Growing up around the Finger Lakes, my family was always active. Summers were filled with water skiing, swimming, boating, hiking and climbing. Winters meant skiing or hibernating — I chose skiing with my dad. We’d cross country and downhill, or we’d go sledding, just to be outdoors in the snow. Now, I’m doing the same with my six-year-old son. 

Sports were a big part of my life. I played field hockey and softball in high school and continued softball in college. After graduation, I needed to find a new outlet for my super competitive spirit. That’s when I started running.

At first, my best friend and I just ran together. After a while, she suggested we try a half-marathon in Lake Placid. That was about 20 years ago, and we loved it so much that things just took off from there. The next year, we ran our first full marathon together, again in Lake Placid. With each race, we set new goals and push each other a little bit harder. 

In 2023, we set our sights on ultra-marathons — a huge commitment for me and my young family with a lot of training time on weekends for about a year. Our first test: a 50-mile trail race in Vermont last fall. We gained 9,000 feet of elevation over more than 10 hours of running, walking, tripping and laughing.

It was an amazing experience. I learned there are no limits to what I can do. If I train my mind, my body will follow. 

That’s the kind of attitude I want to instill in my son.

Amanda Gibbs, a registered dietitian at University of Vermont Health – Alice Hyde Medical Center, has been with us for 10 years.