Nov 12, 2016
GETTYSBURG, PA - And so, Gabriel headed out for a third attempt to win a turkey. After a string of nice victories and some pretty stout training, Gabriel was feeling ready. He warmed up well, and then realized he had locked his keys in the car. Quick decisions needed to be made, and Gabriel opted to break his passenger window with a cinder block. Perhaps this adrenaline rush would hurt him, but he was ready.
He got out well, but there was another good runner in the field with good form. Gabriel followed him until he knew he wanted to be first on the trail for good visibility. And so, before a half mile, Gabriel bolted to the lead and led the pack up the first climb, first descent, and into the back woods. He ran relaxed and very strongly up all the climbs. He was confident and feeling good. That climb up Bakers Knob was a doozy, and he loved every second of it, but he noted that the 2nd place runner had just entered the lollipop that he was exiting. He ventured he had about a 2 min lead. Not great.
And so, he bombed down, looking forward to the final 5K hill circuit. He passed the starting line feeling some fatigue in his left hamstring and then started the climb. He quickly realized he had not done any work attacking uphills after 45-min of hard racing and his left leg would have nothing of it. The hamstring/adductor was fried, and he was now worried. He was giving away his entire lead on a single climb. He was hoping to top out so he could flow downhill, but the footing was uncertain and his legs were not cooperating. Finally, he saw the finishing return and had victory in hand. Three times a champion. Three times rough races. Oh well...
