Hello friends and family!

I'm pumped to finally be running the VT 100K! (Let's hope COVID vaccines are well underway and the race can be safely run.) I set out with this goal last year, but as we all know, our world greatly changed and every race was canceled. I am pushing forward with my training plans with fingers and toes crossed that July 17th will be the biggest challenge I've yet to face. 

I was introduced to ultra marathon running a few years ago. I was battling personal trials and tribulations and turned to distance running to see me through. I also gained an amazing family of other crazy type 2 people as a result. Running was my therapy - either being solo on the road with my thoughts, or sharing hours of laughter on trails and mountains with friends. 

I am honored to be running the VT 100K for those who can't. I try not to take for granted how fortunate I am to be healthy, with no physical challenges, on every run. I am equally as fortunate to have two children who have not faced challenges like those I am running for at Vermont.   

Running for me, has become a passion and provides me with physical and mental strength. 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. How amazing is it that together we can make skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and horseback riding, possible for those with disabilities?! I find happiness in being able to provide for others. 

Please consider donating what you can to help me reach my goal and help Vermont Adaptive meet their goal too! 
A special thank you to those of you who gave last year. I believe I raised $850, which will carryover to this year.

Best,

Rachel  

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.

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 $950.00 December 9, 2020
• Giving Tuesday Match donated $15.00 December 9, 2020
• Harold donated $15.00 December 1, 2020 ... ""You can doo eeeet!!!" :-)"