Gabriella “Gabi” Cobb says that running a 100-mile ultramarathon is defined as a “solo sport,” but she contests that it is a team effort. Without her “crew” — comprised of her husband and four Methow girlfriends — she would not have been able to compete in the Prescott, Arizona, Saddles 100 on Oct. 3.
The Methow Valley is home to many ultra-athletes each choosing a grueling sport for different reasons. For Gabi, this ultramarathon was the second time she competed in it, but as she described, for disparate reasons. The first run four years ago, she said, was primarily motivated by her competitive spirit fueled by ego. This time was different.
Gabi Cobb competed in a 100-mile ultramarathon in Arizona in October.
Following some mental health struggles, Gabi focused on doing “something hard” where her brain would be challenged to focus and persevere through the physical and mental challenge of keeping her feet moving for 100 miles. In addition, the route was technically challenging, daytime heat dogged the runners, and nighttime darkness could be overwhelming.
Because of her work as a U.S. Forest Service firefighter, Gabi was well in tune with the physical needs of her body — a balance of water, salt, and calories. (She consumed 10,000 calories over the 18-hour period that she was running.) Still, she attributes the technical, emotional, and motivational support from her crew as invaluable in pushing through for 73 of the 100 miles.
Competitors included 165 men and 26 women. The race had a whimsical theme of “Aliens.” Crew members (and racers, if so inclined) wore alien costumes, which added a lighthearted touch to a tough endurance test. A total of 119 of the runners completed the race. The 72 who did not finish knew when to throw in the towel due to various reasons including injuries or other physical problems — some caused by the extreme heat.
Although short of finishing the complete 100-mile loop route up hills, over rocks and through boulders, Gabi said, “The amount of support was bigger than to finish.”
She had pushed through her low point at mile 23 when a steep hill and the heat combined to crowd her mind with negative thoughts. Her supporters urged her on, always keeping in mind when it’s okay to press on and when it’s time to call it good and stop.
Gabi and her crew knew when it was time to stop due to some issues with fluid on her knee and ankle pain that were not resolvable on the course. Gabi did not regret the decision, instead continues to relish her personal victory and her gratitude for her supporters — Christi Jones, Maddie Eckman, Jocelyn Coe, Alex Mason (pacer), and her husband, Todd Hale (pacer).
Way to go, Gabi!
