Hello everyone! Friends, family, internet strangers, members of the ultra community,
Thanks for finding this page and considering making a donation towards my fundraising goals. For those of you who do know me, you know I love a challenge. More than that, you know I love finding creative ways to help the communities around me. I've been living in New England/Vermont since last spring and have really enjoyed exploring the trails out here. It's definitely a change from the deserts of Arizona. There are roots and rocks and ticks in the summer, then in fall they all try to hide under the beautiful blanket of leaves, and now there is snow (in some places, though not much this year!!). It's really a beautiful place, and what better way to experience that beauty than running 50 or 100 miles through it all, right?
Last summer I knew I wasn't ready for the VT100, so I volunteered at two different aid stations with my buddy Nelson. One of the things I love about the ultra community is being an active part of it both as a runner and as a volunteer. I continued to push myself and, with Nelson's suggestion, set my sights on training for the Vermont 50miler. I was fortunate enough to run the Vermont 50miler in October, both for myself and as a way to honor our friend Chad Denning, who was an incredible human and athlete who we lost too soon. It was through the VT50 that I learned about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and all of the amazing things they do. Both the Vermont 50 and Vermont 100 donate all of their proceeds to VASS and help keep their programs running. And VASS gives back to these events too, their aid station I ran through on the VT50 was full of great people! So, I want to give back to VASS. While I'd love to volunteer time with their adaptive ski programs...I'm terrible on skis, so that's not much of an option. So here I am, running 100 miles through the woods of Central Vermont this July, to raise money for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.
I promise to run with a smile on my face, and when it turns to a grimace, I'll remind myself of all the things there are to smile about, and how generosity helped me get here. I'll keep y'all posted on my training progress and the things I'm excited about. The first big training milestone will be my successful running of the Zane Grey 50 miler on April 23, back home on the Mogollon Rim where I have so many incredible memories.
Thanks so much!!
peace
-scout
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 nearly 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.