Highyella Blogger

Barefoot Running: A Full Report

2011-12-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

Chris McDougall in his Vivo Barefoot Running Shoes

It all started one month ago with the following words from author of Born to Run, Chris McDougall:

Time to spread 'em. Day 1.

"i'm rooting for you --
chris"

I'd written Chris a letter telling him about my battle with foot pain...never knew he'd actually write me back. The guy is ridiculously busy and famous after the success of his 2009 best selling book, which is currently in works to be a film.

I've started barefoot running. I only hope more people get hip to it so that they'll stop staring at me like I'm some crazy woman who's lost her not only her shoes, but her mind.

I've acquired races ranging from the 5K to the marathon and everything in between since 2004 and I have the injuries to prove it. I'd had ENOUGH.

Screw Mike...I wanna be like Abebe

So Chris recommended I contact Lee Saxby over at Vivo barefoot in London. He tells me that Lee was the cure for his plantar fascia pain aka the "vampire bite" (plantar fascitis feels like Edward Cullen just sunk his teeth into the bottom of your heel and then never let go...trust me, I know this sounds sexy if you're Team Edward, but it's REALLY painful).

Lee, unfortunately wasn't available to see me in the short time I had in London last month, so I contacted one of his colleagues, Naeem Akram at Balance Performance Physiotherapy, a certified barefoot running coach.

It's been over a month since I trained with him and of course I wanted to share with you all right away: SUCCESS

It didn't come easy. I contemplated going BACK to my old ways and and my old shoes. Running properly takes practice and patience. I have none! Then I finally shut my mind up and did everything Naeem told me. I even tried things I found online, things Chris McDougall would do like the 100 up. I do the 100 up everyday.

When my foot hurts, I take my shoes OFF and go for a run...on concrete...BAREFOOT!!! Before, I'd soak my feet in ice and stop all activity for several weeks and it would never get better.

Barefoot in Barcelona. 1 month later

I've never been happier and now I'm on a quest to do my first long distance race since the NYC marathon in 2010 (That's how long I've battled my injuries) in March of 2012. Here's my formula for those that are interested. It's not for everyone. Just read and research and try things out for yourself until you find what works. You dig?
Happy feet. Happy running.
Deets:
Name: S. Steele
Footwear: bare feet, Vivo Barefoot shoes (Neos), Nike Free 3.0
Terrain: Concrete, packed dirt, treadmill (good for practicing barefoot)
Resources:
Vivo Barefoot Training Clinic
Chris McDougall's Website
100 Up Video
Naeem's Website
Favorite distance: 13.1 miles
Running style before: Heel striker, long slow strides, hard landing, head down, feet ahead of me, pain

Running style now: mid-foot striker, short quick strides, legs under my body, light on my feet, chin up, chest to the sun, smile on my face. NO PAIN.

Special thanks to: Eric Orton, Naeem Akram, Chris McDougall, Barefoot Ted and Barefoot runners across the globe for the inspiration behind this newsletter.

S

5 years, 5 poems, 5 lines from Paris!

2011-10-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Poetic in Paris

Here goes. Another session of night poems in honor of my 5 years of blissful matrimony:

1. I walked into a crowded room.

I didn't really notice you.

Then you played the black and white.

I sang until I got it right.

Then you were gone.

2. I wrote my thoughts on paper.

That made no sense at all.

You helped me turn them into songs.

You broke down every wall.

That's when I knew I loved you.

3. I broke a heart that day, I know it wasn't very kind.

I didn't mean to, but I knew that you weighed on my mind.

I couldn't think of anybody else it was so plain to see.

That you, yes you were gonna be the man for only me.

You've never left my side.

4. Central Park sets the scene.

After wine and the finest of dining.

We took a walk and spoke of things.

Then you pulled out the shiniest ring.

I said yes.

5. It's 5 years later and we're on tour.

It's what we do and what we live for.

So we can have the finer things.

Like vacays, cable and pimped out bling.

Please buy me a Gucci tote bag.

That's all folks! 'night

FYI: Night Poems are BACK!

2011-09-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

Making mama proud: FANS

I know I just wrote a blog less than 24 hours ago. I think it was successful. I've received lovely emails from my readers... friends, family and fans. I'm moved to do an FYI just for the FANS because...well, you deserve more than a typical tweet, DM or facebook status thanking you for your support from either me or people who are actually, well famous...

*This poem has left out names to protect the innocent.*

Fans:
And ode to you the dearest fans.
Who scream so LOUD and wave your hands.
Who play our music in darkest times
Soak in our songs, moved by our rhymes.

It's nothing personal so I think
Some fans are strange, some fans are weak.
Some say the nicest things to me
Some will not ever let us be.

You make cool signs at all our shows.
promote our stuff, admire our clothes.
You wait outside our hotel daily. (hmmmm...)
Sometimes we wave, sometimes we leave...

...behind our image for your snapshot
to hold so closely to that spot
you call your heart it's truly sweet
just don't act PSYCHO when we meet!

I come with love and honest words
maybe something you've never heard
just know I mean it from the depths
and WITHOUT YOU, THERE IS
NO.
MUSIC.
LEFT.

S

Aha moment!

2011-09-28T05:06:00.000-07:00

I love running. I mean, I truly love it. Think of what you love most say Nintendo, Chess or singing and then have someone or something just take it away from you. It sucks. Plantar Fascitis has done exactly that.

I can't express how much sadness I've felt since the NYC marathon ended November 7, 2010 while dealing with this injury to my left foot. It's to the point of driving me into a white padded room, because it just won't go away. Last year during my training, my friend Michael Blanco let me borrow his copy of Christopher McDougall's Born To Run. I breezed through the book and was sold on minimalist running. I went out and bought chia seeds and even tried barefoot running out the gate (6mph on a treadmill, 4 miles) and couldn't walk normal for a week. I missed the message of the book entirely.

Long story short, too late...just hear me out folks!!! I was in the airport last week and saw the book there. I'm thinking "really, am I gonna buy this book? I already know what happens," but something deep inside said "buy it Shayna, just trust." So here I am reading the book while soaking my feet in ice cold water (it's a runners thing) and the words of Olympic coach Joe Vigil come blazing across the page. Watch this:

Then the quote that followed in the book: "Ask nothing from your running, in other words, and you'll get more than you ever imagined."

