BLOG

Articles
Jeff Boyd: How Being an Athlete Makes Him a Better Lawyer Deborah Nelson+ October 26, 2016

1. How many racing events have you participated in and which kind?

I’m a biker!  I have participated in a number of organized rides and races in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and California.

2. How long have you been participating in these events?019first-bike-birthday-7-yrs

I’ve ridden since I got my first bike. I rode every day when I had a paper route in Junior High. I rode casually in college and after that, but didn’t get serious until I moved to the Northwest in 2009.

3. Are they more of a hobby or a competition to you?

They are a means of keeping healthy and reducing stress.

4. What are your training methods?

Never get out of shape.  Although I have to cut back when the weather is bad, I don’t ever let my baseline fall too far.  In season, I just push it – there is no substitute for long rides to get ready for long rides.

5. How do you find time to train with such a busy career?

You have to make it a priority.

6. How does the sport benefit your physical and mental health?

The great thing about long rides (up to 100 miles or more) is that they are long.  They push you to a high state of exercise for 6 or 8 hours at a time, without causing the damage that you would get running for that length of time.  Races are shorter, but more intense.  Both clear the mind!

7. How does that contribute to your effectiveness as a lawyer?

Staying is physical shape helps me be more productive at work, so I think of riding as an investment in my career.  I clear my head, and get great ideas for cases on long rides. The mind works better when the blood is pumping (and not distracted by phone calls and emails).

Keep Reading: Can you be a Serious Lawyer and a Serious Athlete?
Serious Lawyer Tri photo