Stephanie Sheaffer writes about books, babies, travel, food, and philanthropy.
Today, my 6-year-old and I ran 2 miles. Simultaneously, we helped send a girl in the developing world to school for two weeks. We didn't fundraise or send in a check. We took our legs, our lungs, and our hearts - and hit the pavement. This is how it works. Download the Charity Miles app on your phone. Whenever you run, walk, or bike - select a charity of your choice. Bikers earn 10¢ a mile and walkers and runners earn 25¢ a mile (up to the company's initial $1,000,000 … [Read more...]
I ran my first 10K yesterday - my longest run ever! After kissing three little blonde heads, I walked out the front door into 44 degrees and glorious rays of sunlight. One foot in front of the other, I prayed and breathed with each step. If you've circled a 10K date on the calendar and you're gearing up for 6.2 miles, here are 10 tips to get you there: 1. Run a 5K first. Set your sights on smaller races and gradually work your way up. 5Ks are a fantastic distance because you can start … [Read more...]
As the weather cools, we Arizonans breathe a sigh of relief. We sit out in the garage, with a bowl of tortilla chips and medium salsa - playing with chalk and riding bikes until the orange sorbet sunset surprises us. We hold out hope that soon we will be able to pull out our boots and sweatshirts. Fall marks the beginning of many things. For our family, it most notably marks the beginning of hiking season! Beginning very shortly, you'll probably find our family of five out in the wilderness … [Read more...]
Tomorrow, my half-marathon plan says that I need to run five miles. It will be my longest run - ever. I'll be wearing a Nike v-neck shirt, New Balance tennis shoes, and Moving Comfort Endurance Capris. These capris are super stretchable, ultra-comfortable, and fantastically flattering. They lift the butt and hold in your stomach. Plus, there's a hidden pocket in the back that can carry your phone, a house key, or a few dollars. I've made good use of that feature when I've been caught in the … [Read more...]
I actually miss running. (Never in a million years did I think I would say that). At 28weeks pregnant, however, I've committed to walking 1-1.5miles/day. More power to the women who run 5Ks and 1/2 marathons with bulging bellies, but it's not for me. Tim, however, has been running in the recently debuted New Balance Minimus. They're like the Vibram FiveFingers shoes - but without the alien toe look. He says they remind him of race shoes...like the ones from his bygone high school track … [Read more...]
Have you ever seen the movie "What Women Want," starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt? Quick Overview: Mel's character gains the ability to read womens' thoughts...and he quickly discovers that their thoughts are going in a hundred different directions at about a mile a minute. I laughed out loud; the producer got it exactly right. Here's a snapshot of where my mind went this morning on my 1.5 mile run. I was rockin' to Third Day, Sondre Lerche, Mark Schultz, and Black Eyed Peas (a motley … [Read more...]
Tim and I sat down a few weeks ago to put together a fitness schedule. We've been running on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. We also try to add in a "bonus run" on the weekend - either that or a hike/long walk. Tim pushes the girls in the double jogger. I run alongside. We've been running 2.5 miles; the second half uphill. Killer. ------------------------------------------------------- Skirt Sports recently sent me the Tough Girl Skirt ($90) and Happy Hour V-Neck ($65)...and I … [Read more...]
Here in Southern Arizona, we are all holding our breath for the end of summer. Tim and I (and the girls) are all going crazy from staying inside in the AC so much. In fact, we keep going outside - hoping with all of our might that we'll be greeted by the tiniest hint of autumn in the air. Case in point: we went hiking this evening at Cienega Creek (one of our favorite spots). It was too-hot and the mosquitos were biting (they always get me!). We still had a good time (we always do when … [Read more...]
