Hello friends and family!
I am sitting here reflecting on the incredible accomplishment of finishing the 2025 Vermont 100 in 29:11, a goal I set out to accomplish 6 years ago and finally saw it to fruition. What I learned along the way has been humbling to say the least -
I have learned it takes a village of support from family and friends to lend encouragement, advice, gear, training miles, crew logistics and therapy to put up with my whining when the wheels really started wobbling!
I learned that it takes discipline and problem solving to set yourself up and trouble shoot along the way.
I learned that without the teamwork of Vermont Adaptive and Team Run 2 Empower my outcome could have been very different - every step I ran/walked/hiked I was mindful of all the athletes who need a little extra assistance to meet the challenge that brings health, fun and passion to their lives.
It is with that in mind I am running the Vermont 100 AGAIN this July. I am running for myself, a visually impaired athlete and all the other athletes that need a little extra assistance in getting out there and participating in the sports they love.
I am so excited to have Stratton and Bromley (my local hills) as partners with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, great partners build strong communities.
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!
LET'S GO!!!!
Melissa
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.