I realized then that I've been running and training for the wrong reasons. To get a smaller ass. To have killer legs. To eat whatever I wanted and not get fat. Attention. ie: "Look at me!!!! I ran a marathon!!!!!!!" Sorry for subjecting all of my friends to my bragging. All crap. I forgot that it just makes me freaking happy. Running is happiness to me. The aha moment was this though: you can fill in the word "running" with ANYTHING you love. Fill in the blank:
"Ask nothing from your___________ and you'll get more than you ever imagined. I'm thinking: Ask nothing from your songwriting/Ask nothing from your friends/Ask nothing from your boss, etc.

It applies to everything. When we do something expecting something in return all the time instead of doing something because it makes you feel good, YOU WILL BE LET DOWN.

Does this all make sense? Fill in YOUR ________________. Oh yeah, and buy the book. Oh yeah, I started running again. slowly. but running. :)

Peace,
S

FYI

2011-09-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

This is a new thing I'll start, called FYI. It's just a quick lil taste of what's on my mind in the moment. My moment now is HAIR. AGAIN. Sorry.

So, I just spent 10 days in Brazil and now spending 3 months...yes 3 MONTHS in Europe and having none of my regular hair routine avail to me, I contemplate the Brazilan treatment. I have little time, I need to look really great QUICKLY and I live on a bus. Is it so bad if I want a simple hair routine?

Then I found Brazilian Blowout ZERO. Dream come true. No frizz, still have my natural wave and curl accessible to me and when you click on the link I put in this email, it gives you the test results showing that Formaldehyde is NOT present. It puts a warm feeling in my stomach and I contemplate making an appointment in London next week.

There's also Formaldehyde free Keratin Express treatments I've heard of. Hmmm

Just a quick FYI. Thoughts?
S

Website of the Week: Naturallycurly.com

2011-09-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Relaxed.

For any of you that have known me my whole life or at least most of my life you know that my hair is curly. We are talking, springy bouncy Shirley Temple kinda curls. Everyone admires and oohs and ahhs over how pretty my curls are. Then I made the decision one day, actually it was my wedding day that I went super sleek and straight, experimenting with flat irons and such. Oh my God, I loved it! The smoothness was so different and I was sold.

Fast forward 1 year later. An entire year of straightening my hair, my hair started falling out in clumps, my hair felt fine and stringy. I was so frustrated. I immediately went to Ouidad for a fix me up. www.ouidad.com

I was told by my stylist Anna that I had to stop with the heat and just leave my hair alone for a minute...and I needed to cut all of my hair off if I wanted it to grow back healthy and bouncy like how it was in the picture you see. Geez. Cut my hair? But I did it and made the big chop. I was in 3 months of rehearsal with Bette Midler, spending most of my time on the Sony lot in L.A. so I didn't care too much about how I looked. Boy was this transition hard. My hair looked like sh*t and I grew impatient.

Au Natural back in the day.

Fast Forward 2 years I couldn't take it another day and the relaxed picture you see of me is what I did. I cut it off with bangs and started getting Keratin treatments. I've had 4 now since the first one and I don't wanna do it anymore!!! It's expensive, my eyes water up when I'm getting the treatment (really, is it REALLY formaldehyde free? I'd like to avoid cancer as much as humanly possible) and I felt I was abandoning my true self. My husband even said he missed it. (David who NEVER cares about this crap!) He actually said the words "Your curly hair is just who you are." Thanks babe.

So last week when I was having my extensions pulled out by my girl Tanesha and got a good look at my hair I decided to go natural again. I don't know what it was. Maybe since I now experiment with wigs for my gig it was time to give my poor hair a rest. In comes naturallycurly.com. The holy grail of curly hair.

If you are curly, afro, wavy or frizzy they have all of the answers. They answer all of your prayers about every product, hair style, hair salons that specialize in curly cuts and they even have bloggers that will guide you through growing your hair out. ( I never knew what a pineapple was or plopping was until I became a member!) Are you curly? Do the journey with me as I grow out my hair and vow to never put a flat iron to it while I do...ugh. That's gonna be really difficult. Wig, please.
S

The Labor Day Edition: I ask, "What do you REALLY want?"

2011-09-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

It's Labor Day. A day to sit back, relax (for some, not all of us) and not work. Maybe it's a day to be grateful for the job you have especially knowing the state of the economy. Maybe you have friends that don't have jobs, or who might lose their home and don't have a way to pay for their children's next meal. You relax on the beach with a Corona in your hand (or better yet a Brooklyn India Pale Ale) and you look at your annoying er... adorable kid and thank your lucky stars that you have a job that helps you take care of your family.

Or maybe your job is what's eating away at you. Maybe this is the day you ask yourself what do you REALLY want to do be doing with your life.

I had the pleasure to sit with a good friend this morning over eggs and coffee and we laughed and ho hummed for a couple of hours about what we really wanted to do. Neither one of us had a solid answer. Or we had many answers ( I want kids! I wanna be famous! I wanna live in Manhattan forever! I wanna be a gypsy and run a carnival!)

It made me really disappointed in myself. It made me realize that I haven't been looking for and asking for EVERYTHING I wanted, just some of it... I'm usually pretty general. ie: I want to make a nice amount money and travel the world. Check and check.

"No Shay, that's all you want?" EVERYTHING!
I want to make great money writing music and traveling the world playing that music for the remainder of my life. It's a dream I've had since I was 8 years old. Whew. Relief. Actually that was scary. Actually through my head I'm going "Am I really gonna post this? Are people judging me? Laughing at me? What am I thinking?!!!"

Oh well. Jumping in head first and now asking you:
WHAT. DO. YOU. WANT?
Seriously.
Spill it.
Much love and labor,
S

25 Things

2011-05-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Was reading the latest issue of US Weekly in the nail salon on Sunday...well, not reading but looking at pictures because I could really care less what their talking about and care more about what people are wearing and where they like to eat. Anyway they do a 25 things you didn't know about me every week and thought you might like to know 25 things about lil ol me that you didn't know...don't know how many of you are out there actually reading my blog, but please be patient with me while I talk about myself for a minute. Here goes:

1. I love German food, hands down.
2. I was band captain my senior year in high school.
3. I played the flute for 10 years.

Ed, why!!!

