Author Archives: Hans Schiefelbein

About Hans Schiefelbein

In pursuit of a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. My goal is to help people attain and sustain their health.

And the free book goes TO…..

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The first responder, Mr. Persistance, the reader and writer himself… Mr. Jaye Barbeau.  This guy hounded me on Facebook and recruited his friends to write on his behalf – well played, Sir.  It was difficult to turn down the web-man Jeff Miles because he’s helping to update my blog and take it to the next level.  Crowning him winner would have been for selfish gain.  Nice try Miles – I guess I’ll have to pay those consulting fees after all.  But today all the glory goes to Jaye Barbeau. 

Thanks to everyone who commented and participated in my give-away.  Please take a moment to see if my blogging material might interest you on a weekly basis.  My blog is focusing on family, leadership, fitness/exercise, social media, and a few stories about sports.  You can subscribe and get it right to your inbox for free.

And remember – there may or may not be a NOOMA video give-away in the weeks to come.  Thanks again.

Jaye – the book is on its way.

Book Giveaway – Donald Miller’s "A Million Miles"

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I have recently started reviewing books for Thomas Nelson as part of their book review bloggers program.  My second title will probably be an all-time favorite – Donald Miller‘s “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.”  Katie and I were sitting on the porch when the UPS man pulled up with a box that was bigger than expected… because there were TWO books included!!

The publisher (CEO Michael Hyatt) thought that the book was so good that he wanted us to give away a copy to a friend.  So I’ve decided to have a little fun with this.  I’ve teased this on Facebook and Twitter for the last week and here on my blog I’ll be giving away the free copy.

Here’s what will happen:

  1. You post a comment at the bottom of this post telling me why you deserve the free copy.  Include your first name or an identifying title.  Get creative!!
  2. You email me your full name and address in case I choose you as the winner. (Hans@uwalumni.com OR message me on Facebook)  IMPORTANT:  include “Donald Miller book” in the subject so I can sort through them.
  3. I’ll pick a winner on Wednesday night and post something on Thursday. 

If you’re so inclined, please check out my blog and participate in some conversations.  Oh, did I mention I may or may not have some Nooma videos to give away later?  Shameless promotion, I know.

Book Review: Fearless by Max Lucado

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Fear is simple: “I’m scared of…”  Fill in the blank.  But when we examine the dimensions of fear, we see that it can play a significant role in various aspects of our lives.  Max Lucado unpacks all the subtle places fear can attack us and what the Bible says about how we should respond.

Plain and simple: in America 2009 we have realized that things we take for granted are not as secure as we thought.  Our jobs, investments, and retirement accounts are not guaranteed anymore.  Fear slowly pushed its way in and now has hit many of us square in the jaw.  Personally I’ve never felt uncertainty (in the job market) like this season I’m in.  I’m glad for Max’s words to investigate and remember what Jesus had to say about trusting him.  In classic Lucado fashion, Fearless shows us how Christians should respond to different fears in our lives.  Do we ultimately bring all things to Jesus?  Of course we should… And what a reassuring message when so many practical aspects of our lives, from career to money to family to death, are infected with fear.

I’ve included a video of Max talking about Fearless.

For more books by Thomas Nelson Publishing, visit their website.

Reviewing Books

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A few months back I stumbled upon a blog by Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing.  Somewhere in there I found out that they have a blogger review program.  The idea is that they ship you an advanced copy of a book in return for a book review that you post on your blog, their website, and at least one commercial site (such as Amazon).  Well I’m always a fan of free stuff and I figured it would be a good way to add some goals to my reading habit and challenge me in my writing hobby.

The first book I received was Fearless by Max Lucado.  I’ve read a few of Max’s books, so I knew what to expect.  But what convinced me to choose this book was Hyatt’s raving review of the book – that it was one of the most timely books written considering the state of our nation.  And did I mention it was free?  I’ll be reviewing the book Tuesday morning, so please check out the review and post a comment of you’re so inclined – the publishers will appreciate your feedback and attention.

I’ve already got the next book – it’s by one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller.  His new book is entitled A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  I’m so excited to read this because Katie has already stole my copy and is at page 190 in less than 48 hours!  Michael Hyatt liked the book so much that he included a second copy so that we could give one away, so I’ll be giving away a free copy on my blog on Tuesday September 8th.  Stay tuned if you’re interested!

Twitter: What Has Your Attention

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I am a huge fan of Twitter.  But many people I talk to are still confused about what it is and why someone would do it.  Twitter originally (and probably still) asked users, “What are you doing?”  And this is why I get so much negative feedback about Twitter – because that’s such a self-centered question.  People ask me, “Why are you so important that people want to know what you had for lunch today?”

