Hello friends and family!
I will be running my first 100-miler on July 15-16. This race even has a Wikipedia page so you know it's serious! I'm writing this as I'm enjoying the tapering for the race. After hundreds of hours spent on the trails in the Middlesex Fells, running up and down big hills, small hills, embarrassing myself by looking like I might get a hernia every time I lift something at the gym, miserable sauna and hot bath immersion sessions for heat acclimation training, getting injured, getting healed, getting injured again, after all that, it finally looks like I might be able to make it to the start line at 4:00AM on July 15!
This couldn't have happened without my super understanding and supportive wife, Nicole - I've ruined so many her weekend plans because of my training. And also my wonderful coach, Kristina Folcik, at White Mountain Edurance, whose coaching is turning me into a much better and stronger runner week by week.
I've run quite a few ultra races so far, and best memories I have are always about runners helping and supporting each other, and the care we receive from volunteers. For me, the human spirit of helping those in need, even if it's a complete stranger with totally different background than you, is what sets ultra races apart from all those hype races like Boston Marathon etc. (also you get to run A LOT MORE in an ultra race!)
So, if you are not running or volunteering, here's a way you can help a fellow human being. This race is a fundraising event for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. I'm attaching the boiler plate description of the cause below, since it probably paints a more clear picture than any gibberish I could come up with. Please read through it and consider giving - 5 bucks, 10 bucks, whatever. I don't have a huge goal!
Thank you in advance, and I'll keep you posted on how I do in the race!
Sincerely,
Hank
START OF BOILER PLATE TEXT
... there are people out there for whom just getting out to walk can be a challenge. People who need a little extra assistance to meet the challenge that brings health, fun and passion to their lives. Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports provides sports and recreational programs as well as wellness and environmental retreats to people with disabilities. Their programs are offered to people of all ages, with a variety of disabilities. Programs include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and Nordic in the winter; and sailing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more in the warmer months. Vermont Adaptive offers financial support for anyone who needs it to participate.
Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too!
Thank you!
MORE INFO:
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that empowers people of all disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional/behavioral disabilities. The organization believes sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual.
With nearly 400 active volunteer instructors, plus generous partners and sponsors, and an amazing base of clients and friends, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has been at the forefront of sports and recreation for those with disabilities in New England for over 30 years. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. We promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities.
The VT 100 is one of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports biggest fund raisers every year. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports: www.vermontadaptive.org.
END OF BOILER PLATE TEXT