1. How many racing events have you participated in and which kind?
2. How long have you been participating in these events?
I bought my first road bike in 2004 and have been riding every since, but didn’t start doing endurance events until 2008.
3. Are they more of a hobby or a competition to you?
That’s hard to say. I take it seriously and always try to do my best. I was fortunate to get on the podium at 3 of the events this year where I placed in the top 3 for my age group. Once I figured out that I could actually compete closer to the front of the pack, that became my goal.
4. What are your training methods?
“It takes a village!” I belong to a gym and I’m a member of a triathlon team. I also work out 3 days a week with a personal trainer, I have a private triathlon coach, and I have a sports dietician that I work with. I am ordinarily a very disciplined person and I like the comfort of a schedule and predictability, plus the accountability of having to show up really helps. Still, I think it is entirely possible for people to stay healthy, remain active, and participate in athletic events without hiring private trainers. I’d recommend joining a running group or a gym.
5. How do you find time to train with such a busy career?
Because I am so disciplined with my career, the discipline that I bring to sports dovetails nicely. I think they complement each other. I get to the gym before work 3 days a week, swim and do yoga in the evenings, and try to get a long bike ride and/or run in on the weekends. Even if I don’t want to get off the couch for a work out, I ALWAYS feel better after I do. I actually started running partly because I was traveling so much for work and knew that taking running shoes along would be easier than trying to find a bike to ride.
6. How does the sport benefit your physical and mental health?
In more ways than you can possibly imagine. My blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight are easier to manage when I’m consistent with clean eating and regular exercise. I sleep better and am calmer when I exercise regularly. There isn’t one area of my life that isn’t improved by exercising regularly – and I like to think that I’m lengthening my life and staying young as a result too. I know that I’m in much better shape as a 52 year old than I was when I was 32. I expect to be even fitter when I’m 62!!
7. How does that contribute to your effectiveness as a lawyer?
The sports I do allow me to get outside in nature alone and think. I often come up with a great strategy on a case or think of some creative way to do something different when I’m on a long bike ride. When I run, I get in touch with the emotional side of a case and often think about my clients and how I can better serve them. The sports I do also require an intense focus and sheer determination to get through the tough parts. Practicing law is like that too. It all works together.
