Charity Miles: How To Guide

I'm linking up today with Marcia, Patty, and Erika for Tuesday's on the Run. This week's topic is Favorite Winter Gear. Winter's aren't really bad here in Vegas, so my winter gear isn't much more than long-sleeved shirts and running pants.

Instead, since I've received quite a few comments lately about Charity Miles (what it is, how it works, etc.), I thought I'd share a quick tutorial to show just how easy using Charity Miles is.

I've been using Charity Miles (off and on) for quite a few years now - at least back to 2012. The app has changed a bit since then, but the same basic idea behind it hasn't.

Every Mile Matters!

It's the perfect way for anyone to give back simply by going for a run, walk, or bike ride. There are a LOT of charities to choose from and the app really is so simple to use! You can earn up to 25¢ for a run or walk and up to 10¢ for a bike ride. All you do is use the app and then Charity Miles makes the actual donation to the various charities.

Seriously simply, but read on for a Step-by-Step guide to walk you through it all.

How Runners Can Help Save the Earth

Happy Earth Day!!

What a great day to take a moment to reflect on the beauty of the earth and what we, as runners, can do to help preserve it. My very first half marathon was the Earth Day Half Marathon in St. Cloud, MN back in 2002. I had the best time running that race, and it will probably always rank as one of my favorites.

I always say that I can only do what I can do, so here are some very simple ways that we runners can do our small part to help save the Earth.

Image courtesy of watiporn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I probably should have written this yesterday, as many of you are likely very busy with Thanksgiving festivities today. Still, I wanted to take a moment to wish each one of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

May you all enjoy great food, loving families, and fun times.

To all my running readers, good luck at your races today!
To all my non-running readers, I invite you to get outside today.

A couple years ago, I convinced my family to take a few minutes and go for a Thanksgiving Day walk together. It was supposed to be a time for us to share things we were grateful for, but it turned out to be just a time filled with fun and laughter. It was a relatively nice day in MN, and it is a memory I will always cherish.

Today, I am far away from family, so I suggested to Jeff that we spend the day outside enjoying the beautiful fall day in Vegas on our bikes. We haven't yet decided on a specific route or trail, but we're hoping to get in around a 30 mile bike ride.

Whether you're running or biking or walking, I encourage you to use CharityMiles while you do it. If you don't already have the app, it's a free download for your iPhone or Android. Today through next Tuesday (#GivingTuesday), they are doubling the amount of money you can earn for your charity, which means walkers and runners earn 50¢ per mile; bikers earn 20¢ per mile.

There are a 13 different charities to choose from. I've listed them here with a link to their Twitter account.

Stand Up to Cancer

Feeding America

Every Mother Counts

Autism Speaks

Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

World Food Programme

Wounded Warrior Project

ASPCA

The Nature Conservancy

Habitat for Humanity

Pencils of Promise

Achilles International

The Global Fund

Of course, you can do choose any charity, but since it's Thanksgiving here in America, it seems fitting to support Feeding America today. Every mile for them feeds four people. So, if you do a simple 5k, you'd feed 12 people. 5 miles feeds 20 people! And, as always, the easiest way to double your impact is to get just one person to join you. So, please help me to spread the word.

And, once again,

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

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I am in no way affiliated with CharityMiles in anyway other than as a devoted user. I think it is a great app, and it helps me find even more purpose and have more fun while running, walking, or biking outside.