4. The first union gig I ever booked was on Star Search in '92. I lost.
5. My first boyfriend was named David. I was 2. The man I married is named...you guessed it. David.
6. My mother made all of my singing clothes when I was growing up and I had dyed shoes to match every single outfit.
7. I did a lot of beauty pageants when I was a kid.
8. I was the first African-American to win the Miss Mississippi National Pre-Teen title, the same year that Toni Seawright was the first African-American woman to win Miss Mississippi.
9. I hate celery.
10. I'm obsessed with sharks and horror movies.
11. If I could become besties with anyone it would be Gwyneth Paltrow. She's sucha badass.
12. My dad wanted to name me Regal Jamal if had been a boy, because of his love for Chivas Regal.
13. I wanted to be the first black Annie. I mean...it's time to make it happen for some little black girl!

Fiyero!!!!!

14. Yes I have auditioned for Elphaba. I didn't even get a call back!!! So there. That's not going to happen for me, so moving on...
15. No, I've never thought about going on American Idol. Not going to either.
16. I am a registered Democrat but I really, really, really want the Republican party to have a solid candidate run for the 2012 presidency. Nothing like a little good competition...even if it won't sway my vote.
17. When I get ready in the morning I put on classical music. Usually a symphony or an opera.
18. I read magazines back to front.
19. I would move to Italy tomorrow.

20. I would like to become a sommelier one day. That's a wine master, folks.
21. I am terrified of cats...yes, even your cat who you say is the sweetest most lovable...blah, blah, hate em.
22. I've never been stung by a bee. When I see one I run around like a mad person.
23. I've never been to Colorado and I really want to go someday.

Me+Rome in Nov 2010

24. San Francisco is my favorite city. Second to NYC that is. A close third is Rome, Italy.
25. When I'm near the ocean I feel like I'm being given another chance at a new beginning. Inspiring.

Love,
S

There Will Be Blood...

2011-04-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

...and sweat and tears, because people come and go, loved ones die, jobs are lost, gas goes up, you want to lose weight, working out is hard, dieting is harder, love is complicated, we don't know our life purpose, we eat too much, we are annoyed by our co-workers, but we NEED our co-workers because they are your family away from home, you don't make enough money, you buy impulsively, you work too hard, you talk shit about your friends, they talk shit about you, you drink a little...you drink a LOT, you don't sleep enough, you stress, you think people are thinking about how they hate you when really they are only think about their miserable lives and so on and so on.
The world keeps spinning. So why not spin a record? It feels good. Do it.
or
Take a hot bath
Climb a mountain
Take a spinning class
Have sex...safely!
Go see live music
Pray
Laugh
Go to the most expensive restaurant in town

I don't know...who am I to tell you how to live your life?
This is what I know. So take or leave it.

S

Check please!

2011-04-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

The time came recently where I had to step outside of myself and really take a look at...me.

The most simplest thing can trigger that moment. A glance from someone across the room, a rumor, an email from a loved one or a heart to heart with a good friend. I'm talking about the moment you realize that who you think you are is not how you are perceived.
Figuring this one out on your own is not easy to do, because we all think we're so fabulous!! I had the privilege of having someone that cares about me enough to pull me aside and tell me that I'm not as fabulous as I might think... couldn't be more grateful for that gift (and you know who you are ;)

What goes through my mind when someone is telling you this is:

1. DENIAL (huh? Me? No way.)
2. DEFENSIVENESS (well, he's the a$$hole not me and that's why I was a b!tch, so there!!!)
3.UTTER DISGRACE (how could I be so heartless!!)
4. DEVASTATION (I'm such a horrible person and I must apologize to everyone I've ever known!!!!)

Unfortunately I don't have EVERYONE I've ever known on my email list so that's not gonna happen.
So after some retail therapy and shot of Vitamin C, I let the moment play over and over in my mind. "Not gonna change Shayna, but change today." Wow. That simple. I felt so lucky to have arrived to this final moment. To be the best me I can be. To treat people how I would like to be treated.

And once in awhile I'll just check in to make sure I'm on the right path. You dig?
S

Of COURSE I remember you!!!!!!

2011-03-21T02:53:00.000-07:00

I'm on vacation in Kona with family just feeling grateful. I have the sound of the ocean as my soundtrack. It's peaceful and quiet. No interruptions. No worries. Then I have a "where are they now" moment on facebook. It's when I'm happiest that I think about the people who have come in and out of my life who at one time or another told me I wasn't good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, white enough, black enough, thin enough or talented enough and I browse them one by one on facebook.

I know it sounds psychotic. I'm sure I'm on someone's "sh*t" list as well and if I did you wrong, I'm sorry...and I know what I did. I've been mean, jealous, deceitful and awful to people, too. We're human. Broken, imperfect, idiotic humans. Thank God we have a brain and a choice and a voice. We can change. We can apologize. We can forgive...but we can't forget.

Anyway, I see their profile pics and I just laugh. I thank them all for being the racist, mean-spirited, ridiculous, crowd following, people pleasers that they were, because I'm a better person for it!
So thanks...

Yup, I've been rocked to the core by human error a time or two. We make so many mistakes, but with what's going on today in Libya and the recent earthquakes/tsunami in Japan, we have a chance to make memorable choices that are right (donate money, speak up, run a marathon for charity, educate yourself!!!) or DEAD wrong (ignore it, it's not my problem, I don't wanna get involved, I don't know anyone from Japan! Where's Libya, anyway?)

What you do today will be remembered tomorrow so think before you do, because you will always be remembered as:

Martin Luther King, Jr.: dreamer
Jeffrey Dahmer: serial killer
John Edwards: cheater
Maya Angelou: poet
Lindsay Lohan: addict
Ike Turner: abuser
BP: polluters
Aron Ralston: believer
Quentin Tarantino: filmmaker
Adolf Hitler: mass murderer
Mel Gibson: racist
Jesus Christ: Prince of peace
Christina Aguilera: the girl who forgot the lyrics to the national anthem... just kidding.
the girl who made Burlesque and wasn't so bad. no.
a genie in a bottle. uh... mouseketeer :) NO!!
Riffer.

forgive me.
S

Band of the week: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

2011-03-17T01:38:00.000-07:00

I caught a live performance on VH1 the other night by accident and for anyone that knows me, knows that I don't watch MTV or VH1 due to my stubborn attitude towards the music industry and some of the B.S. they are producing in the MASSES, but I'm finally opening up my heart and my mind because I see the light...I saw the light when I saw this amazing band and this woman singing and playing guitar and it sounded wonderful and I wondered why I didn't know!???
Shame on me for being in the dark... So I will turn the TV and the radio on and start to really listen. Shame. on. me.

