November 15, 2014
FAIRFIELD, PA - And so, on the morning of the dreadful day he was supposed to have lined up at the Stone Mill 50 Mile, Gabriel opted to follow his genetic make-up and race a difficult, but fast, 10 mile trail challenge.
He arrived with plenty of time, sans family, and actually got in two separate warm-ups in the miserable cold. The course seemed legit - full of climbs, descents, and scrambles, but also some spaces to test oneself and push.
The gun fired and Gabriel felt the best he had ever felt in the opening minutes of a race. He was light, fluid, and ready to roll. He climbed very well, and the bombed the descent, perhaps a bit too much. He once again got in over his head in the initial 5 km (6:14/mi pace) and was reduced to a shuffle approaching the first major climb, but as always, the climb got him out of his rut and fired up his muscles and engine. He took off once more. However, in the technical and rocky drop, Gabriel managed to kick up a small boulder that slammed into his inner ankle bone, causing him to run in pain and teary eyes for the next mile. The ankle would not feel good the rest of the race.
However, Gabriel's fitness was with him - he attacked every uphill, powered the flats, and flew past the rocks. The course became increasingly rocky and muddy (and hilly!!) towards the finish, but he was really rolling now and finished about three minutes under the existing and quite stout (sub-7:00/mi) course record from 2013.
A few cider beers after the race and in the sun, Gabriel received a frozen young turkey for his prize and then was able to masterfully drive the bends of Glatfelter Station on the way home to celebrate...
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