some pretty technical single-track. A wise owl let Gabriel know that you want to lead heading into the single-track. And so, a plan was formed.
Upon warming-up, Gabriel noted the runners - several locals, as this was the largest trail race in PA and pretty much the Mid-Atlantic... a runner from Dickinson (that would claim he was not "adept" on trails); several other locals that knew the trails like the backs of their hands. Gabriel was primed to go hard from the gun and run hard for one full hour. That was it.
And so the gun, rather, the flying pig shot out of a cannon and when the pig landed the race would start, sounded and Gabriel set off immediately into the lead at about 5:10-5:15/mi pace on the road. Within half a mile, several runners backed off his pace, and Gabriel set upon separating himself from the field in the first mile. Mission accomplished. It was now a race against the course and his body. There were great terrain changes, alternating long inclines with treacherous descents. Finally, he knew he would be hard to catch when there was an 18% grade for about 800m... that was one serious climb.
On the back-half of the course, Gabriel was brought to his knees via fatigue and a tree across the trail. He warned himself not to get lazy. The out-and-back of the course then began, and it was a battle against the on-coming runners, many of which were only looking down at the jagged, ankle-breaking AT-type rocks. Gabriel did his best with yelling, "UP!!!" every third stride.
Finally, the 1hr mark hit upon his watch and Gabriel was ready to finish. He hammered home victor in a great effort, winning by exactly 3-minutes over the local ace. A decorated piggy-bank, a basket full of Godiva, and some forever-lasting memorable moments with his Grandmother and family in the sun in the fields of Rotary Park ended the day.
Gabriel went to bed knowing he would win. He woke up expecting to win. And he raced like he would win. It is back to great times and fitness. And now, some recovery before lacing up tomorrow for 2-2.5 hours of trail... again.
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