I can admit when I'm wrong.

So i just downloaded their latest studio album appropriately called "Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, " because the name itself is all you need to know. Just buy it.
And for my Gulf Coast homies in Biloxi, they are playing live in Gulf Shores this May...buy tickets now before the sell out.

Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk2E22uHAp8

Peace and good music,
Shayna

Runner up: Jessie J. Oh crap she's amazing. Check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y29eTcRFEl8

Table for 1

2011-03-14T01:21:00.000-07:00

Arnold's Bar, Waikiki

Sitting in the hotel room I booked, paid for, flew to (from Australia, no doubt) and before I know it the adventure begins. My first vacation alone. EVER. Scary thought. Day 1 is hard to swallow. I can't help but wonder and pray that in 5 days I will learn something about myself, have an epiphany of some sort...God, I don't know. Ziggy says, "Get a good book, go to the beach and tune out." I tell him I've started Aron Ralston's "Between a Rock and a Hard Place" now known as the blockbuster "127 hours"...you know, the guy that cuts his arm off to free himself from a boulder that's trapped him..well, read the book or see the movie. "That's a little dark for being on vacation alone, honey." Oh well, I like drama. It actually inspires me to book a 6 hour mountain biking tour this Wednesday. This book has done the opposite of what you think it would do. I like the danger. I LOVE IT actually. Maybe I'll go swimming with sharks tomorrow...hell, I had a couple beers in a dive bar at 11am with an ex-convict from Chicago and a toothless man who gives me pointers on what beaches to avoid since I'm here alone as we watch "New Jack City" on the bar television. (Mom freaking out NOW) Maybe this will teach me to let go of fear...hmmm.

Waikiki Sunset. Just me. Need a pedicure stat.

So I sit in my 60's throwback Hawaiian hotel room with my ocean view, my "dark book", a candle, bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, Kim Crawford), a tummy full of sushi, sun-kissed, tipsy, trying to avoid work (forget it) Fred Hersch playing on itunes, typing my blog as my best friend's hubby gives me progress reports on centimeters and labor pains and epidurals. She's having her 2nd child and I'm thrilled to the core.
Wow, life.
Life is good.
I am alone though. At least for 5 days.
I. AM. ALONE.

The best way to treat yourself? The Un-American way.

2010-12-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

On top of Mt. Vesuvio in Napoli, Italia

Hey, I don't have very many people following my blog. Frankly, I don't keep up with it enough or promote it enough, whatever, I'm making music and my focus has been, well, focused.

I do feel the need to write this right now to you and I hope you'll pass on to friends and be inspired to make a change.

Here's the deal: We're killing ourselves guys. We're TV obsessed, stressed out, over-dieted and worried and I'm sick of it. After visiting 3 different countries this year, Nicaragua, Switzerland and Italy I realized how happy I was when I was there. I felt lighter, enlightened, inspired and spiritual. I felt a real connection to myself and others. I felt alive for the first time in my life. I'm so fortunate to have shared these experiences with my husband, because he thinks the same way...for the most part. I'm definitely more whimsical and starry-eyed than he is, but he's on the same page.

First things first:

Rahel and my bassist Brian in Zurich having lunch at Cafe Henrici

The food. In Nicaragua, if you had fish or fresh fruit, someone either caught it or grew it in their backyard and picked it that day. My first day in Switzerland, my host Stephan (who runs a great little music club called Musig im Ochsen in Muri, Switzerland) sat me down in his kitchen and pulled out a display of fresh cheeses (from the guy down the street!!), meats and fruits and we talked for hours about music and culture. When his daughter Rahel returns from school, she decides she's going to make an apple strudel from scratch for me and the band to have after rehearsal. It was the perfect little slice of Swiss heaven and I felt no guilt or shame for eating it. Italy. Well you know Italy is about food and wine. Molto bene a thousand times. All fresh, fresh, fresh. No crap, no low-cal, low carb, low-fat. Just real food. Really good food. Nothing processed. Just fresh.

Entertainment: I maybe had the television on once or twice the entire time I was gone. That's 4 weeks of no Biggest Loser or LOST or Dancing With the Stars and I didn't miss it. It gave me an opportunity to have conversations and connect with my new friends. I ask Stephan what he likes to watch on TV. He has a TV in his house, but it seemed more like a decoration instead of something a family plans their entire life around. It just sat there, never coming on and I didn't want it to. He says he and his wife occasionally watch a movie, but end up falling asleep. Same in Italy. Me and David turned on the TV for maybe 10 seconds before going to bed and we just gave in and went to sleep. I actually slept well in all 3 countries, because there was no friggin' TV to distract me. Just the darkness and the quiet to lull me to sweet slumber.

Me and David enjoying the view in Nicaragua.

Also, no one went to the gym. In Nicaragua, my friends Roy and Ashley (living on Little Corn Island) were in the most amazing shape of their lives. They hadn't worked out in at least a year and Ashley had the tightest stomach and biceps that any girl would pay thousands for in plastic surgery and personal training sessions to get. She climbs trees to get fruit and runs around the island to get anywhere. (There are no cars). In Switzerland and Italy, people walked around and rode their bikes EVERYWHERE and they were happy and had smiles on their faces and laughed and I'm like damn...what am I missing here?

Gianluca, Dario and Toto in Salerno having lunch and a toast!

I made some of the most wonderful friends in such a short amount of time. Friends for life. It's because there were no distractions to keep us from getting to know one another. With no TV and little worries, I had breakfast and coffee every morning in Italy at the kitchen table with Gianluca and Teresa and no TV. Just conversation. In Switzerland every morning with the band we sat together for an hour and talked about how we slept, we listened to music and laughed. Then I went for a walk or I wrote songs. I was so inspired!

My final word: I say to you, for your own good: Go un-American for a week and see.

Turn the TV off, get out of your car and on a bike, throw out the processed food, eat dinner as a family at the table, go for a walk and go to sleep. I promise you'll feel better. You'll feel more like your authentic self. It's called living. That's what we're here to do, right? So live!

Ciao,
Shayna

Ko. A Momofuku Restaurant.

2010-10-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

There are no words.

Just go. To Ko.

Well, make a reservation first...or at least TRY to get a reservation.

And forget about budget. It's worth every penny.

Shayna Steele- "Work To Do" (Isley Brothers) featuring Lew Soloff

2010-10-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

Kale, please?

