City: Loveland, CO

Profession: Real Estate (both), Artist (sarah)

Fundraising Goal: $2000

Race Goal: Climbing our last Colorado 14ers – 14 in 21 days from July 15th – August 4th

In a few sentences, describe your connection to U2FP, why you chose to run in support of U2FP, and whether you have a personal connection to spinal cord injury and paralysis:

Over a year ago we attended a screening of An Accidental Life – with Quinn Brett. Inspired by her film we decided to dedicate our Europe Hiking trip in 2022 to helping fundraise for U2FP. We raised $1,730.95 last year and hope to beat that this year. Sarah’s Uncle, Dan Ashbaugh, had a spinal cord injury as a teenager. His determination and positive attitude propelled him into competitive disabled skiing. He represented the United States at the 1988 Winter Paralympics in Alpine Skiing. He competed in three events and won three Gold Medals. It certainly did not come easy. There have been many surgeries through the years, PT, struggles fitting braces... and the endless list of things that he must deal with daily. Spinal Cord Injury affects lives in a spectrum of ways, on the outside it can be hard to completely understand all the complexity of these struggles. What we all can do is use the abilities we do have to help support research, innovation, and access to experiences that create joy in life.

Is this your first marathon/race? If not, what others have you completed?

A little back history on us: Lorraine and I thru liked The Colorado Trail in 2018 (486 miles). Since then, we have been working on all the Colorado 14ers. We have completed 44/58 since 2018. The First one was Mt. Huron, a rest day on The Colorado Trail which quickly turned into Sarah’s first 14er Summit. In the past 5 years we have continued to plan mini thru-hikes and summit several peaks at once. That brings us to this year and our plan to complete the remaining peaks in 21 days, Snowmass Mountain, Mount Antero, Little Bear Peak, Ellingwood Point, Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Challenger Point, Humboldt Peak, Kit Carson Peak, El Diante, San Luis Peak, Redcloud Peak, Sunshine Peak, and Handies Peak.

Our first time Fundraising for U2FP was last year when we went abroad to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc 110 miles and summit Mont Blanc. We had a change of plans because of weather and rockfall so we did not summit Mont Blanc. We did summit the Gran Paradiso (the tallest peak in Italy). We achieved this summit despite the weather... and lots & lots of hail. We had a spectacular day of learning. Nothing makes you more aware of how to be the best version of yourself than a landscape like this. Demanding respect, offering awareness, and reflecting time. Climate change in the form of a crevasse covered aging glacier soaking up the drama of extreme weather. A quote from U2FP, “demanding respect, offering awareness, and reflecting time... much like Spinal Cord injury with an emphasis on ‘time’ as a sense of urgency in our work to restore curative functions after paralysis.”

What do you crave after a long race?

After several days of hiking, we crave lots and lots of food – all the fresh stuff.

Do you listen to anything when you train or race? If yes, what?

We start our morning with some meditative music, Buddhist Flute. During our climbing we are enjoying the sounds of nature. The birds, stream, wind or voices in the distance. After… Acoustic Americana/Folk and Bluegrass; Gregory Alan Isakov, Watch House, River Whyless.

What are you most excited and/or nervous about for the marathon?

Excited to see more amazing areas of CO. Nervous about this year’s strange wet weather pattern.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Hanging out in our yards enjoying produce from the garden. Eating delicious food in good company. Yoga, snowboarding, skiing, SUPing, climbing. Sarah loves painting and everything artistic!