DAM RIGHT.

September 14, 2014

MIFFLINBURG, PA - Gabriel decided his training was going well. He had recovered from Pike's Peak and was in need of a long effort. The Dam Full Marathon was on his radar as a strong contender for a great long run and effort. And so, Gabriel and his family made the drive.

Oh, driving two hours on race morning with three girls and a wife is quite the adventure. Let's just say that Gabriel basically missed the start, roaring his way through the field in the opening quarter mile just to get into the lead. Once Gabriel assumed the lead, he felt this was going to be a long comfortable long run on some meandering and surprisingly rocky trails. However, by the second mile, he had been caught and pulled over to concede the lead while tying a shoe lace.

Frustrated at his laces, Gabriel set off in pursuit of the leader, who was actually running quite strongly. Gabriel tried to calm his nerves, understanding there was still over three hours of running left. Finally, Gabriel made contact, engaged, and the two proceeded to battle over the trail. Suddenly, Gabriel burst past into the lead and started a phenomenal climb of 15% grade, which then topped out at 17% grade, and his pursuer was not falling back. It would take Gabriel a dedicated push of no recovery and bypassing the aid station to finally create a gap that would only extend throughout the race.

As the race dragged on, Gabriel began the mantra of "Stairway to Heaven." He was warned of this epic climb, and now Gabriel wanted blood. All he wanted to do was decimate that climb. Arriving at the final aid station, Gabriel prepared himself for the ascent and it was all that it was built-up to be, a great upper-quad burning jaunt up one full mile at 16% grade and rocks.

After descending, Gabriel knew the race was conquered and the victory was his and he enjoyed his final sprint to the finish to rest alongside a great fire and great food with his family.