2010-10-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Shayna in her livingroom. Photo: Curtis Brown Photography

It's the day of my Blue Note show and all I can think of is cooking a pot of kale. I love kale. Obsessed. If I actually had a backyard, I'd grow a garden full of kale. Maybe when I sell more records...I'll have a garden. With Kale.

I bought a lovely bunch of kale (kale is loaded with Vitamin K and it's what I need to put in my body to recover from these nasty running injuries) but I had no chicken stock and was missing key ingredients to make a tasty, savory pot o' kale this afternoon.
So I just made some stuff up and here's what I came up with. No measuring was included. I eyeballed the whole thing:
5 pieces of bacon cut up
leftover onion (about 1/2)
1 clove of garlic
rice vinegar ( 1 glug)
maple syrup ( 1 tiny glug)
A bottle of beer ( 1/2 to drink, 1/2 to throw in the pot...this replaced my chicken stock)
salt, pepper, cayenne
Beautiful Kale!!!

All in a pot, in that order and let it simmer. I'd say about an hour.
Here's how it turned out:

It smells as good as it looks.

For you veggies out there, forget the bacon, or use soy bacon! Super tasty still...even though bacon rocks. I could live off of it.

Peace,
Shayna

Oxcart love continued...

2010-09-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Oxcart Tavern with hubby and I cannot wait to go back this week and have dinner! What a menu.

I'm so glad to have a local bar with great food in my 'hood. The Oxcart Tavern on Newkirk Avenue in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, NY is not to be passed up.

The owner, David (chef, too and former chef of Pomme de Terre) was chillin' at the bar and we had a nice convo about the transition, the changes and what he wants to offer to the patrons of Ditmas Park.

David, I'm so glad you are here...

So...if you happen to check out my beloved DP this fall, stop by Oxcart to watch some NFL, have some chili covered onion rings and killin' burgers with a cold Abita (on tap!) and say ahhh...

Peace,
Shayna

P.S apologies for my extended vacation from the bloggggggggggggg-it.

Which is worse?

2010-07-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

1. To wax or shave?
2. To hire or fire?
3. To get drunk or get caffeinated?
4. To beg or steal?
5. To put up with or put out?
6. Quality or quantity?
7. For the money or for the love?
8. To be sad or get angry?
9. To worship for family or for country?
10. To die rich with money and lacking life lessons or to die with debt and 200,000 Frequent flier miles?

Not that any of this makes sense to you.
Just some thoughts...

-S

Sorry, I went away...

2010-07-11T01:22:00.000-07:00

Been prepping for tour next week, was out of town this week and in between was in the studio, doing gigs, finding my spiritual destiny, paying bills and of course, training. Hard. for NYC.

I'll have a full bloggity blog up tomorrow...I gotta sleep now.

Night bloggers and bloggettes.

-S

So serious...

2010-06-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

BP oil spill, NBA Finals (Congrats Lakers...), NY Pride, Prop 8 Trials, The Tony Awards, Perez Hilton/Miley Cyrus scandal (who cares!!!!!!!), floods in OKC (Jordan!!!) and Utah firing squads (ouch) have all taken over the news headlines. It's deep folks and I'm glad we are all paying attention to what's going on in the world.

So to lighten things up a bit, I think you should all head to your local pub and watch soccer. It's fun, it's dirty, it's passionate and who could ever get sick of hearing the constant sound of South Africa blowing on those ridiculous horns? (picture, to your right)... I've actually gotten used to it at this point. No need to have a "team", it's just fun to watch and it gives you a reason to have a beer at 9:00am. Cheers!
A few places to hang and enjoy a match:

Cafe Steinhof (422 7th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn)
http://www.cafesteinhof.com/
I went there for lunch yesterday and when 2pm came around for the final game of the day, they pulled a big screen down and there was NOBODY at the bar! Plenty of space, great beer on tap and awesome German food to keep you satisfied. Big bonus is, you'll probably get a good seat.

The Shrine (2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd, Harlem)
http://www.shrinenyc.com/
Did a gig here last night when the NBA Game 7 was on. I know...why did I do that, but it was actually fun and then we watched the game with a fun and crazy group of African guys who clapped and cheered "Let's Go Lakers" in 6/4...if you're the least bit musical, you get it. Anyway, my Belgian drummer friend Lieven, who lives up there says they are open for World Cup games, so go Harlemnites, go!!

House of Brews (363 West 46th Street)
http://www.houseofbrewsny.com
Never a fan of midtown or anything near Times Square (even when I worked on Broadway), but I do love this bar when I go there. Lot's of beer on tap and by the bottle from every country imaginable...pick the beer that goes with the team you're routing for and you're set.

Stay light and have fun, but continue to be mindful.
Drink responsibly.
Don't drive...it's NYC. Cabs and subway EVERYWHERE! No excuses.
Get off your phone so you don't hurt someone.

Okay.
Shayna

Janelle Monae/Erykah Badu concert pics

2010-06-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Had a blast at the ?uestlove, Janelle Monae, Erykah Badu concert. Got in VIP, sneaked my friend, bassist Ben Williams in, ran into star of West Side Story "Maria" aka soprano extraordinaire Josefina Scaglione (so stunning, adorable and who knew she was so into hip/hop and soul?), ex-Hairspray-er Candace Woods was chillin' on the hill as well. This concert was outstanding and Erykah Badu is the coolest chick on the planet, still. Such a pro, her band was tight and 4 background singers? Work, Badu, work. Enjoy! -S

crowd!Janelle!Me n JJJosefina

THE Janelle Monae.

2010-06-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Just check her out. She's authentic, brilliant and mindblowing.

Blog for the day: Urban Organic Gardener

2010-06-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

I love it! This guy is my new hero.
http://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/my-urban-gardens/new-york-vegetable-gardens/new-york-city-fire-escape-garden-2/

Herb-an Outfitters: 10 more of my favorite things

2010-06-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

I could honestly spend years just blogging about Top 10 lists. Here a few more of my favorite things (cue Julie Andrews) and a few side notes about what it is, like my herb "garden". My husband laughed at me when I mentioned I cut a few sprigs of italian parsley and basil from my garden for my tomato sauce this evening... SO WHAT!!! I have big plans and I dream big and I've made up this imaginary world of planting a really big herb and vegetable garden on my fire escape in Brooklyn. SO. WHAT!!!
Anyhoo, back to the list. Here's another Top 10 of things that I'm enjoying right now for the bloggies. Wherever you are. Hello? Talk to me, please.

