{"id":1753,"date":"2016-12-04T10:00:58","date_gmt":"2016-12-04T10:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nelsonboydlaw.com\/blog\/?p=1753"},"modified":"2021-09-02T21:42:23","modified_gmt":"2021-09-02T21:42:23","slug":"deborah-nelson-athlete-makes-better-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nelsonboydlaw.com\/blog\/articles\/deborah-nelson-athlete-makes-better-lawyer\/","title":{"rendered":"Deborah Nelson: How Being an Athlete Makes Her a Better Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"finish-line\"<\/h3>\n

1. How many racing events have you participated in and which kind?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
More than I can count!!<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
In 2016 alone, I have completed the following events:<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
7 triathlons<\/div>\n
2 metric centuries on my bike<\/div>\n
1 trail running half marathon<\/div>\n
2 10k runs<\/div>\n
1 duathlon<\/div>\n

<\/h3>\n

2. How long have you been participating in these events?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I bought my first road bike in 2004 and have been riding every since, but didn’t start doing endurance events until 2008.<\/p>\n

3. Are they more of a hobby or a competition to you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

4. What are your training methods?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

5. How do you find time to train with such a busy career?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

6. How does the sport benefit your physical and mental health?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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!!<\/p>\n

7. How does that contribute to your effectiveness as a lawyer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Keep Reading:\u00a0Can you be a Serious Lawyer and a Serious Athlete?<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n
\"Serious<\/a><\/strong><\/em>
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