and Exploited Children

By Cherry Dumaual

Finding time to train for a marathon is challenging enough. For lifelong New Fairfield resident Stephanie Shaughnessy, it means fitting miles around a busy life as a wife, mother, social worker, small-business owner, and active community volunteer.

Shaughnessy runs Errands For All, LLC, and is an active member of the Congregational Church of New Fairfield. She is involved with the Appalachia Service Project, volunteers at the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, and facilitates bereavement groups.

Shaughnessy discovered her love of running in eighth grade, when her gym teacher introduced her to the sport.

“It is a great stress relief for me and has provided me with goals and challenges throughout the last 30 years, including running [in all] 169 towns in Connecticut,” she said.

Now Shaughnessy is preparing for another major challenge: running the New York City Marathon on November 1 while raising money for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

When she did not secure a spot through the lottery for the 2021 New York City Marathon, Shaughnessy learned about NCMEC through a friend and decided to run on behalf of the organization and raise funds for its work in 2022.

She has now completed four marathons and says this next one may be her last.

Of the marathons she has run, Shaughnessy considers New York an experience unlike any other.

“Literally, they shut the city down and the spectators are four to five deep cheering you on from mile 2 to mile 26.2!” she said. “So when I once again did not get in through the lottery, I decided to run with NCMEC, as it is a great organization with a great cause.”

For Shaughnessy, the organization’s mission is especially meaningful because of her work as a social worker.

“I run in honor of all missing children and their families,” she said. “I run to spread awareness of child safety and to make sure people learn about the mission of NCMEC — to find missing children, reduce child sexual exploitation and prevent child victimization.”

She added, “Thankfully, I have not personally known any child who has required these services, but unfortunately this abuse is prevalent even in the United States, and we need to protect and help every child.”

Training Around New Fairfield

Preparing to run 26.2 miles takes months of disciplined training. For this marathon, Shaughnessy is following Hal Higdon’s Novice 2 marathon training program, an 18-week schedule that gradually increases the distance of long runs before tapering in the final weeks leading up to race day.

She runs four days a week and spends another day cross-training on a friend’s Peloton bike. The remaining two days are for rest and recovery, although she usually walks her dog a mile or two on those days.

Much of her training takes place close to home. Shaughnessy runs through the Ball Pond, Sunswept, and West Ridge areas of New Fairfield, where she has logged runs of more than 16 miles. She also enjoys running on New York rail trails and sometimes enters half-marathons, adding extra miles afterward to reach the distance called for in her training schedule.

To fit those long runs into an already busy schedule, she starts early — very early. Shaughnessy is often up and running by 6:00 or 6:30 a.m.

Advice for First-Time Marathoners

For anyone thinking about running a first marathon, Shaughnessy recommends finding a structured training program that feels manageable.

“I would definitely look for a program that you feel comfortable with,” she said. “I have had success with Hal Higdon, Runner’s World and others. I do like Hal Higdon because he has programs for all. He also stresses the importance of walking breaks and rest days.”

One of her most important pieces of advice is to prepare not only for the distance, but also for what the body will need along the way.

“Never try anything new on race day — clothes, shoes, nutrition, running belt, etc.,” she advised.

Her favorite fuel for a half or full marathon is surprisingly simple: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich — or two. She also uses running waffles, salt, and gummies.

Nutrition for endurance runners has changed considerably since Shaughnessy ran her first marathon in 2001.

“Nutrition used to be nonexistent,” she recalled. “I ran my first marathon in 2001. At mile 15, I was handed one hard candy. I did hit the wall at about mile 24.”

By the time she ran her second marathon in 2015, she was using energy gels, with coffee flavor becoming a favorite.

Most important, she said, is not waiting until the body is depleted before taking a break, drinking, or eating.

“You should not wait for hydration, nutrition, or walking breaks,” Shaughnessy said. “One needs to do this throughout the run — whether the run be a half-marathon or an ultra.”

Marathon preparation, she emphasized, is as much mental as physical, and encouragement from family and friends can make a significant difference during months of training.

This year, Shaughnessy has set a fundraising goal of $3,000 for NCMEC. She has already surpassed the $2,500 minimum required to run on behalf of the organization and hopes her New Fairfield neighbors will help her reach — or exceed — her goal.

Crossing the New York finish line for a second time will carry special meaning.

“Reaching the finish line this second time in New York on November 1st will be thrilling,” Shaughnessy said. “I am just thankful that God has given me the ability to do this. I am a social worker who believes in advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I think that NCMEC supports this.”

And someone especially important will be on her mind as she makes her way through the five boroughs and toward the finish line.

“I know my dad will be watching me from above,” she said, “and I will feel him cheering me on.”

To help New Fairfield resident Stephanie Shaughnessy reach her $3,000 fundraising goal for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, visit https://give.missingkids.org/fundraiser/7397342