11/15/2014
Reading, PA - An icy Turkey Trot in 16:05.1 left Gabriel in good spirits, as it was a spirited battle in icy conditions versus some stout competition. However, the race left Gabriel's right hamstring in a status of pain and tightness. He had exactly two days to recover for the infamous "Dirty Bird" 15K Trail Run, hosted by Ron and Pretzel City Sports.
Gabriel was confident enough to make the drive and line up. Upon warming up in the snow and mud, Gabriel knew the day would be hit or miss. The hamstring was weak. He prayed upon a miracle of "maybe faster running will help loosen it out," and so he went off the line at 5:15/mi pace for the first road mile, in second place entering the trail, which he immediately attacked the uphill and took over the lead. Now, this is Gabriel's weakness- he could have relaxed because he already had a comfortable lead, but no, he kept hammering. And he hammered until his hamstring fell off in the final mile. It was an effort just to finish from keeping the hamstring from locking up, but finish he did, all blood (with a couple of leg scratches that would prove to require anti-biotics) and blood on the ear.
All in all, it was a risk that paid off, and the hamstring is no worse for the wear. Another trail conquered, another race victim to an assault.
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