First post of 2013: Second Annual 100K Vertical Challenge

I don’t do resolutions, per se, but I do believe that the end of the year is a great time to take stock of what worked in the previous year and what didn’t. Looking back at the events and accomplishments that were most memorable and meaningful to me in 2012, I keep landing on the First Annual 100K Vertical Challenge, and I want to dedicate my first post of 2013 to the Second Annual 100K Vertical Challenge on Feb. 4. (Obviously, Steve and I are planning to be there.)

Still smiling at the halfway point of the First Annual 100K Vertical Challenge at Whitetail Resort.

Longtime readers will remember that last year, Steve and I were among a couple dozen other crazies to ski 100,000 vertical feet in one day—roughly 107 runs at Whitetail Resort—to raise funds for and awareness of the Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation, a nonprofit adaptive sports program at Whitetail. Many of the folks who take skiing or boarding lessons through the program are wounded warriors from the Baltimore/Washington region.

Posing with our ski-patrol friend, Chuck, a former Marine who participated in last year’s event.

The event was memorable for so many reasons—the sheer challenge of it, the camaraderie with the other participants and the joy and exhilaration of spending an entire day focused on nothing but skiing. But most of all, it was memorable because I got to see the joy and exhilaration on the face of Todd Love, a Marine who lost both his legs in Afghanistan, as he carved gorgeous turns on his sit-ski the morning of the event.

It was meaningful because it allowed me to express gratitude: for the fact that Steve, and many of our dear friends, have made it home from their deployments healthy and safe; for the sacrifices that Love and others have made without any expectation of getting something in return; and for the fact that the talented volunteers at Two Top offer folks like Love a chance to experience the sense of freedom, joy and exhilaration that drive me to the slopes again and again.

Last year’s 100K crew.

If you’re in a position to give, please consider donating to this incredible cause. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate any support you can offer.

HOW TO DONATE:

There are two ways you can donate to my campaign: by pledging a certain amount for each run I complete (I’ll let you know the number after the race), or by donating a fixed amount ahead of time via Two Top’s website. To do so, scroll down the page and click the “donate” button. Fill in the “purpose” box with “Amy Reinink—100K Vertical Challenge.”

Donations can also be made via check to: Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation, Inc., 10914 Claylick Rd. Mercersburg, PA 17236

Curious about what the challenge is all about? Check out my post about last year’s event. Or, check out Fox 5′s coverage of the event. Or, watch the video below, in which I make a few choice appearances: