I am not a runner.

I have an intermittent affair with running, but I am not a runner.

When I think about what it means to be a "runner" it conjures up an image of a skinny, gatorade drinking, powerbar eating athlete that I think some of my mother's homemade chocolate chip cookies might be able to benefit. No, I am more of a "big-boned," beer-drinking, lover of chocolate brownies and milk that suffers the periodic "condition" of wanting to run on a regular basis. I call it a "condition" because for me it is not a lot of fun, especially when I first get into one of these moods. In fact, the first week back in the mix I often think serious runners must have some undiagnosed psychosis. There's not only the struggle of getting out of bed early in the morning (which is my best opportunity), there are the physical aches of pains that come along with undertaking actual physical activity. These seem to be a little more prevalent with each year that passes. Notwithstanding all of this, I have recently gotten into the mood to do a little running.

I cannot claim an independent motivation this time around. Instead, a cousin said at Thanksgiving that we ought to train for a 5K when we see each each other again in February and maybe even try and do a sprint triathlon next summer. She is ambitious. It got me thinking, however, about how good I have felt in the past when training for certain events. It's hard for me to believe that I have actually managed to drag my body through two half-marathons. I even did a sprint-triathlon a few years back. Now some of you might be saying that I am a runner but you are wrong. I have not done anything in over a year, put on 15 lbs and just haven't felt quite like myself at least for a few months.

I have been guilty of using the excuse that I am too busy. In fact, I have used it many times over the years to justify "taking a little break" from exercise. What is originally intended to be a few days off turns into a few weeks, and then before you know it, a few months of inactivity has gone by. With obligations to building a law practice, spending time with family, church & community involvement, etc., time is by far my most precious commodity. I daresay the same goes for most people. For attorneys, time is our stock in trade. Although the tide seems to be changing to alternative billing structures, most attorneys still bill their clients based on the time spent on a matter so there is a direct correlation on time spent and money made. There always seems to be too much to do and not enough time and everything should have been done yesterday. With so much going on, it is easy to justify cutting a weekly exercise routine.  The interesting thing I have found which is contrary to common logic is that I gain back all the time I actually spent on the exercise (about 30 minutes) and then some in efficiency throughout any given day.

In addition to the net gain in time, there are of course the many well-known health benefits associated with exercise. For me, that is not the primary reason to run.  Instead, every time I start working out again I am quickly reminded that breaking a sweat makes me feel better. I am less stressed, more alert, and more focused. I eat better, my heartburn goes away, and I don't feel as chubby. My confidence increases, I am happier, and, as I mentioned before, I have an overall increase in that most precious asset, time. So, even if it hurts to get back into a groove, I know that when I make working out a priority I feel better, think more clearly, and am actually going to get more done than if I had hit the snooze button a few more times.


If I haven't sold you on running, well, I am not surprised. Remember, I am not a runner. Do me a favor though and figure out how you can incorporate some movement into your busy life, even a couple days a week. Then do it for 2-3 weeks. I guarantee you will feel better, and the people around you will notice.