Meet Andy Alsup

We're stoked to introduce first year Team member Andy Alsup, who hails from MA!  He's hoping to avenge a DNF at his first 100-mile attempt, and hoping that fundraising for Vermont Adaptive will give him the extra motivation to reach the finish line (as if this determined and gritty runner needs more motivation)!  Let's take a minute to get to know Andy below!  

Andy enjoying a 5k with his son Drew

Where are you from?

 Originally from Haverhill, MA currently live in West Newbury, MA.

What motivates you to fundraise for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports? Any connection to adaptive sports programs or athletes?

I started thinking about running the VT 100 again a couple months ago. I decided that I needed to make this about more than just running or me. Ultra running tends to be a selfish activity and I needed more meaning. I was aware that Vermont adaptive was the organization that benefitted from VT 100 but as I browsed the website I came across the Team Run 2 Empower information and decided right then that this was what I needed. To play a small role in providing someone else the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors is extremely inspiring and motivating. I strongly believe that any activity that carries greater purpose will bring greater joy.

Have you been part of the Team Run 2 Empower before? If so - how many years? What's your best advice to those new to the Team?

First time!

Enough about running...tell us about the rest of your life. What do you do for work? What's your family like - spouse, kids, pets? Any interesting hobbies?

I’m a school counselor at the same high school I attended (I would have sworn I wouldn’t end up in education, but having summers off is a great perk!), many of my family members work in education so it ended being a natural fit. I’ve also done a lot of coaching at varying levels in track and field, cross-country, flag football, and basketball. I have two kids, Lia (14) and Drew (12). When I asked my daughter if I should give the VT 100 another try she said, “Well, you’re not getting any younger!”, I guess she is right. I’m very grateful to have two wonderful kids who are fortunately intelligent like their mother and have a few of my athletic genes. My wife, Kate, is my biggest supporter and has been since we first met at just 14 years old. We also have a 3-year-old dog (Summit), she is a great running partner. I don’t think I have any interesting hobbies I just love being outside in the woods or mountains.

How many 100 milers have you run before?

This my second 100-mile attempt. My first came at VT 100 2018. Sadly, I came up short making it to mile 88.3. Due to stomach issues I dropped out. At the time I convinced myself that I was satisfied with the effort. However, as time has passed I’m bothered by the fact that I didn’t cross the finish line. So I’m coming back for more!

Tell us about your earliest running memory. How did you get to be a runner?

I’m a sprinter…Not a distance runner! I won a few state and New England championships as a high school sprinter and went on to Northeastern University on a full scholarship to play football and run track. I never ran more than a 5k until I was 30 years old. I then came to the realization that I would never be able to run as fast as I once did but I could still challenge myself to see how far I could run. I never thought I’d be running ultra marathons, but here I am, can’t predict what the future will bring.

If they made a movie about your life, which Hollywood actor would play you? And why do they capture your essence?

This is extremely difficult…I’ll go with Sean Astin from “Rudy”. His character from this movie certainly inspired me when I saw it for the first time as a young teen and in some ways had an impact on who I am. I’d like to think that I share some of the qualities that he possessed in the film, such as grit, determination, and the willingness to push one self beyond what is expected to succeed.

Strangest thing you’ve seen or encountered on a run?

I was running in the White Mountains a few years ago (I forget which mountain) but as I was getting closer to the summit a fox was coming down the trail toward me with a full loaf of Wonder bread in it’s mouth. After a stare down, the fox eventually trotted off trail around me and then got back on the trail and continued on his way.

Goals for the VT100?

Finish!   Enjoy the run!  Break 24 hours!

Thank you Andy for sharing a bit about you.  We are so happy you decided to join the team and take on the VT100 again! I love your daughter's sentiment that "You're not getting any younger." Kids have such insight and I'm glad she gave you a little nudge! Looking forward to meeting you in person. Best of luck in fundraising for Vermont Adaptive and running the VT100. You got this!!