1. ProTools LE
http://www.avid.com/US/resources/digi-orientation

By Digidesign, if you are a songwriter, music editor, recording artist, producer, soundtrack maker, sound effects junkie, whatever, you should have and learn Pro Tools asap. Make sure you have a good microphone and the mbox to get started. Then start playing. If you are a computer and gear nerd, you'll enjoy it. It makes me happy.

2. Apple Spa (Brooklyn, NY)
(no website) Located at 308 Atlantic Avenue (Smith Street), Brooklyn, NY
My favorite nail place. Affordable, so sleek and clean and the most comfortable pedi chairs in Brooklyn. I got the full smack down in pedicures today and I didn't want to leave...plus it's a few doors down from one of my fav brunch spots, Jolie. http://www.jolierestaurant.com/

3. Lizz Wright (Verve)
http://lizzwright.net/

If you don't already know her, you are missing out. She's only 30 years old and is sweeping the world with her sultry, deep vocals, soulful sound of folk, blues and downright country upbringing mixed with some Georgia peach pie with a twist of southern swelter and splash of ice tea...I don't know how else to explain how her music makes me feel. I have the honor of occasionally jumping on stage with her to sing and I might get thrown off one day when I throw a shoe at her for sounding so damn good. Plus, she's cool people. Download "Song For Mia". You'll fall out.

4. Jazz Mafia and Adam Theis (San Francisco, CA)
http://www.jazzmafia.com/

Jazz Mafia is exactly what you think. A large group of jazz muthas in San Francisco lead by the amazing and talented and very cool, trombonist/bassist Adam Theis. I play with these guys ALOT and they are doing big things with jazz music and beyond in the Bay Area. Adam Theis has been called "CRAZY" by the press for putting together a 50 piece big band, called Brass Bows and Beats, which is mixture of big band, jazz, hip hop and soul music. If you are in SF EVER, check out everything this guy is involved in and NYC, you're lucky...they'll be at Le Poisson Rouge on June 25. I wouldn't miss it. GO!!!

5. Sesame Street
http://www.sesamestreet.org

I just did a benefit with these wacky guys at Cipriani's on 42nd street and the amazing John Legend. It's unbelievable to see the characters in person...at my age...and still gush. Grover, Cookie M., Telly and beloved Elmo all in one room lead by their better half, mostly middle aged men and women with the energy of a 5 year old and little tiny kiddie voices. I can tell you, these people probably never need a drink to have a good time. They just walk in the room and are automatically happy and make YOU feel happy. It blows my mind that after all these years, Sesame Street is still helping in the development of children today. The "number song" still rocks my world.

6. Brooks
http://www.brooksrunning.com/

No, not the old guy that offs himself in Shawshank (sorry, if I just ruined it for you), but my favorite running shoe on the planet. Now that I finally know I'm not an overpronator but a neutral runner, I found my dream training shoe in the Brooks Ghost 3 at $100. Brooks is not as popular amongst the regular gym-goer or occasional 5-ker, as the ever growing Nike continues to saturate the market (doesn't mean they are the BEST!!!) Brooks running shoes are sometimes glanced at and passed on, but if you are considering doing any kind of serious running, especially distance running, I'd check out Brooks first... and for freaks sake, go to a running store where they know what they are talking about. :)

7. Sabon
http://sabonnyc.com/

Smells so good, feels so good. Worth every hard earned penny to pamper yourself and your home and life with Sabon products. I get them as gifts for Christmas, Bdays and such and I am never sick of them. If you're in NYC, go to the store where they will scrub your hands, wash them and put some yummy lotion on them and you'll feel like you just walked out of a spa. It's like getting a free manicure, minus the polish, but who needs it! Being a minimalist isn't such a bad thing.

8. Ronnybrook Farms
http://www.ronnybrook.com/

Cold, creamline whole milk in a glass bottle. (Lowfat and skim avail, too) Old school, so good and good for you. Return the bottle, get a $1.50 off the next bottle. The website lists locations all over NYC to pick up a bottle. A few places to buy Ronnybrook: Whole Foods, Grand Army Plaza Farmers Market on Saturdays and Union Market in Brooklyn. Milk does a body good.

9. Broadway Impact
http://www.broadwayimpact.com/

Fighting for marriage equality since the passing of Prop 8 and lead by my friend Gavin Creel. I love BI, for what they are doing for the LGBT community and I'm so glad to be a part of it. That's who I'm running for on November 7. 26.2 miles for my friends still fighting for human rights. It's 2010 peeps...get with the program, wouldja? They also spend time helping out those in need in the community and do rallies and marches and bus trips to other rallies and marches all over the U.S, so they need your support. Get it? NO H8!!!

10. 8: The Mormon Proposition
http://www.mormonproposition.com/

I could get some hate mail for this one. I had a few friends who saw a viewing of this movie at Sundance and believe you me, this is gonna stir up some controversy in Mormontown, USA. Sorry fellow Mormon friends that I've met along the way, but I'm so glad this story is being told. Director Reed Cowan initially planned on making a documentary about gay teen homelessness and suicide in Utah but soon realized that the homophobia that prompts otherwise loving parents to kick teenagers out of their homes is deep-seated in current Mormon ideology. Supposedly the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was the BIGGEST financial backer of the passing of Prop 8...hmmm...coming to a theatre, probably not near you if you don't live in New York or LA or SF, or somewhere where there are LOTS of people who are working day and night for equal rights.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...
-S

Restaurant of the day: Scarpetta

2010-06-03T19:43:00.000-07:00

Since venturing into my fresh food, whole foods ONLY venture, I am always a fan of good restaurants with quality ingredients and produce. You can tell a LOT about an establishment if you start your meal with a salad. If it tastes crisp, fresh and if it's in season, then the rest of the menu will probably be on point, you know?

This brings up Scarpetta in the meatpacking district. Named one of the Best New Restaurants in America in Esquire Mag 2008, it lives up to that prestigious title from the service, to the amazing wine we had, to the exquisite foie gras stuffed ravioli my hubby ordered.

Plus, we snagged a table outside and watched the beautiful and the weird pass us by...definitely a prime seat for NYC people watching.

We tried this restaurant out opening week and were blown away, but haven't had a chance to go back until tonight. We are certainly fans of going to restaurants on opening week (or opening night if we're lucky) so we can actually give our compliments to the chef, literally. You'll usually find him/her walking around and checking out the vibe of the crowd...etc...you get me, you can tell, I love, love, love restaurants. Maybe I'll open a restaurant of my own one of these days...