That’s their best response:  Who cares what you’re eating right now or that you’re at the gas station…

I agree!!  Who CARES!?!?!

Why Twitter?  When you give Twitter a couple weeks of your time, at only 5 minutes per day, you’ll see how it can be so addicting.  Personally, I follow people interested in business, leadership, exercise, and social media.  These are all interests of mine and I can instantly get information that is relevant to my life.  You see, instead of using Twitter to answer the question “what are you doing”, the people I follow are basically commenting on “what has your attention right now.”  Do you see the difference?  The later question means we’re sharing information about interests, not necessarily ME.

The other thing that non-Twitter users don’t understand is how quickly we can filter through unnecessary tweets.  Especially on my iPod touch, I can page right through a handful of people’s tweets depending on how much time I have at that particular moment.  I can also add tweets to my favorites so I can go back later when I have more time and read further.

Have I peaked your interest?  As with email, Facebook, and even talking to people on the phone, Twitter can be used as much or as little as you want.  I’m not a slave to Twitter – I use it as a tool.  And it can be a powerful tool for information, ideas, research, and relationships if use it right.

First 30 pages of Donald Miller’s New Book

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Currently I’m using my blog as an extension of my reading on Twitter and the blogs that I follow. Donald Miller is beginning to promote his new book, which I’ll be reviewing for Nelson Publishing and posting here on the Game Plan.

Did you read Blue Like Jazz? Great memoir of Don’s, a must-read. Are you excited for his next book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years? If so, here’s the first 30 pages to get you started.

A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller

Donald Miller’s Mentoring Project

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There are a few people I really enjoy following, and one of them is Donald Miller. Earlier I posted a widget of his upcoming tour and new book (which has a free audio download!). Now I’m excited to help him promote the Mentoring Project – an organization that “exists to inspire and equip the faith community to provide positive male role models to boys between the ages of 7 and 14.”

The Mentoring Project – Elephant Musth Cycle from The Mentoring Project on Vimeo.

Sorin’s Dedication

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dedicate: to set apart for a special purpose

Intentionality is tough these days. There are so many things fighting for our time and attention. And if you don’t have priorities straight and maintain a disciplined lifestyle, the world can pull a person in many different (and bad) directions.

One element of a balance life for Katie and me is our relationship with Christ. To say “one element” isn’t even fully accurate. We try daily to make that element the pivotal element of our lives. It’s a difficult task and we’re growing in that relationship as the years go on. But if we were to be defined by one aspect of our lives, it would be our faith in God.

In light of our Christian walks with God, Katie and I want to dedicate Sorin to the Lord. We want to commit ourselves to raising Sorin in the ways of the Lord. We want to be intentional without being demanding. Is that possible? We believe so.

Last Sunday (August 16) we had our dedication for Sorin. After weeks of planning, I had the ceremony planned and Katie had the food/party organized. We had about 38 people attending which was a big number. But as I was gathering the people to begin, I realized how appreciative I was that each and every person was there. I believe that it truly takes a village to raise a child, and we value our friends and family as they encourage us in the process.

I guess I can’t say much more in this post. The whole weekend was very reflective for me, so stay tuned for more insight into our dedication.

Marathon Training

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Well after Madison Marathon was completed at the end of May, Katie and I had a very busy few weeks. This is especially noteworthy because my training for the Lakefront Marathon was adversely affected. It was tough for me because I was really looking forward to seeing how the first marathon training would prep me for the second. I’m happy to report that I’m back on schedule with my training, and I don’t think the time off hurt me. That’s the thing with exercise: if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. But if you re-train, you’ll gain it back quicker than if you hadn’t trained in the first place. Does that make sense?

One necessity of my training was a new pair of shoes. Over the winter I bought a new pair of Brooks that were a little more resistant to the elements. I’m happy with them – they certainly allowed me to get out and run in some compromising elements this winter and sloppy spring. But they’re nothing like my Asics 2120s. Now they’ve been updated to the 2140s, which I just got in the mail last week:

(me smelling a new, fresh pair of shoes)
@hschiefelbein and his new kicks on Twitpic

Marathon training is so good for me. Admittedly I’m not great at it yet. I still have so many days when I just don’t want to get out and run. But when I get the weekly miles in, there’s nothing like the feeling of training and being fit.

Are you working out? Do you exercise 3-5 days per week? As an ACSM personal trainer, I’m doing CEUs and I’m also studying for another certification – Exercise Specialist. All the material says that EVERYONE should be exercising for 30 minutes 4-5 days per week! I guess that soapbox is for another post, maybe even another blog in and of itself.