Jan. 27, 2019
Reading, PA
A fortunately timed polar vortex stormed into the region, postponing the infamous "Chilly Cheeks" 7M to a weekend in which Gabriel could participate.
With limited training, and with a minor confidence booster earlier in the week, Gabriel drove out to Mt. Penn alone with his imagination. He imagined a course dry of snow. He imagined a race in which he would be chasing the leaders, and he imagined a race in which he would have to hurt from mile 3 to mile 5, the uphill, rocky section.
The gun went off, and the pack set off, navigating the tricky start. By 400m, Gabriel had had enough and positioned himself into 2nd place, behind the committed champion. By 800m, his legs weren't really functional, but he held his position. By 2 miles, he knew he could have a good day. He was descending well and climbing well, his choice of weapon holding up well on the frozen ground. Every turn or so Gabriel would see the leader, and he'd be energized that perhaps he could repeat his form from 2015. So he kept at work. He kept working, step after step through the forest. Finally, he reached the 5 mile mark and started the descent to the finish line, knowing he had wrapped up a stunning personal victory.
Surprisingly, the data showed a race well above his fitness level - again. He had been able to tap into more motivation and inspiration than the field, and it left him quite satisfied... until the following week, where he would look to repeat his performance.
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