Cheers,
Shayna

Blog for the day: Ditmas Park Blog

2010-05-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

It's my 'hood, it's my home and despite the hater of the Ditmas Park Blog, Ms. Eloise, who deems the blog to be "rascist", I am a black woman who LOVES the Ditmas Park Blog and all it has to offer.
http://ditmasparkblog.com/

Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop on Cortelyou

If you ever feel like taking the Q Train to Cortelyou Road on a Sunday to experience our little farmers market, have brunch at The Farm http://www.thefarmonadderley.com/, the best hummus in New York at Mimi's Hummus http://mimishummus.com/ , a happy hour glass of wine at Castello Plan http://www.thecastelloplan.com/, dinner at Purple Yam http://www.purpleyamnyc.com/ and a bourbon nightcap at Sycamore http://sycamorebrooklyn.com/, where they also offer a beer and bouquet for only $10 (Sycamore serves as the local flower shop and best whiskey bar in Brooklyn), a day on Cortelyou is one not to be missed!

Check out this awesome blog and find out more about my 'hood, which New York Magazine lists as number 39 in 100 reasons to love New York http://nymag.com/news/articles/reasonstoloveny/2008/52952/...AND it's on an express train line AND better yet, buying property here will NOT break the bank...for now, that is.

-S

Blog for the day: GOOP

2010-05-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today, I'd like to feature Gwyneth Paltrow's GOOP. She does a weekly newsletter about anything from where to travel, to restaurants from all over the world (She especially likes Parisian restaurants...don't blame her), her detox dilemmas and of course, fashion. Today, I came across one of my favorite newsletters she's done about wine pairings.
If you know me, you know I love wine, I love to be introduced to new wines I've never had and I like to keep them complicated and interesting (kinda like my life).

http://goop.com/newsletter/79/en/

When you're done reading this article and taking notes, have a look around GOOP. You will NOT be sad you did.

Love,
-S

Kiss the 'Cook'

2010-05-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

So, for anyone reading this you probably read my status on facebook about the little farmers market experiment I'm doing this week. Wanted to go one week just picking up my groceries from the Farmer Markets through out NYC. Today was day 1 and I had a blast shopping for our food. The sellers were nice, helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. The fruits and vegetable were vivid and colorful and I grabbed up as much as my reusable environment friendly bags could handle. Thought I'd share a picture of my window sill (above) to show you EXACTLY what I mean. You can get raw cheese, veggies, herbs, fruit, bread, honey, fish, beef, milk...everything you need...just bring cash with you and your set to go.

Here's are a couple markets open on Sundays that I browsed.
1. Ditmas Park Farmers Market
Ditmas Park Farmers Market featured in Ditmas Blogspot
It's small, but it's close to home and had a wide variety of stuff to choose from.
2. Park Slope Farmers Market on 5th Avenue
http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M17202
Loved this market. They even have a couple local Long Island Wineries where they do tastings! Got our fresh fish for dinner and some of the most peppery yummy arugula ever.

Here are couple other markets I love:
3. Saturday- Grand Army Plaza Farmers Market
http://www.grownyc.org/grandarmygreenmarket
This is by far my favorite market so far...we'll see if any others trump that. It's huge, it's packed and everything is amazing...and it's right at the entrance to Prospect Park, so go for a run first, then grab some post run grub.
4. M,W, F and Sa-Union Square Farmers Market
http://www.grownyc.org/unionsquaregreenmarket
The mothership of Farmers markets. It's brilliant. Just go and bring your granny cart.

Hope you enjoy! Stay green, stay clean...oh yeah, and think about using wind power through Con Edison. Yup, it exists. Let's love the earth, shall we so she loves us back!

Cheers,
Shayna

I simply remember my favorite things...

2010-05-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

...and then I don't feel so sad. I was depressed, sad, feeling sorry for myself, questioning my decisions and wondering why when things have been going so well. I'm running the marathon, I married the man of my dreams, I have a cool apartment, great friends and I travel and get paid to do what I love, so why the long face? (cue, Jordan Ballard, b-dum: crash!) Sorry, inside joke...anyhoo, I thought I'd make a list of 10 of my thousands of favourite (I'm a Brit today) things. I like lists. I'm a Libra. I like lists...and piles.

1. Brooklyn Lager
http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/
After a long run on a hot day, I keep it local. They also make a great India Pale Ale.

2. 'inoteca
http://www.inotecanyc.com/
I can't say enough about this establishment. It's by far my favourite restaurant in NYC. I've had birthday parties here and I always bring out of town guests and family for dinner and drinks aaaaannnddd, I know the owner and he's the coolest guy in the restaurant industry if you ask me. He's loyal to his loyals. Now that's good business.

3. New York Road Runners Club
www.nyrr.org
For just $40 a year, you belong to an elite running club and you get major discounts on all races, including the very expensive ING NYC Marathon.

4. The Jazz Standard
http://www.jazzstandard.net/
When you have BBQ and good jazz in one place, I'm sold. Last time I was there, I saw Terence Blanchard play. Everyone that plays there is good. You don't book this venue unless you are the shit.

5. Apple
http://www.apple.com/
Not that Steve Jobs needs ANY help from my little blog to help his sales, I must say Apple just rocks. Sorry PC, I'll never leave my beloved Macintosh Apple.

6. Metropolitan Museum of Art
http://www.metmuseum.org/
I was just there last week with my sister in law and her fiance and it was like I'd never been. You discover something new everytime and it's a must when visiting NYC. The Picasso exhibit is up now and it will blow your mind.

7. Central Park
http://www.centralparknyc.org/
DON'T visit the website, just go. It's quintessential New York at it's best. Whether you're poor or rich, sad or happy, getting engaged (that's where my hubby popped the question), playing baseball, rollerskating, seeing a concert or finishing the NYC marathon, Central Park is magical and wonderful.

8. Lost
http://www.hulu.com/lost
I'm am crazy about this show. I just started watching from the first episode. You can find every episode of every season, I believe on Hulu. You'll never leave your house.

9. Leslie Kritzer
http://www.youtube.com/user/lesliekritzer

She turned a Saturday Night Live audition tape into a good career move. She put all the shit up on youtube and now like thousands of people have watched her be a kaleidoscope of characters ...well, just click and see. She's my friend and she's ridiculously talented and you should know her.

