Hello Pizza Lovers and Runner Fans—

What a year 2020 has been. I was supposed to come back to tackle 100 miles in Vermont, but the world had different plans. Plans that included sticking to roads in NYC for a few months, losing both jobs and baking pizza from my apartment to pay rent while doing good for others by giving it away for free.

Then my parents both got COVID and my mom sadly passed away. There aren't enough words to express the heartbreak this has brought to both myself and my family. Mom never got to see me finish but I know she is looking down upon me each and every day. Racing Vermont in 2021 will be for my mom and for anyone else who has lost a loved one to this pandemic.

In the true spirit of my mom, I am going to do good for others as I train for this race by fundraising to help keep the Vermont Adaptive funded, regardless if the race happens or not. I am a member of the Brooklyn Achilles International chapter, working with disabled athletes each week—the Vermont Adaptive is a mission and group that enables me to give back to disabled athletes in and around Vermont. I'd like to ask for your support as I embark on this mission over the next 8 months. Below is a bit more about the Adaptive and most of all, thank you for taking some time to read my story.

To learn more about my story and why I bake pizzas while running, please click here.

Thanks!
Miriam

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.

The Vermont 100 Endurance Race is celebrating its 32nd year!  While the Vermont 100 Endurance Ride is much older, the run portion was started by the same woman, Laura Farrell, who founded Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. The VT 100 is put on every year by a committee of 30 dedicated volunteers who work year round, 500+ volunteers who come out for race weekend, more than 30 private land owners and many donors of funds, products or services. Monies raised from the event support the year-round programs offered by Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.

The 100 mile course is a "shamrock" loop, consisting of 70% dirt or jeep roads with the rest on woods trails with just a couple miles of pavement. The course both climbs and descends 17,000 feet. Participants have 30 hours to complete the race and many strive to finish in less than 24 hours. In 2008 we added a 100 K course that uses almost all of the same trail, just cutting out the first of the shamrocks leaves.  The ride event offers a 100 mile course concurrent with the 100 mile run, as well as a 50 mile and 75 mile event that uses much of the same course.

All 100 Mile run participants must have completed a 50 mile race in 12 hours or less to qualify and every runner is required to volunteer for 8 hours at a running event or trail work to enter.

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of all abilities 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 disabilities.

Vermont Adaptive serves clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional/behavioral disabilities from all over the world in three locations in Vermont during the winter – Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Ski Area in Bolton. Summer programs are provided state-wide. Many of their programs include environmental education, wellness, and special programs designed specifically for veterans.

• anonymous donated $940.00 December 9, 2020
• Giving Tuesday Match donated $505.00 December 9, 2020
• Miriam Weiskind donated $150.00 December 1, 2020 ... "For Mom"
• PizzaLeah donated $120.00 December 1, 2020
• Rachy donated $100.00 December 1, 2020 ... "Repeat!!"
• ParkER donated $100.00 December 1, 2020 ... ""Faber est quisque fortunae suae""
• Christina Nee donated $35.00 December 1, 2020 ... "Wow this is awesome!! Would love to help volunteer!"