Parkway's Gabe Falting (middle; all black) runs in the Yellow Jacket Relays 3200
Parkway sophomore distance runner Gabriel Falting is off to a fast start in the 2022 season. From his first race in the outdoor season when he gave Benton's Mason Haley a run for his money in the 3200, to the Yellow Jacket Relays the following week when he broke the meet record and personal record in the 3200, but finished fourth in a loaded field. For those reasons, Gabe Falting is this week's MileSplit LA Future Star.
Despite his outdoor performances, Falting is most proud of his performance during a meet during the indoor season. It was at LSU's Last Chance Qualifier.
"Going into the race, I was just outside where I needed to be to go to state," Falting said. "I focused. I knew almost everyone in the race, and who had beaten me before. During the race, some of the guys passed me, but I held on and ended up kicking and passing them at the end, getting me a state spot. I got 10th with a 4:36."
PARKWAY SOPHOMORE GABE FALTING RUNS 4:31.29 AT TEXAS DISTANCE FESTIVAL
The Last Chance Qualifier offered Falting just one of the things he loves about the sport.
"The best part of tack is definitely racing," Falting said. "It's great seeing all the training pay off, sprinting at the end of a close race is exhilarating. I also love the bus ride home after winning a meet."
While Falting has a wide range in the distance events, his favorite race is the 1600.
"It's the most intense race in my opinion," Falting said. "You have to start out hard, try to keep it up, and then finish even harder. The best part is when the race is close at the end, and there's a super fast sprint to the end. No matter how tired we are, we leave every ounce of energy we have on the track, and even though I feel dead, it's amazing."
Falting hasn't arrived at this point in his running career alone. He credits his father, Parkway track and cross country coach Kent Falting, for helping him to become one of the best distance runners in North Louisiana.
"My dad has always been my biggest supporter," Falting said. "He's always been there for me, pushing me at practice and races, keeping me accountable, and helps out whenever I need any advice. Even when I have bad days, he helps me focus on what I can learn and how to move forward. I wouldn't be here without his help."
His father has also created a culture of competition and support inside of the Parkway cross and track program.
"My teammates also help me a lot," Falting said. "They're with me during all my workouts and races, encouraging and cheering for me. They make the training and hard parts of running fun."
As Falting begins his kick on the 2022 outdoor season, he will be chasing some lofty goals. Falting wants to run 2:00 in the 800, 4:27 in the 1600, and 9:44 in the 3200.
If his performance in the Texas Distance Festival this past weekend is any indication, Falting might be adjusting those goals in the near future. He ran a 4:31.29 in the 1600, breaking his PR by two seconds. It also moves Falting to No. 6 all-time in Parkway history.
