Meet Maria

Maria has been part of the Team Run 2 Empower for 5 years now (since before it was even called the Team Run 2 Empower) and as of this post has fundraised over $11,000 for Vermont Adaptive in her time on the Team.  She's started the VT100 six times, and has yet to finish - so this year is her year!  She shares a bit about her story in the profile below...

1. Why did you decide to join Team Run 2 Empower?  What is your story?
I spent my first VT100 in 2011 as a crew/pacer and was hooked...I knew I wanted to run it. So the next year I signed up and started learning more about what VASS did for athletes over the next couple of years. Separately, I had been thinking of a way to somehow give all the miles I run a little more meaning, as sometimes this sport can feel rather selfish. In 2013, I joined an online group that partnered able-bodied runners with differently-abled kids/adults with the sole purpose of creating a connection, and I was matched with a young boy in Indiana (my WingMan Nick) who was born with a brain injury and has had to work very hard his whole 10 years to overcome significant physical and developmental challenges; I learned that Nick participates in a local Adaptive Sports community similar to what VASS is all about, so when Amy started the fundraising team for VT100 that year, it just seemed meant to be, like a sign that it was the next natural step...I jumped at the chance to make my VT miles mean a little more to the VASS community. I’m both proud and humbled to say I’ve participated in VT100 as a member of TR2E every year since it started. Simply put, I can’t imagine doing VT100 any other way.

(Maria with Wingman Nick)

2. What is your connection to Vermont Adaptive (or adaptive sports programs)?
Knowing what an amazing difference Adaptive Sports programs like VASS can make to a child or adult, and even to their whole families reminds me of what a gift my mobility and independence is, and gives my running a bigger purpose than being just for myself.

(Maria at 2018 VT100 packet pickup - she earned bib #6 as the 6th highest fundraiser!)

3. What are you looking forward to the most for this year's Vermont 100?  (BESIDES THE BUCKEL)! Ha!
Besides the buckle...I’d say I’m looking forward to the magic that is the VT100 family...the runners, volunteers, neighbors, community, crews/pacers, and especially that amazing VT scenery...(ok and maybe some of that ice cream in the meadow).

4. What advice would you give to others on the Team?
Don’t get overwhelmed...break down fundraising the same way you’d break down training. You don’t go from running 10m to 100m in a week, so treat your fundraising goals the same as your training and build gradually. Lean on the team, reach out and meet others, share your story...it brings you closer as a team and reminds you of how this wonderful community works to make us all better people.

(2018 VT100 race morning with crew - Sandy, Fiona head, and Lauren)

5. As the holidays approach, do you have any fundraising ideas or tips to tie in for the holidays?  Do you mention anything on holiday cards?
I don’t actually do anything holiday specific, as I’ve found this time of year to be difficult to ask for donations. While it is the season of giving, I know many who struggle to provide for their families and whose charity is limited to local community service. In years past, I’ve relied on social media and word of mouth with my friends predominantly. I keep in mind not to wait until too late, as my local running community (MA/RI) is heavily saturated with runners fundraising for Boston...it can get pretty competitive to ask for money as you approach that big dance.