10. Gretchen Parlato
http://www.gretchenparlato.com/
I'm wearing this album out. I can't stop listening. She may think I'm stalking her at this point, because I listen to her album, In A Dream almost everyday. If you have a chance to see her live before it costs a ridiculous amount of money, do it now. Buy the album, tell me what you think.

Just writing these things down makes me a little happier...

Peace to all,
Shayna

Stumptown me!!!

2010-05-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

I've found the best coffee on the planet in Brooklyn... and they happen to sell the beans by the pound at Market on 1211 Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn Ditmas Park Blog feature on Market...basically a hop, skip and fold up bike ride from my apartment.

If you are in Brooklyn this summer, make a trip on the R Train to Stumptown Coffee on 29th Street in South Slope. http://www.stumptowncoffee.com. You'll never be the same.

-Shay

For Today, Run Today: My Playlist

2010-05-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

I try not to depend on music to make me run faster and better, but sometimes I'm alone and have no one to talk to, so this is what keeps me going. I highly advise checking these tunes out whether you're at the gym, cleaning your house or throwing a party.

Top 10
1. "Stiff Jazz" by dZihan & Kamien
2. "Baby I'm A Star" by Prince
3. "Black or White" by Michael Jackson
4." Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley
5." Ego" by Beyonce
6." Fast As You Can" by Fiona Apple
7." Living the Life of A Dreamer" by Alice Russell
8. "Love Has Fallen on Me" by Chaka Khan
9. "You Got to Get Funkifize" by Tower of Power
10. "Doralice" by Gretchen Parlato

NYC Marathon: The Before.

2010-05-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

It's official. The Broadway Impact Team will officially be running the NYC Marathon in November. I along with Broadway star, Miss America, uber talented and gorgeous Kate Shindle will be leading the team.

Full team to be announced soon that include Broadway past (me), present (those crazy kids in some hit Broadway show now) and famous people (hmmm, who could it be?).

So I gotta raise $2500. Yup, you heard me. $2500 for Broadway Impact for equality. More of how I will take your money coming soon. Stay tuned.

On that note, I'm well into my training. Lots of cross training. The ankle still hurts a bit, so I'm going to the doctor. Full checkup, eating lots of citrus (did you know oranges help your muscles heal faster?), a new subscription to Runners World aka the running bible, a new pair of running shoes and a trip to Lululemon to find my marathon day outfit. Oh yeah baby, I like to dress up real cute for races. Who knows who will have a camera...right...anyway.

If you have any questions, advice, ideas, recipes...throw them my way. Also, any ideas on how to raise the money (I'll sing, I'll dance, I'll tell jokes at your house) I'm all ears.

And I'm all heart. I love this charity and love that I'm doing this for such a great cause, because everyone has a right to love who they love without any interference from others, K?

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Now off to the gym I go.
ME

Eager Beaver

2010-04-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of training hard and I'm already hurt. I guess I shouldn't start the week running with the hardcore Resevoir Dogs on the UES running a sub-10 min/mile my first day in. Anyway, with a pain in my foot, I've resorted to cross training for the next 2 days after a friend suggested I went out "too fast and too hard; try yoga for the next couple of days." Ugh. I can't stand doing Yoga. I'm all about go hard, go strong, go fast, sweat NOW!!!

On the subject of being eager...I was, well the press was eager to say I'm definitely running the NYC marathon for Broadway Impact! Being that BI (Broadway Impact) is a very new charity, we had to enter the charity lottery (yeah, did you know they had that?) and I won't really know until April 19th if I'm running this specific marathon...Stay tuned.

Either way, a marathon is in my future in November (Philly, maybe?) and I am so eager to raise money for this organization and press on with our fight for equal rights in this country.

So don't think I won't be begging you all for money soon...

Peace,
Shay

I'm running the NYC Marathon for Broadway Impact and here's how I'll do it!

2010-03-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

I ran my first and only marathon in June 2008. It was....awful. My training was hard and lonely and I injured myself around my 15 mile long run and was out of commission for 2 weeks due to a bad knee. I finally healed enough to do one more long run (17 miles) before the big day, but it just didn't cut it when it came to race day.

20 miles in, I hit the infamous WALL of death and thought I would just fall to the ground. I was hallucinating, I started to believe that the band playing Mustang Sally was actually "quite good...those guys should be famous", I started crying when I couldn't find the the 23 mile marker, realizing that I'd passed it, but missed it once I reached 24 (probably the tears blinding me) and then I wanted to kill the TNT groups for being so chipper and happy (wooo hoo, go Team In Training!!!! kill me...), but I finished in 6 hours and 36 minutes.

Sunburned for weeks, I was eager to try again.

6 months later, I decide to run the Mardi Gras marathon with my Mom. I never made it to the marathon, due to a calf injury ( I hate stretching...hate it, hate it and I swear that's what got the best of me), so I, with head down, go to pick up my marathon number and kindly ask to be demoted to 1/2 marathon status (2:34 was my time) and vowed to never run again.

I know, I know this is long, but hear my out. Then I came across the beautiful and talented Kate Schindle, Miss America, Broadway star at a recording session where we chatted about favorite wines and, well, marathons. She had just run the NYC marathon 2009 and raised money for my favorite charity right now, Broadway Impact and we came up with the grand idea to start a team to raise money for marriage equality. Great idea, huh...except, it's all fun and games when you're getting money for something wonderful, all of my gay boyfriends and gay husband (or gusband) and gay family members and gay friends are so proud of me, I am besties with the LGBT community!!!!...that I remember how effin' hard it is to train for a marathon.

Nightmares of injuries and black toenails, bad knees and aching lower back come to mind and I think, what the hell was I thinking?!

But then I remember, it's not about me this time...it's about human rights. I'm running for my friends, my neighbors, the people who still have to get married, raise a family, have a job in a place that doesn't except them or honor the families and love they've created.

So here we go.

Since, I've always just jumped straight into a 5 month training program and gotten injured, I've decided to train for 30 weeks starting this Monday, April 5, nice and slow to build up to 21 miles before race day on November 7 in NYC.

I hope you'll join me and support...

Once I have more details, I'll show you where to donate money for the cause.

Thank you and pray for me.

Shayna

Welcome

2007-04-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my official blog. Yeah, it's a blog...never thought I'd go there, but I have. I'll put pics up, news up and the occasional rant about what I hate.
Peace out, stay cool and drink good wine.
Shay